Day 26: Noticing Thoughts Arising In Awareness

This meditation invites you to notice thoughts as they arise within awareness, rather than becoming involved in them. You’ll begin by settling into a relaxed presence, then gently observe how thoughts appear and pass on their own.

By seeing thoughts in this way, the practice can support a greater sense of space and clarity. Instead of being carried away by thinking, you’re recognizing it as part of the flow of experience, unfolding within awareness.

This meditation is part of a 30-day series designed to support a consistent daily practice, whether you are new to meditation or returning again.

Let thoughts come and go, while resting as the awareness that knows them.

Transcript

Welcome to day 26 of our 30-day meditation challenge. And today we'll practice noticing thoughts arising in awareness. I invite you to find that posture that feels both upright and supported. And also at ease. So it could be seated upright. You could also be laying down or you could be standing with your back supported by a wall. Whatever allows you to maintain that posture of ease and alertness. I invite you to close your eyes. Or if it feels more supportive, You could just keep the eyes a quarter of the way open. Gazing down towards the floor And let's take a slow, Intentional breath in through the nostrils. And releasing it. Observing as the breath comes back into its natural rhythm. And just scanning your awareness through the body. All the way from head to toe. Just noticing what the experience of your body is right now. Letting your mind really fill your body. Thoughts may appear in the mind during our practice. But not every thought needs thinking. Meaning we don't need to be carried along by thoughts into a stream of thinking. Instead of following them, Simply noticing them as soon as they arise. This is thinking. The mind really has no shame. It will think anything. So therefore. . . We must simply rest. In our awareness. The awareness that knows this is thinking. We don't need to believe it or be invested in it or figure anything out. It's simply a habit of the mind. So in that way, It's also not a problem. Thoughts arise. Thoughts pass. There's nothing to take seriously. Nothing we must try to force ourselves to remember or to hold on to. Instead, Just noticing that thoughts can be like clouds in the sky. They arise on their own. And thoughts will self-liberate. Letting them pass like clouds. And keep coming back to rest in this awareness that notices thoughts. Thank you for practicing with me on day 26 of our meditation challenge. And I do hope you'll practice with me again tomorrow. Namaste.