Initially there is consciousness. Think of this like a radio. We life forms detect reality which is nature through our senses. Pick up vibrations. Energies.
There is also another thing though which is processing. What you need to get though is this consciousness isn't only aware of nature. The objective truth of reality. It's also aware of the processing. At least to an extent.
The two things together create the illusion of identity.
I observe I think therefore I think I am.
Separate radios pick up the same signal.
I'm not sure this is a useful analogy.
If I'm at the beach and you are too we both are aware of the sea.
So in that sense we could argue that a life form is like a radio.
It picks up a signal in the form of a fragment of reality. Through vibrations.
But then what about these thoughts and feelings we have? How do they fit in the whole thing?