By Prana Lite 
From Mindfulness to Awareness of Awareness
In today’s world, the term ‘mindfulness’ has become commonplace. It refers to the practice of being consciously present in the moment, free from judgment. By attending to our breath, the sounds around us, or our thoughts and feelings, we aim to anchor ourselves in the here and now, disentangling from the incessant stream of mental activity. While mindfulness is a valuable practice, it is but a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding: the direct recognition of our true nature—awareness itself.
The Limitations of Mindfulness
Mindfulness focuses on the content of our experience. We observe our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations with open attention. This practice helps us create a gap between our awareness and our automatic reactions, leading to greater peace and clarity. However, as long as our attention is directed toward the ever-changing phenomena within consciousness, we remain engaged with the realm of objects. We may notice that thoughts come and go, emotions rise and fall, but we often continue to identify with the observer—the separate self who perceives these phenomena.
Turning Toward Awareness Itself
To truly delve into the essence of our being, we must shift our attention from the objects of experience to that which makes all experience possible: awareness itself. Instead of focusing on the myriad appearances within consciousness, we turn toward the consciousness that knows them. This is not an exercise in thinking or analyzing, but a direct, experiential recognition of the simple fact of being aware.
When we attend to awareness itself, we find that it has no form, no color, no size. It is not bound by time or space. Awareness is the silent, still background upon which all experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations, perceptions—appear, exist, and disappear. By becoming aware of awareness, we realize that this awareness is not personal. It is not ‘my’ awareness or ‘your’ awareness, but the one, indivisible consciousness that is the essence of all beings.
Distinguishing Mindfulness from Awareness of Awareness
- Focus of Attention: Mindfulness directs attention toward phenomena within consciousness—thoughts, feelings, sensations. Awareness of awareness directs attention toward the awareness itself, the subject that knows these phenomena.
- Identification: In mindfulness, we often remain identified with the observer, the sense of a separate self who is aware. In awareness of awareness, we let go of this identification and recognize that our true self is the unlimited consciousness in which all experience arises.
- Purpose of Practice: Mindfulness can lead to calmness, stress reduction, and a better understanding of our mental patterns. Awareness of awareness reveals the deeper truth of our being and frees us from the illusion of separation and suffering.
The Journey from Mindfulness to True Awareness
Mindfulness can serve as a valuable preparation for recognizing awareness. By calming the mind and training our attention, we create the conditions to look deeper. At a certain point, we may realize that regardless of what experience is occurring, there is always the unchanging presence of awareness that knows it. This realization invites us to direct our attention entirely toward this ever-present consciousness.
Transformation Through Recognizing Awareness
When we rest in the recognition of awareness, a fundamental shift occurs:
- Profound Peace: We discover an underlying peace that is not disturbed by the comings and goings of experience. This peace is inherent in awareness itself.
- Freedom from Experience: We realize that our true nature is not affected by the content of our experiences. Whether we feel joy or sorrow, the awareness that knows these feelings remains untouched.
- The End of Seeking: The endless search for fulfillment outside ourselves comes to a rest. We recognize that we already are what we have been seeking.
Practical Application
- Self-Inquiry: Gently ask yourself, “What is it that is aware of my experience?” Allow your attention to return repeatedly to the awareness itself.
- Meditation Without an Object: Instead of meditating on an object such as the breath, simply rest as awareness. Let all experiences come and go without attaching to them.
- Living from Awareness: Integrate this recognition into daily life. Notice how awareness is the constant backdrop in all situations, unchanging amidst the flow of experiences.
Conclusion
While mindfulness is a valuable practice that can help us become more present and aware in our lives, it is ultimately a prelude to a deeper realization. By turning toward awareness itself, we discover our true nature as unlimited, timeless, and ever-peaceful consciousness. This recognition liberates us from identification with the limited self and unveils a life of profound fulfillment and freedom.
In the clear light of awareness, we find not only peace for ourselves but also compassion and connectedness with all beings. We see that we are all expressions of the same one consciousness. This understanding dissolves the illusion of separation and reveals the inherent unity of all existence.
Let us, therefore, not settle for merely observing the changing contents of our mind but turn wholeheartedly toward the awareness in which all arises. In doing so, we awaken to our true nature and live the peace and happiness that are our birthright.
