Recipe for Practicing Awareness

Why would we want to practice awareness and what is it? The reason I practice awareness is that it brings me to the present moment. When I'm not in the present moment, aware of what is, I am believing a story about "I'm not enough, I can't, I shouldn't...." and a myriad of other stories that keep me where I don't want to be. When I practice awareness, I become an observer of my stories rather than the leading role in them. As long as I believe my stories, change won't happen.

What I love so much about awareness is that it causes me to be much kinder to myself, rather than critical. It helps me be curious, rather than self-crucifying. It gives me permission to practice and not be attached to 'getting it right,' but instead being ok with whatever I'm observing and patiently bringing myself back to the present moment, over and over and over again.

Ingredients:

-Patience
-Kindness
-Curiosity
-Compassion
-Willingness
-Playfulness
-Intention

Directions:
1. Set the intention to pause and notice. 2. Focus on the breath. 3. Notice what's happening in this moment: What do you feel? What sensations are you experiencing? What can you hear? What are you thinking? 4. Remain curious and accepting of whatever it is you are aware of. 5. Allow it to be just as it without needing to change anything and quietly observe with curiosity.

Next time you notice a craving, I invite you to pause and notice, become aware and see what you find. I'd love to hear about your experience!