I use the word interpretation below. I use all too many words, and create walls of text trying to accurately state what I mean and not leave inaccurate interpretations available.

I had actually wanted to discuss 'potential to be aware of' our thoughts, because I don't really think we do have that potential, but veered off as I did, and felt that the wall of text I produced was more than enough. But, to that point, I don't think we really have much understanding of who we are and what we think in terms of our consciousness. I think the sense that we are singular is absolutely incorrect, and that our consciousnesses are a collective event with many millions, perhaps many billions, of participants. I think a lot of our thoughts are thought by those other participants, and we have no opportunity to be aware of them.

I saw this in a dream, so can't think of any way to test it. However, I have read papers that claimed our gut fauna participate in our consciousness, contributing to our dietary decisions, so there is some basis for corroborating my claim we are a collective, albeit their claim is that we're also multiple species. I am certain sure that I am not alone in knowing that my mind is fully active (and has a very different understanding of reality) when I'm asleep. I'm just busy and non-responsive, and usually prevented from recalling my dreams, and I think this is the same for all people. In my dream I am only one of these many participants in my consciousness, and not even the top guy. I have no idea why I'm the guy that has to have my memory wiped every night and walk around all day unaware of all the things I know about me when I'm asleep, but I do know I'm pissed off about being mind wiped every morning, because I broke the veil of nonrecollection deliberately in that dream, which is why I remember it.

I guess the best way for you to test this claim I am making is to violate the nonrecollection rule during your next dream, as I did, by jumping out of the silvery bubble of nonrecollection we're supposed to stay in. That was about a week ago, so they/I didn't fire me and replace me with me. You may not like what you find out though. I was arguing with a boss when I jumped. I do not like not being the boss of me, TBQH. Although, the boss was also me...

Collective consciousness can be a little confusing to talk about.

I'm such a rebel.