The Biggest Realization - Separating Awareness from the Mind
For years, I came across spiritual texts that emphasized one profound truth: We are not the mind. These teachings consistently explained that the mind is separate from who we truly are. Logically, I could grasp this idea. It made sense when I read about it, and I could even see glimpses of its truth in my life. But for a long time, I hadn’t experienced it in a way that truly resonated on a deeper level. When that moment of realization finally came, it was a game-changer. It was one of the most liberating feelings I’ve ever experienced.
Quiet the mind and the soul will speak — Buddha
Separating Awareness from the Mind
If I had to describe it, it’s like discovering an ultra-thin overlay covering you — so subtle that you didn’t even know it was there. Every now and then, you might sense its presence, like during an argument when, for a fleeting moment, you catch yourself observing your own behavior and internally asking, What are you doing? At first, these moments were rare and fleeting. But as my awareness grew, I began to recognize that this thin overlay — the constant stream of thoughts, judgments, and commentary — wasn’t me. And once I saw it for what it was, my entire participation in life transformed.
Over time, with consistent meditation and self-inquiry, that thin overlay began to “thicken.” I could clearly see the mind as separate from my awareness, and that shift changed everything. It wasn’t just about managing thoughts anymore — it was about realizing that I am not those thoughts.
Meditation: The Doorway to Awareness
There’s a reason why Buddha meditated and Jesus spent time in isolation and contemplation. To build awareness, you must first quiet the mind. Meditation creates the space to sit still, observe your thoughts, and detach from them. Without this practice, I don’t see another way to access that space between the mind and awareness.
For me, meditation was the key to unlocking this understanding. When I finally experienced that I wasn’t the ego, the endless stream of thoughts, or the voice in my head — but instead the awareness that observes it all — it was like stepping into a whole new world.
At first, I thought that once you “wake up,” you stay awake forever. I imagined that awakening was a permanent state, like flipping a switch. But I quickly learned that setbacks are inevitable.
Old habits and unconscious patterns crept back in, pulling me into the mind’s drama. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how the mind worked or the complexity of being human. I didn’t know how to sustain that awakened state. But through practice, I came to understand something profound: the mind isn’t personal. It’s simply a tool — a program that can be reprogrammed.
Transforming My Relationship with the Mind
This realization shifted my entire relationship with my mind. Rather than becoming upset or annoyed by negative thoughts or fears, I began to practice gratitude toward them. Why? Because those thoughts and fears became teachers, pointing to areas of my life that needed attention.
Every negative thought or fear now reveals something valuable: an opportunity to improve, change, transform, or simply accept. Instead of resisting or suppressing these thoughts, I use them as a guide to grow and evolve. For example, when fear arises, rather than spiraling into it, I ask myself, What is this trying to show me? This shift has created a sense of inner peace and understanding that I couldn’t have imagined before.
This gratitude practice isn’t easy — it takes patience and effort. But over time, it has reduced my inner conflict and transformed how I view challenges. The mind is no longer an enemy to be battled but a tool to be understood and reprogrammed.
Awakening Changes Everything
Awakening to the truth that I am not the mind has completely transformed how I engage with life. I no longer feel consumed by the mind’s drama or controlled by its endless stream of commentary. Instead, I’ve become an observer, able to step back and choose my responses with clarity and intention.
For nearly two decades, I’ve been on this journey of self-discovery. Even as a child, I questioned the teachings of conventional religion. They often left me with more questions than answers. I struggled to reconcile what I read in religious texts with the reality I saw in the world. This dissonance fueled a deep desire to understand who I truly am and why I’m here.
Over the years, my teachers became books, and the right ones always seemed to find me at the perfect moment. These books offered guidance and insights, but the real breakthroughs came through direct experience — moments of stillness when I could see the mind for what it was. Awakening isn’t the same for everyone. For some, it’s triggered by a life-altering event like a near-death experience. For others, it’s born out of sadness, loneliness, or even frustration. For me, it came from a burning desire to know myself and uncover my purpose.
“Meditate… do not delay, lest you later regret it.” - Buddha
Meditation as a Practice for Life
Meditation isn’t just a tool for relaxation; it’s a pathway to liberation. It’s the practice that allows you to connect with the deeper essence of who you are, beyond the noise of the mind.
The journey isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Setbacks are part of the process, but each one offers an opportunity to strengthen awareness and grow. Through meditation, I’ve learned that my thoughts don’t define me. I’ve also learned that awakening isn’t a one-time event — it’s a practice that requires consistent effort.
Today, I see the mind as a guide. Its chatter, judgments, and fears no longer hold the same power over me. Instead, I’ve learned to use them as tools for self-discovery and growth. This shift has not only brought me peace but has also deepened my relationships and transformed how I engage with the world.
The most profound freedom comes from realizing that I am not the mind. This awareness changes everything — how I see myself, how I navigate challenges, and how I show up in life. It’s a journey of awareness, gratitude, and empowerment that continues to unfold every day.
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