Have you ever gotten lost in a daydream, only to be jolted back to reality by a sudden sound? That snap back to the present moment – that’s awareness. It’s the fundamental ability to perceive your surroundings, your thoughts, and your emotions. But awareness can be a double-edged sword.
While awareness can open us up to possibility and opportunity, we can also become shut down when we become acutely aware of our shortcomings, dwelling on flaws and anxieties. John Welwood is specific in his message about awareness being a potent force for healing and renewal – awareness born of love.
“Awareness born of love is the only force that can bring healing and renewal.” – John Welwood
To understand what “awareness born of love” means, it might be helpful to be reminded of its opposite, the kind of awareness we easily find – Awareness born of fear… being deeply aware of everything that is “wrong” with us. All of our flaws staring us in the eye with accusatory expressions on their faces.
What John Welwood speaks of is awareness on a deeper level, but it really can be quite difficult to get beyond our own knee jerk reaction to our glaring imperfections.
“To understand oneself is to become aware of every thought and feeling without condemnation. When you condemn, you put a stop to your feelings and thoughts; but if you do not condemn, justify or resist, then the content of your thought will reveal itself. Experiment, and you will see.” – Jiddu Krishnamurti
Awareness born of love is beautifully described by Krishnamurti as “becoming aware of every thought and feeling without judging it”. Allowing difficult emotions to arise without trying to numb them or avoid them is a journey that leads to the understanding of how our inner experience moves. We get to understand what the origin is for each of these events, and we see that whatever comes will also go, leaving us as the strong presence that was able to gently hold this all.
“Forget about enlightenment. Sit down wherever you are. And listen to the wind singing in your veins.” – John Welwood
There is nothing outside of you to reach for, no distant goal somewhere in the future that will finally make you experience fulfillment. Honour what is calling within you right now. Pay attention to what needs to be allowed to be felt. This brings clarity, and clarity will show you what your next steps are.
Here’s how you can tap into the transformative power of love-based awareness:
- Honor Your Inner Voice: Pay attention to what’s calling from within. What emotions are bubbling up? What thoughts are recurring? Observe them without judgment.
- Embrace the Journey: Allow yourself to feel difficult emotions. Trying to numb or avoid them only prolongs their hold.
- Seek Clarity: As you witness your emotions with love, understanding will emerge. You’ll see the root of these feelings and recognize their impermanence.
Today’s meditation is an exercise in “awareness born of love”. We are cultivating the ability to bring our attention to what we are experiencing without judgement or criticism.
Have a great weekend!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Come to your senses.