How to Experience Non-Dual Awareness Directly Right Now
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the idea of experiencing non-dual awareness—a state of consciousness where the sense of separation between self and other dissolves—might seem distant or even unattainable. Yet, the beauty of non-dual awareness is that it's not reserved for monks on mountaintops or lifelong meditators. It’s accessible to anyone, at any moment. Here’s how you can experience non-dual awareness directly, right now.
Understanding Non-Dual Awareness
Before diving into the practice, it’s helpful to understand what non-dual awareness is. Non-dual awareness, or Advaita, means "not two" or "one without a second." It's a state where the boundaries between the self and the external world blur, revealing an interconnected, unified whole.
This experience isn’t about creating something new; it’s about uncovering a perspective that’s always been there, obscured by our habitual ways of thinking and perceiving.
Steps to Directly Experience Non-Dual Awareness
Pause and Center Yourself
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths to settle your mind and body.
Shift Your Attention
Close your eyes and bring your attention inward.
Notice the sensations in your body without labeling or judging them. Just observe.
Observe Your Thoughts
Watch your thoughts as they arise and pass. Don’t try to stop them; just observe them as you would watch clouds float by in the sky.
Recognize that these thoughts are not "you." They are temporary events happening in your awareness.
Ask, “Who Am I?”
Gently ask yourself, “Who am I?”
Don’t rush to answer. Let the question penetrate deeply.
Notice that the "I" you usually identify with is also a thought, a collection of memories, roles, and expectations.
Feel the Space of Awareness
Shift your focus from the objects of your awareness (thoughts, sensations) to the space in which these objects appear.
Realize that this space of awareness is constant and unchanging, while the objects within it come and go.
Expand Your Awareness
With your eyes still closed, become aware of the sounds around you.
Notice how these sounds arise within your awareness, just like your thoughts and sensations.
Realize that the boundary between “inside” and “outside” starts to blur.
Open Your Eyes Slowly
Open your eyes and maintain the same sense of spacious awareness.
Notice the objects around you, but see them as part of the same field of awareness that includes your thoughts and sensations.
Recognize Unity
Reflect on how everything you perceive—sounds, sights, sensations, thoughts—arises within your awareness.
Feel the interconnectedness of all things. There is no true separation between you and the world; everything is part of a single, unified reality.
Practicing Non-Dual Awareness in Daily Life
Experiencing non-dual awareness directly, even for a moment, can be transformative. To integrate this awareness into daily life:
Mindful Activities: Engage in activities like walking, eating, or even working with a sense of mindful presence. Notice how everything you do arises within the same field of awareness.
Regular Meditation: Set aside time each day for meditation. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to access non-dual awareness.
Self-Inquiry: Regularly ask yourself questions like “Who am I?” and “What is aware of this?” to remind yourself of the non-dual nature of reality.
Compassion and Connection: Recognize the same awareness in others. This fosters compassion and a sense of deep connection with all beings.
Conclusion
Experiencing non-dual awareness doesn’t require years of practice or retreating from the world. It’s a shift in perception that can happen right now, in the midst of your daily life. By pausing, observing, and recognizing the unity of all experiences, you can touch the profound truth of non-dual awareness. Embrace this perspective and let it transform the way you see yourself and the world around you.