(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
Awake is good. You probably become awake each day. Awake is the opposite of asleep.
But few people are conscious. To be conscious is to be awake — and aware. To be conscious is to be able to see the truth and act on it.
Most people go through their day in a trance, awake but unaware. They repeat yesterday’s behavior. They make yesterday’s assumptions about reality.
There are many factors that keep you in this state. First, you are not encouraged to think (or feel) for yourself. Second, it’s easier to not challenge your status quo. And finally, change is uncomfortable (so you wait for conditions outside you to force you to change.)
Start practicing consciousness by observing — and not reacting to — the small things in your life. As you get more and more aware of what’s really going on, that is, more conscious, you will start to question some of your basic assumptions.
To question is to demand consciousness for yourself.
Coaching Point: Do you think what is said here is true? Why?
Copyright 2000 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.