Awareness has the potential to radically transform how we practice meditation, and how we experience life. So in this, the next instalment of this series examining how to apply the key elements of the Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) technique, awareness is the 4th of the 5 stages and can take things to the next level.
We will all have a good sense of what it means to be aware. However, so we can develop it, and evaluate how we are going when we aim to apply it, definitions will be helpful. Then we consider how awareness can be best applied in our practice and our lives, but first
We miss the simplicity of what is immediate.
You do not have to search for awareness.
Just try not being aware.
It is not a matter of going in and out of awareness
- awareness is all there is and that is what you truly are.
You can never fall out of awareness.
Sailor Bob Adamson
Definitions of Awareness
1. The Oxford defines awareness in two domains:
i) Vigilance – cautious, on one’s guard
We are aware of a big dog guarding a property and we are cautious.
ii) Understanding – conscious, sensible, not ignorant, having knowledge
We are aware the big dog is restrained and not a threat.
We can be aware we can see a dog.
We can be aware we cannot see a dog.
We can be aware we know something of meditation.
We can be aware we know nothing of meditation.
We can be aware we are being mindful.
We can be aware we are being mindless.
This use of awareness is closely related to what we mean when we say we are conscious of something.
Working with Awareness
When it comes to working with awareness, first, we need to recognise there are two types of awareness. Remember MBSM is based on our understanding, our experience, that the mind has two aspects – the Active Mind, and the Still Mind.
So we can have awareness that comes from the perspective of the Active or the Still Minds, and they are quite different; both in the experience and the application.
Awareness of the Active Mind is caught up in all our thinking and emotions. That means this type of awareness will be coloured by our personal experiences, our beliefs, our habits. This awareness will be tainted by our level of confusion or clarity. Clouded perception...
By contrast, the awareness of the Still Mind will be pure.
We do speak of “pure awareness”, and this is where it comes from – the perspective of the Still Mind.
And how do we move closer to this more profound awareness?
Meditation!
Applications of Awareness in Meditation Practice
When we are developing and deepening our meditation practice, we will be working with our Active Mind. Therefore, it is the awareness of the Active Mind we are working with, and it has two levels:
1. The key point to begin with is the vigilant aspect. As we aim to settle the mind, we need to focus it through mindfulness. But we need light concentration/mindfulness – we say around 25%. But then we need to be aware whether we are focused, or whether our mind is wandering. So this awareness is what we call vigilance – and we say this takes another 25% of our mental activity. Vigilance/awareness notices where our attention is, and if our mind does wander or become distracted, it is our vigilant awareness that notices this and brings us back to the focus of our practice.
2. As our practice progresses, we become less reliant on mindfulness and more capable of maintaining our awareness.
Mindfulness is an active process; it is something the mind does.
It takes effort – quite a bit to begin with, less as we train and progress.
Awareness on the other hand, is a state of mind. It is more passive; less work, less effort.
In meditation, it involves virtually sitting back and simply observing whatever it is that does come into our awareness; like an impartial observer.
As we do become more aware, the practice becomes more simple. However, if we are not careful, we can be easily distracted. So again, this is why we train our minds and progress steadily through the 5 stages of preparation, relaxation, mindfulness, awareness and stillness.
Applications of Awareness in Daily Life
In daily life, it will serve us better to consider awareness in three domains
1. Perception. To be aware of something, first we must perceive it – record it through the agency of our five senses. So again, from the perspective of the Active Mind, our perception can range from crystal clear to seriously distorted. By contrast, from the perspective of the Still Mind, our perception will always be crystal clear – pure perception. So, the more we move towards the perspective of the Still Mind, the clearer our perception will become
Hyper vigilance is a very common problem for many these days and is fed by fear, uncertainty, confusion and many other emotions and ways of thinking.
By contrast, with the perspective of the Still Mind, there comes an inner confidence, a surety, that means we are comfortable with what is safe and wise, and what is best to avoid.
We make good choices.
3. Understanding.
The awareness that refers to understanding also highlights the differences between the two aspects or our mind. The understanding of the Active Mind is very relative. It relates to what we have learnt, the quality of the knowledge we have gained, what we remember, how we apply our knowledge and what influence thoughts, habitual ways of thinking and emotions have on how we apply our knowledge.
Significantly, when we come to the Still Mind, we speak of “wisdom”; as opposed to “knowledge”. Wisdom is also heavily inter-twined with love and compassion. Wisdom sees the big picture. Acts in the interests of all, not just the often self-serving interests of the knowledge based Active Mind. Wisdom also leads to good choices.
What to do
One can deliberately train in developing awareness.
There are pointers for this above, and there is more in my book Blue Sky Mind.
However, as we develop a regular meditation practice, it can all fall into place - automatically.
When we do train in the 5 stages of MBSM, as we develop mindfulness, we will automatically, over time, become more aware.
And with more practice, that awareness will steadily be coming more and more from the perspective of the Still Mind.
So, doing awareness “right”?
Developing the Awareness of the Still Mind...
Happy meditating. May your awareness flourish!
COMING EVENTS
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
OUR NEXT MEDITATION RETREAT
DEEP NATURAL PEACE Long weekend mini retreat 14 - 16 November 2025
Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.
With Ruth and Ian Gawler
For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.
You can simply let go, and let be…
TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 3: Imagery
11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.
Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.
As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.
Additional information is available via this link
How to apply for THIS Meditation Teacher Training:
1. The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.
2. Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the training offerS, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you.
3. Once accepted for the training, you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.
4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
