Exploring Awareness

In this episode Lisa and Frank talk about "identifying as" or "resting as awareness." Frank suggests "identifying as awareness" goes back to the "who are you" question. Interesting questions arise such as, Are you your thoughts? Are you your conditioning? Are you your situation or are you the awareness of those things? He adds that is why we are exploring awareness and meditating so we can have the realization that you can "identify as awareness" and "rest as awareness." Resting as awareness changes everything. You're turning in and tuning in to the Awareness where stress doesn't even exist - finding what's true is the present moment right here inside! Lisa shares a story from a book by Oriah mountain dreamer, where the author was annoyed by a questioning retreat participant, and wonders if Frank is also annoyed by her questions, but ultimately it's about what we all may be looking for on this journey, including a consideration of the unity of all beings, concluding with the thought "act out of Love...no matter what."- from the bottom up. This episode also includes a guided Body Scan mindful awareness meditation.

In this wide ranging discussion, Frank and Lisa explore the question "who are you?" This episode starts with David Whyte's poem Tilicho Lake, and discuss the astonishment when one sees the "true shape of their own face"- yet, when discussing a goal, the focus becomes on the journey of self discovery rather than the destination.

We also talk a bit about awareness of thoughts. There's a transformational component to awareness and when one becomes aware of thoughts, they dissolve as the perspective towards thoughts shifts. Meditation builds your "awareness muscle"-Overthinking takes us out of the present moment and leads to reactivity. An awareness perspective allows a "response" instead of a "reaction". Meditation can be our "pilot project" as it is done quiet peaceful setting, and this sense of awareness can carry through to our every day lives.

These, and other hard to put into words concepts were discussed, we hope you enjoy and get something out of the conversation.

In this first Episode, Frank and Lisa set the stage with an interesting discussion of awareness, meditation and mindfulness, explore the question - Who Are You - and provide a brief guided awareness meditation at the end.