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Awareness, the personal key to success
Awareness
Awareness is the state of mind where one is able to “observe sans judgment” i.e. the state where “that is” is seen for “what it is.” By consistent training the mind will be able to effortlessly direct itself to be aware of that which it is directed to.
The practical benefit of developing the practice of “being aware” is that it helps us to separate the real options we have from those that pretend to be options. This is a critical quality to develop as in today’s fast paced world, where we are pushed to “decision making” every moment.
“Being aware” allows our senses to perform their roles properly at all times. Till we are aware we will not aware of the possibilities of our senses! Senses provide fodder to our mind. The input from the state of awareness can then be processed to understand whether our intentions and actions are coated with our personal likes and dislikes. If so, then it is clear that the quality of our decisions would suffer.
The practice of “Being aware” allows us to “live in the present” as awareness can only understand present, for its very meaning itself is devoid of past or future. When practiced, the mind is not left to the clutches of the past worries or future anxieties thus decimating the tendency to self-create stress in our lives.
Awareness is the key to understanding. Understanding is the first step towards maturity. Maturity is the launch pad for spiritual exploration. Spiritual exploration is the only journey that we are ever required to undertake. Awareness is the key to understanding because it helps us to assimilate and digest the knowledge gathered or given to us to mature into wisdom. This is because it gives us a proper perspective to see, a proper platform to evaluate and a proper mindset to accept truth as it is.
Awareness is the precursor to concentration as when the former happens effortlessly the latter follows the suit.
One can try the following Yogic process to feel the efficacy of “Being Aware.” Sit in Sukhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, or Ardha-padmasana as the Asanas[1] have the innate quality to allow our head, neck and back to be in a straight line. This alignment is necessary for all spiritual processes. Be aware of all the sounds[2] around you. It could be right from the sound of the air conditioner, fan or any gadget inside the room to chirping of the birds and rustling of the leaves due to the breeze, outside the room. Always start being aware of the farthest object from you and gradually move your awareness to the objects close to you. In this way we are allowing the mind to gradually reduce the sphere of our distraction. Now, ‘be aware’ of your breath. The points to note are: (a) Make sure to inhale and exhale ONLY through the nostrils. (b) Inhale and exhale at own rhythm without making noise.
(c) Gradually, when we begin to observe our breath, it will on its own get deeper. This happens effortlessly. Count the number of breaths. One ‘inhalation and exhalation’ is to be taken as count 1. Likewise we should observe our breathing process 108 times counting from 108 down[3] to 1. There is no competition. Do it at your own pace. We are counting the breath and not the duration of each inhalation and exhalation. This is at individual’s capacity and discretion. Once you reach the count 1. Let go of the count and just be aware of the breath. After a few minutes of breath awareness, gently bring your awareness to your body. Then, be aware of all the sounds around. Rub your palms to generate some heat and press the palms gently on the closed eyes. With a few blinks, open your eyes and retain the state of silence for at least 5 - 10 minutes.
Awareness is the state of mind where one is able to “observe sans judgment” i.e. the state where “that is” is seen for “what it is.” By consistent training the mind will be able to effortlessly direct itself to be aware of that which it is directed to.
The practical benefit of developing the practice of “being aware” is that it helps us to separate the real options we have from those that pretend to be options. This is a critical quality to develop as in today’s fast paced world, where we are pushed to “decision making” every moment.
“Being aware” allows our senses to perform their roles properly at all times. Till we are aware we will not aware of the possibilities of our senses! Senses provide fodder to our mind. The input from the state of awareness can then be processed to understand whether our intentions and actions are coated with our personal likes and dislikes. If so, then it is clear that the quality of our decisions would suffer.
The practice of “Being aware” allows us to “live in the present” as awareness can only understand present, for its very meaning itself is devoid of past or future. When practiced, the mind is not left to the clutches of the past worries or future anxieties thus decimating the tendency to self-create stress in our lives.
Awareness is the key to understanding. Understanding is the first step towards maturity. Maturity is the launch pad for spiritual exploration. Spiritual exploration is the only journey that we are ever required to undertake. Awareness is the key to understanding because it helps us to assimilate and digest the knowledge gathered or given to us to mature into wisdom. This is because it gives us a proper perspective to see, a proper platform to evaluate and a proper mindset to accept truth as it is.
Awareness is the precursor to concentration as when the former happens effortlessly the latter follows the suit.
One can try the following Yogic process to feel the efficacy of “Being Aware.” Sit in Sukhasana, Padmasana, Vajrasana, or Ardha-padmasana as the Asanas[1] have the innate quality to allow our head, neck and back to be in a straight line. This alignment is necessary for all spiritual processes. Be aware of all the sounds[2] around you. It could be right from the sound of the air conditioner, fan or any gadget inside the room to chirping of the birds and rustling of the leaves due to the breeze, outside the room. Always start being aware of the farthest object from you and gradually move your awareness to the objects close to you. In this way we are allowing the mind to gradually reduce the sphere of our distraction. Now, ‘be aware’ of your breath. The points to note are: (a) Make sure to inhale and exhale ONLY through the nostrils. (b) Inhale and exhale at own rhythm without making noise.
(c) Gradually, when we begin to observe our breath, it will on its own get deeper. This happens effortlessly. Count the number of breaths. One ‘inhalation and exhalation’ is to be taken as count 1. Likewise we should observe our breathing process 108 times counting from 108 down[3] to 1. There is no competition. Do it at your own pace. We are counting the breath and not the duration of each inhalation and exhalation. This is at individual’s capacity and discretion. Once you reach the count 1. Let go of the count and just be aware of the breath. After a few minutes of breath awareness, gently bring your awareness to your body. Then, be aware of all the sounds around. Rub your palms to generate some heat and press the palms gently on the closed eyes. With a few blinks, open your eyes and retain the state of silence for at least 5 - 10 minutes.
This process when internalized, gives the ability to step back before responding to life’s situations. In fact it is awareness that translates an encounter into an experience.
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[1] Patanjali Yoga sutra (2:46) says: “sthiram sukham asanam…”
[2] Sabda is the subtlest of the panch-tanmatras. The thumb rule: ‘the subtle is powerful than the gross.’
[3] Counting down helps us to turn-in!
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