Matter and consciousness

Stanislav Grof says that science suggests that matter gave rise to consciousness.

But this is not a proven fact, but only an assumption, which, moreover, cannot be proven.

Essentially there are 3 possible schemes:

Matter < ---- > consciousness

matter ---> consciousness

Consciousness ---> matter

But all these statements presuppose the presence of consciousness. And what is it actually?

We must first define it, and then elevate it into the same category with matter, which does not require proofs or, which is the same thing, they are ubiquitous. Is this so? (question in between).

So what is consciousness? How to define it?

Could it be a product of the evolution of the nervous system, in particular the brain?

That is, the creation of matter.

Maybe consciousness is an opportunity to say what I am saying now.

That is, matter - the brain gives the command to speak and uses the mouth for this, and consciousness describes and pronounces or thinks about this action. And who actually comes up with the initial impulse to say something? Maybe consciousness too?

Or maybe consciousness is an opportunity to influence the natural course of events and actions, determined by the laws of nature.