In our fast-paced world, finding a true sense of freedom and peace may sometimes seem elusive. However, it is possible to achieve this state by cultivating an awareness of our experience, often referred to as the state of flow. Understanding the relationship between our experiences and the awareness of those experiences is crucial in this exploration. This dynamic has been a focal point for spiritual teachers throughout history.
The notion that experience in awareness is intermittent, but awareness itself is continuous, unveils a profound truth about our nature and reality. Awareness never ceases; it is the ever-present backdrop of our existence. In contrast, our experiences—whether thoughts, bodily sensations, or perceptions—are transient and intermittent.
Our daily lives are marked by a ceaseless flow of sensory inputs, thoughts, and emotions. We interpret these as constituting our mind and body, weaving them into the fabric of our perceived reality. However, there are periods, like during deep sleep, where our subjective experiences seem to vanish. Although we might believe that consciousness disappears during these times, there is an underlying awareness even of this absence of experience.
Awareness manifests itself as the constant, silent witness to both the presence and absence of experience. This awareness, which remains intact even when there’s no conscious experience, represents pure consciousness—the foundation of our existence. It is the space where our experiences emerge and eventually dissolve.
Recognizing this continuous awareness fosters a sense of stability and peace amidst the ever-changing landscape of our experiences. To cultivate this in our waking state, we can adopt an attitude characterized by no resistance, no defensiveness, no seeking, and no story—just presence. This shift in attitude aligns us with the continuum of awareness and can be practiced with time and intention.
By embracing presence, we come to see that every moment, every perception, every emotion, is transient. Birth and death are not singular events but occur continuously within our experiences. This understanding highlights our tendency to create stories around our experiences, which then shape our internal dialogue and influence our engagement with the world.
To find freedom within our experiences, we can recognize and anchor ourselves in awareness amidst the flow of thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. By doing so, we can observe these phenomena without being controlled by them. This perspective allows us to engage with the world with clarity and presence rather than feeling trapped or overwhelmed by our experiences.
In this mindful state, reactivity diminishes, and compulsive behavior subsides. What remains is a sense of joy and flow. By practicing no resistance, no defensiveness, no seeking, and no hostility, we align ourselves with the continuum of awareness, fostering a deeper sense of freedom and joy in our lives.
Explore this mindful practice and notice the difference it makes. Embrace presence in every moment, and see how it transforms your experience of the world. Seek freedom not as an external condition but as an internal state, anchored in the unwavering awareness that underlies all experiences. Witness—and rest in—the peace and stability that comes from this profound realization.
Feel inspired to learn more? Watch the embedded content above for further insights and practical exercises in cultivating awareness and presence.
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