The most fundamental human condition that separates us most from the majority of all other species, is the ability to be self-aware. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize what is going inside of one's body and one's mind. In other words, it is the ability to be aware of the inner experience, both psychological and physiologically. One of the best ways to train this skill is to develop a disciplined stillness practice. This means there is a prominent aspect of the process that involves simply sitting quietly with yourself in stillness. This could be mindfulness, meditation, or even yoga. So long as there are distinct time periods being still and paying attention to what is going on in your mind and your body. Each and every day I start my morning with a simple three-and-a-half-minute mindfulness practice to create the intention of a relaxed yet focused awareness to carry on throughout my day. This is a practice that cultivates our ability to be self-aware, as well as many other potent effects being found from very current research. You can begin by simply sitting with yourself in silence for a period of one minute. Set a timer or use an app if you like to see the data (as most apps connect to Apple Health), and just practice being. Not doing anything other than watching your thoughts in your mind and the sensations in your body. It is best if eyes are closed to eliminate as much activation as possible, but they can remain open if you are not ready to close them yet. Start a practice and remember, it is a practice to always have to access within yourself and a never-ending process of cultivating awareness through stillness.
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