I find it impossible to remember to be
aware,or to be aware I am aware.
So what do you do to remember to
be present?
Is it just something you do and then
do more of?
How does a person grow in
Mindfulness?
Thanks, Paul
Hi Paul!
Your difficulty in being able to remember to be aware, is an issue of clarity and mindfulness. I would normally say for such a symptom as you described, that you still need to work on the first step of reducing the distractions of your mind's activities which seem to distract you from being aware of your awareness. You do this by "mind training". This is not Dzogchen practice. It's a necessary step leading there. You need to "catch" yourself every time you start to drift off in thought by bringing yourself to "present here and now" awareness. You can begin by doing some sitting meditation. Just sit there and observe the room as it is. No plan or intention except the commitment to "focus" on the physical and sensory experience of the environment in lieu of chasing the thoughts that pass through your mind. Just perceive the room, your body, your breath. Next start counting your breaths from 1 to 10 and start over again and again. Just focus on your breathing... when thoughts arise don't feed them or pursue them, just drop them like a "hot potato". Keep returning to just being aware of your breathing, the perceptions of the room as it is, without thinking or judging. Just notice everything. If you catch yourself drifting off in thought, just pull yourself back to just being "mindful " of the moment and let the thought go.