Awareness: What is It and How to foster It
Awareness has become somewhat of a buzz word in the last 10 years; however, I have found that though it is often used, it is often not explained leaving a disconnect between hearing the word and being able to foster awareness.
Awareness is defined as ‘knowledge or perception of a situation or fact.’ Now, what does this definition actually mean and how is this useful to us on and off of our mat? This definition provides us with a tangible understanding of awareness; it is a knowing or perception of a situation or experience. Knowing is easier to understand than awareness, we know we have thoughts and we know we exist. We understand that our perception is how we interpret the world around us and we know that our perception creates and dictates our thoughts. We know that a situation is a series of events occurring in a specific order and facts are something that is known or proven to be true. Once again how does this definition provide us with a deeper understanding of awareness, or the ability to tap into awareness? This definition provides us with the mental framework of what awareness is; however to understand awareness fully we must experience awareness.
How do we use this understanding to foster awareness? The best way I can think of is to find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and breathe. Sit in this stillness with your breath and lift your hands up in front of you. Awareness is the knowing that you have hands without physically looking at your hands. Awareness is the understanding that the body exists without needing to see that it exists. It is a feeling into the self on an internal level. It is a tapping into a connection that has always existed; however, we have become disconnected from by being too involved in external stimuli. Awareness is a coming back to the self through the self.
Now why is this important? What does it matter how connected we are to ourselves or not? The connection with the self is crucial to us living a life that is aligned with our greatest good. This connection is integral to us living a life free of physical, mental, and emotional pain. This connection allows us to be our true selves in each and every moment of our lives. The connection we foster through awareness allows us to really truly live. When we are aware we are present. When we are present we are in our bodies and when we are in our bodies we are in the moment. We can only really live when we are in the present moment. If we are stuck in our thoughts we are robbing ourselves of the present moment, we are limiting our ability to experience our life as it is unfolding. We are here physically we take up space; however, we are mentally either in the past or creating a future that will never unfold. We are only aware enough of our present moment as to not walk into walls and furniture. When we live in this way we miss out on all this life has to offer. We miss the subtle nuances that make life incredible. We don’t see the bumble bee on the flower, we miss our pets and children asking to play, we fail to notice the beauty that exists all around us at all times. We forget to be grateful for these beautiful vessels we are blessed with to live these lives and we become disconnected from our bodies and what they need. Our bodies are incredible and when we are aware of our bodies we can listen to the information they are sending us about what they need. Awareness allows us to live authentically on all levels and in doing so we encourage others to lean into awareness and live their most authentic life.
