Slow down, take a deep breath, and let’s take a look at life. We live in the age of information, but even with all the knowledge of the world at our fingertips, what good does it really do us if we are not conscious and awake?
Have you ever felt like you were running on autopilot, merely going through the actions of your daily routine? For us to feel alive and engaged, we need to open our eyes and become familiar with mindful practices.
The state of awareness in our society is constantly dwindling. Think about it, and you will realize that most of the population is running from a level where they are asleep. Many people are so chock-full of information that they are hypnotized by the contents of their own mind. In turn, they are largely unaware of their surroundings and what state they are in – and it feels perfectly natural.
In our brave new world of quick fixes, the need for meaning is constantly being put on the back burner. By awakening your mind with a conscious way of looking at life, your potential to find true happiness is heightened.
The concept of consciousness is quite simple: to adapt to our desires, keep all aspects of life balanced, show consequences of actions and to make our existence as real as possible.
Why bother? Well… why wouldn’t you? Life is absolutely worth living, and when we can slow down enough to pay attention to our selves and surroundings, our existence becomes enriched. By being aware of the state we are in, both mentally and physically, we are fully embodying the present moment.
When living “in the now”, we are choosing to be aware of when our thoughts are wandering to the past or future, and ensuring that we don’t get caught up in those feelings. Indulging in anger, resentment, depression, craving, self-pity, etc. reinforces those emotions in our hearts and cause suffering.
And who wants to suffer? No one does, which is where the importance of mindfulness surfaces. By purposefully anchoring our present moment experience, we create a space of freedom where calmness and contentment can grow.
In my next column, I will dive deeper into discovering how to increase your awareness and expand your consciousness. The techniques we explore will help you free your mind from fearful thoughts, make peace with your past, as well as uncover and pursue true passions.