Lately, I’ve been deeply contemplating this very topic, it embodies the essence of the Soul Movement, the core Mission that defines The Pathway Sedona.
Why are we not taught awareness? Why are we not encouraged to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings? Why are we not shown how to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and curiosity?
Awareness is such a valuable skill, especially in this fast-paced and chaotic world. It helps us to cope with stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. It helps us to appreciate the beauty and joy of life. It helps us to connect with ourselves and others, to learn, grow, and improve.
But awareness is not something that we are born with. It is something that we have to practice and develop. And unfortunately, most of us are not given the opportunity or the guidance to do so.
Think about it. How much time do you spend in school learning about math, science, history, and language? How much time do you spend in college or at work learning about your chosen field or profession? How much time do you spend on social media, entertainment, or hobbies?
Now compare that to how much time you spend on learning about yourself, about Your SOUL. How much time do you spend on observing your thoughts that become emotions? How much time do you spend on listening to your body and its needs? How much time do you spend on exploring your interests and passions? How much time do you spend on discovering your values and purpose?
If you're like most people, the answer is probably not much. And that's a shame. Because awareness is the foundation of EVERYTHING. Without awareness, we are just surviving on autopilot, reacting to whatever comes our way, without really understanding why or how. Without awareness, we are missing out on the richness and depth of our own experience. Without awareness, we are limiting our potential and happiness.
So how can you start practicing awareness? Here are some simple tips that will help:
- Start your day with a few minutes of meditation or breathing exercises. This will help you to calm your mind and focus on the present moment.
- Throughout the day, check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself how you are feeling, what you are thinking, what you are doing, and why you are doing it.
This is your soul communicating with your thoughts saying I am here to guide you, to inspire you, to remind you of your true purpose. You have a unique gift to share with the world, and you should not let anything, or anyone stop you from expressing it. Listen to your intuition, trust your instincts, and follow your passion. You are capable of more than you “think,” and you have the “Power to Create” your own reality. I am always with you, supporting you, loving you, cheering you on. You are not alone. You are one with all that is.
- Whenever you notice that you are distracted, stressed, or emotional, pause and take a deep breath. Observe what is happening inside and outside of you, without judging or reacting.
- Whenever you have some free time, engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. This can be anything from reading a book, listening to music, playing a game, or spending time with loved ones.
- Before you go to bed, reflect on your day, and write down three things that you are grateful for. This will help you to appreciate the positive aspects of your life and cultivate a sense of gratitude.
These are just some of the ways that you can practice awareness. There are many more that you can explore and experiment with. The key is to be consistent and curious.
Awareness is a skill that will help us understand ourselves and others better, but it is neglected in our education system. So why are we not taught awareness? I don't have a definitive answer, but I have some aware guesses.
- Awareness challenges the status quo and the power structures that benefit from it. If people are more aware of their own needs, values, and emotions, they might question the authority and legitimacy of those who try to control them.
- Awareness is not valued or rewarded by our society because we’ve been conditioned to think otherwise. Our culture promotes working at a jay-oh-b, productivity, efficiency, and pursuit for more, but not reflection, curiosity, and compassion. They want us to believe Awareness is a waste of time or a sign of weakness, rather than the TRUTH, a source of wisdom and strength, a WOLF and not a sheep.
- Awareness is difficult and uncomfortable for the ego. The ego is the part of us that identifies with our thoughts, beliefs, and opinions, and is always busy trying to protect and defend them. Awareness exposes the ego's limitations and biases and invites us to let go of our attachments and judgments.
- Awareness is incompatible with the consumerist and competitive culture that we live in. Awareness helps us to be content and grateful for what we have, and to appreciate the interdependence and diversity of life. Consumerism and competition, on the other hand, create dissatisfaction and greed, and foster separation and conflict.
Whatever the reason, I KNOW it's time for a change. I KNOW it's time for us to start teaching and learning awareness. I KNOW it's time for us to make awareness a priority and a habit. I KNOW it's time for us to wake up and “LIVE LIFE” more consciously.
What do you think...or do you KNOW?
-Eddie