Wake up! If you're reading this post, then you're already awake in the traditional sense. (Unless you're dreaming this and I'm just a character in your dream, in which case, please don't wake up.) But are you currently conscious of the fact that you exist? (Now that I mentioned it you are, but were you a minute ago? If not, when did you last have this thought?) I believe that in one important respect, a person is only truly awake while, and to the extent that, (s)he is thinking the thought "I exist". At all other times (i.e. almost always) the brain is on autopilot and the person is not acting with true autonomy. This idea is similar in many ways to the Buddhist concept of mindfulness. Until a few years ago I was (like most people) only aware of my existence in rare fleeting moments, but now that I realize its importance, I have been able to increase both the frequency and the duration of this awareness, and hope eventually to be able to keep it in my consciousness continuously. If you'd like to give this a try, all you need is a reminder to wake you up periodically. A strategically placed post-it note or a watch that beeps on the hour could do the job. The technique I use most often is to anticipate where I'll be or what I'll be doing in the near future (say in an hour) and make a mental note to wake up when that happens (and at the same time to choose the next "wake up" event). This practice has been enormously enriching for me, having both the intended effect of increased autonomy and a pleasant side effect of heightened appreciation of my existence (which I didn't earn and I consider an immeasurably fortunate gift). I hope you decide to give it a try.
posted by howtolive.org at
7:40 AM
6 Comments:
I always found the thought that we could be a dream of someone else's fascinating, and how horrifying it would be if it was our dream from which we one day awake to find ourselves having to live life all over again, perhaps to only awake again.
By
David Mackey, at 9:53 PM
This is a great concept and nice beginner tool to practice mindfulness. It IS amazing how this "waking up" can enhance your wellbeing and zest for life! You need to be mindful every moment of your existence. Never the less its easier said than done.
By
Anonymous, at 1:19 PM
You say: "The technique I use most often is to anticipate where I'll be or what I'll be doing in the near future (say in an hour) and make a mental note to wake up when that happens"
But suppose it does not happen at the anticipated hour, what then? You wake up all the same?
By
Perov, at 6:37 PM
perov - That's a valid point... this technique doesn't always work. Another technique would be to remember to wake up whenever you do specific things that you're likely to do every day, e.g. start your car, look in the mirror, open a door, turn on a light, etc. But wearing a watch that beeps on the hour is probably a more reliable method.
By
howtolive.org, at 9:01 AM
This reminds me of the idea that there is no present. There is only future and past because with every nanosecond, the future becomes the past.
By
Anonymous, at 1:57 PM
in the belief u speak of here is also the 8 paths and the frist thing to try and remerber is that no matter what you are doing be it sweeping a floor u should be in the preasent at all times for the last moment is gone and the next one you have know control of the out come of so the present moment is the only thing you can be awake for in the present
By
Anonymous, at 2:48 AM
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