When I think of awareness, I think of it as one of those obvious things that we all do. When awake we are technically fully conscious of all that is going on around us. But are we really?
“In awareness there is no becoming, there is no end to be gained. There is silent observation without choice and condemnation, from which there comes understanding.”
—Jiddu Krishnamurti
As we interact with ourselves and the world around us, there are multiple processes that are simultaneously taking place. We all possess an amazing ability that enables us to keep up the appearance of being fully present and engaged in whatever we are doing, while our thoughts can have us residing in a completely different headspace. Essentially, it's all about keeping up appearances.
Most of us we have practically mastered the art of masking and presenting a carefully curated version of ourselves, that completely masks the true nature of our thoughts and feelings. In many ways it's as if we simultaneously live in two different worlds.
We we do not think thoughts we obtain them from conditioning, as well as all that we consume. From the foods that we eat, to content and information that we expose ourselves, everything creates an impression that shapes and informs the nature of our thoughts. Its nature and origin can run the gamut, from replaying reels from past experiences that spark feelings of fear, doubt, and worry, to projecting our fears onto the future in anticipation of the absolute worst-case scenario.
“All our thinking is the result of our conditioning, it comes from our accumulated experiences, memories, fears, hopes. Such a mind is not free.
—Jiddu Krishnamurti
Unlike most annoying external distractions them arise at the most inopportune times, you can’t just will them to stop. Inversely the more you focus on ceasing your thoughts, more will rise in response.
The good news is that we are not our thoughts, and if we are not our thoughts then we can observe them as they are flowing into our awareness. Much like the clouds in the sky, we can simply observe them as they pass through our awareness without reacting to it.
In other words, we do not have to relinquish our power and be at the mercy of the content of our thoughts. Regardless of the nature or origin of our thoughts, when we allow our thoughts to redirect our attention away from the present moment, we are surrendering our power.
Much like our nearly obsessive attachment to our smartphones, and social media, we each have the power to consciously unsubscribe, unfollow, and disconnect, from the thoughts that steal our awareness away from the present.
“The goal isn’t to get rid of all of your negative thoughts and feelings; that’s impossible. The goal is to change your response to them.”
—Marcandangel.com
Mindfulness calls for us to center our awareness in the observation of the natural rhythm and flow of our breath. This roots us within the present moment, as the breath can only occur within the now. Whenever you find yourself getting up in a series of disruptive, take a moment to stop, pause, and take a few cleansing breaths through your nose. Taking the time to pause, and breathe, empowers you to anchor your awareness within the present moment, as the the breath is an essential function that can only occur within the now.
Our true power lies within our ability to pause, and selectively choose what we would like to allow to enter our awareness. No matter how challenging it may seem, we can all use the power of awareness, intention, and the breath, to create new habits that empower us to selectively choose where would like to direct our attention.
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