BECOMING AWARE OF THE BODY IS THE FIRST STEP IN DEVELOPING AWARENESS. THE BODY IS ALWAYS SPEAKING TO US IF WE LEARN HOW TO LISTEN. THE BODY PROVIDES A CONCRETE ANCHOR FOR BEGINNING ONE'S JOURNEY INTO HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING.

In the journey of awakening, there are no quick fixes because awareness is the most direct route.

It might seem simple because we understand what awareness is, yet it's something we grasp only occasionally. Interestingly, a child tends to be more aware than an adult. The key is returning to our childlike nature.

The path to awareness is straightforward; we just need to follow these steps -

1.Awareness of the Body:

Becoming aware of the body is the first step in developing awareness. The body provides a concrete anchor for beginning one's journey into higher consciousness.

There are several techniques that can help increase body awareness:

• *Mindful movement:* Activities like yoga, tai chi, and walking meditation bring conscious attention to physical sensations and movements. Noticing each breath and subtle shift of weight trains awareness of the present moment.
• *Body scan meditation:* Systematically sweeping attention through different regions of the body promotes deeper mindfulness. Paying close attention to sensations, temperature, touch, and tension in each part cultivates discernment.
• *Noticing habitual patterns:* Watching ingrained postures and behaviors reveals the automatic nature of many bodily actions. Catching oneself slouching or tensing can prompt realignment.
• *Tuning into needs:* Listening to messages the body sends, like hunger, fatigue, and discomfort, fosters attunement. Meeting needs with care and awareness nurtures presence.
• *Mindful eating:* Bringing full attention to taste, textures, smells, sounds, and the experience of chewing food enhances sensory awareness. This practice illuminates physical and emotional undercurrents.

The body is always speaking to us if we learn how to listen. Exploring these techniques with patience and curiosity develops the body awareness that grounds spiritual awakening.

2. Awareness of Thoughts:

Thought awareness requires a gentle, patient approach. Start by sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. Bring your attention to your breath, noticing each inhalation and exhalation without judgment. When thoughts inevitably arise, don't react or engage with them. Simply acknowledge their presence with equanimity.

Label your thoughts in a detached manner, like "planning thought," "worrying thought," or "remembering thought." Avoid getting tangled up in their meaning or storyline. Imagine thoughts as clouds passing in the sky, noticing their presence but allowing them to drift on.

Set a time limit of 5-10 minutes for this exercise. When your mind wanders completely, gently return your focus to the breath. With practice, you'll be able to extend the time period. The key is maintaining a non-judgmental, accepting attitude. There's no need to suppress thoughts or force them away. Just observe with open awareness.

Thoughts will slow and settle the more you practice this meditation. Don't get discouraged; distraction is natural. Your ability to concentrate will improve over time. Consistency is key. Aim to practice thought awareness for 10-15 minutes twice a day. Keep bringing your attention back to the present moment. With patience and perseverance, you'll uncover the clear blue sky beyond the thought clouds.

3. Awareness of Emotions:

Becoming aware of your emotions and moods is a subtle and challenging step on the path to awakening. Our emotions often arise and pass away without our conscious awareness. Learning to shine the light of awareness on our emotional states takes practice and patience.

There are several techniques that can help cultivate awareness of emotions:

• Set the intention each day to notice your emotions. Make a commitment to check in with yourself periodically and name any emotions you are feeling. Put reminders in your calendar or set phone alerts if needed.

• When you notice yourself feeling an emotion, pause and observe it mindfully without judgment. Where do you feel it in your body? How would you describe it - light or heavy, warm or cold, smooth or sharp? What thoughts, memories, or sensations accompany it?

• Start keeping an emotions journal. At the end of each day, reflect back and write about your emotional state that day. Note any patterns you observe over time. Writing can bring clarity and new understanding.

• Share your emotions skillfully with others. Talking about how you feel about someone you trust can increase self-awareness. Be mindful not to blame others for your feelings.

• Explore moving meditations like tai chi, qi gong, or mindful walking. These practices connect movement with emotional and spiritual awareness.

• Consider working with a therapist or coach. Having support and guidance on your self-awareness journey can be invaluable.

Making emotions conscious is challenging but incredibly rewarding. With regular practice, you'll gain a greater understanding of your inner landscape and move towards awakening.

By tuning into our bodies, understanding our thoughts, and acknowledging our emotions, we lay the groundwork for a transformative experience. This simple path serves as a gateway to a more conscious and fulfilling life.

As we continue to practice these steps, the potential for a profound inner shift becomes not only evident but also an integral part of our ongoing journey toward a more awakened existence.

We love you dearly,

We are here with you,

We are your family of light,

We are the Galactic Federation.

A'HO

Aurora Ray

Ambassador of the Galactic Federation

Copyright 2024 Aurora Ray. All rights reserved.