Awareness of Awareness is one of the meditation practices I come back to again and again.
I have been doing some kind of mindfulness practice since 2006, and although I know all the theory there is to know about how sticking to one only practice normally brings more ‘results’, my ever questioning and curious nature couldn’t do it, especially if I am in it not for any kind or ‘result’ but to just be (ok, truth is, also to understand the nature of reality and our minds).
So I have been trying many methods over the years, and every few months or so, I change it over again or mix and match.
I love Japa Mantra (the repetition of a mantra or sacred vibration for normally 108 times) as it focuses the mind on something specific, easier to maintain concentration, and I use this practice specifically to create some kind of connection to the ‘divine’ (within and without). I also feel attraction for Buddhist meditation techniques especially Zazen, Tonglen, Metta (loving-kindness) and the techniques of Dream Yoga and yoga to prepare for the Bardo (after death).
My favourite one is drifting away to Awareness of Awareness at the end of anything I practice. I start by observing my breath, sensations in the body, and once mind and body have settled in their ‘natural state’ I just stay there, observing ‘who’ or ‘what’ is making the observing. In the beginning of times so many years ago, I remember clearly thinking I was crazy, feeling there were more than one of me making the observing. I can’t stress enough how interesting this process is.
It is a very subtle practice and to be honest, I think it isn’t easy for those just starting on the path of self-knowledge, but you never know. Some people find it easy to concentrate with an actual object such as a symbol, image, sound, etc. and others, like me, find it easier or more fulfilling to observe the subtle mind.
Anything you choose is ok. There is nothing written anywhere that must change how you are. My recommendation is that no matter what, just sit or lie down to observe something at least 5 minutes a day, it will slowly start changing the way you perceive ‘reality’.
Journey To The Self 