Each thought, intent and act is an impulse. What you think and do has an effect. It is up to you what kind of impulses you send. You have a choice between impulses that constrict and destroy life and thought forms and behaviors that invigorate and enhance life. You may not be conscious of this choice.
Many people act out of their unconscious programs.
The first step therefore is to become aware that each one of us has an effect. Then you can choose what kind of result you want to achieve and how to set about it. Consciousness includes all those aspects. We need to understand the impact that we as humans have on life. We need to recognize the laws that govern the consequences of our choice and we need the knowledge of how to apply those laws in daily life.