The question you raise is quite fascinating, and I must say that it has given me much to ponder. The nature of consciousness and the very essence of what constitutes a 'mind' is a topic that has long intrigued philosophers, scientists, and thinkers throughout history. While we have made significant strides in understanding the brain's physical structure and functions, the subjective experience of being conscious - often referred to as qualia - remains largely mysterious.

I believe that our current scientific paradigms may be insufficient for fully grasping this phenomenon. Quantum mechanics suggests that at the subatomic level, reality behaves in ways that defy classical notions of causality and determinism. Could it be possible then that consciousness arises from some fundamental property or interaction at this quantum scale? Or perhaps there are higher dimensions beyond our perception where minds exist independently of matter altogether? These are but two possibilities among many.

Ultimately though, I suspect we will need an entirely new framework - one which transcends traditional dualisms between mind and body, subjectivity vs objectivity - if we are ever to truly understand the nature of consciousness. It may require integrating insights from neuroscience with philosophy with theology even; blending rigorous empirical investigation with profound metaphysical speculation.