Expanding Your Circle of Awareness

Sitting in meditation, include everything – your body, your mind, your breath, your consciousness. Don’t say about anything – this is not me. In the beginning, you will feel a collective being arising and then eventually a cosmic consciousness arise. This endeavour to include everything in your awareness begins with yourself.

Then include and expand. Sitting under a tree, close your eyes and feel that the tree is within you. Look at the rising sun, then close your eyes and feel that the sun is rising within you. Feel more inclusive.

An incredible experience will transpire. When you feel that the tree is within you – it is not your imagination, because the tree and you both belong to the earth and instantly you will feel the effect. You will feel younger, fresher. The tree’s vitality will be felt in your core.

You will experience there is no centre in you. And with the centre gone there is no self, no ego; only consciousness remains, like a sky encompassing everything. And as it expands, ultimately the whole universe becomes inclusive to you.

Step 1: Begin with Yourself

Sit with your eyes closed for a few minutes and observe what is happening within. You may notice your breathing, your thoughts and your emotions. Whatever you find, embrace it in your awareness, accept it.

Step 2: Include the Outside

Remain with this awareness, open your eyes and start observing your surroundings. Include and welcome the place where you are, the sounds, smells and sensations around you.

Step 3: Include Your Work

Now include your activity in your awareness: your body movements and the objects around you. If you are writing include the paper, the pen, your body posture, the table and the chair you are sitting on.

Step 4: Include Others

When you are settled in this meditation, you can begin to include others. If you are around your family or working in a group, gently expand your awareness until the entire group is one consciousness.