What is Consciousness?

When we talk about consciousness, we’re essentially referring to our awareness of ourselves, our surroundings, and our emotions. It’s the state of being present—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Imagine someone who is unconscious, say, in a hospital bed. They’re not aware of their body or their environment. The moment they regain consciousness, they become aware of the world around them again. But, interestingly, unconsciousness isn’t limited to physical states. Many of us walk through life in a semi-unconscious state, unaware of our surroundings or even our feelings.

The more we tune in, the more we realize just how often we’re not truly present. Have you ever caught yourself scrolling through your phone, unaware of the people around you? Or maybe you’ve been deep in thought, but not really present with what’s happening in the moment? In a world filled with constant distractions, this is something nearly everyone experiences from time to time.

The Challenge of Being Present

Being present and conscious in our daily lives can feel like a monumental challenge. We’re constantly bombarded by external stimuli—be it work, social media, or even the sheer volume of information available to us. In fact, one speaker in a recent discussion mentioned how, while traveling, they noticed that almost 95% of the people around them were absorbed in their phones, unaware of their surroundings. It was a moment of realization—a kind of eerie awareness of how disconnected we’ve become from the world around us.

It’s easy to slip into unconsciousness when we’re distracted by technology or living on autopilot. We go through the motions—walking, talking, working—without truly engaging with the present moment. How often do we find ourselves going through an entire day without being truly aware of what’s happening around us?

So, What is Conscious Living?

Conscious living is about being fully present. It’s about engaging with your environment, your body, your emotions, and the world around you. It means being aware of what you’re doing in the moment, whether you’re eating, walking, or interacting with others. But here’s the thing: consciousness isn’t something you can just “try harder” at. It’s not about forcing yourself to concentrate or remain alert at all times. In fact, that kind of effort can be exhausting.

True consciousness is natural, free-flowing, and easy. It’s about releasing the need to control every moment and simply being in it. At first, being present may feel like a struggle. Our minds are conditioned to jump from one thought to the next, constantly seeking distractions. But over time, with practice, being present becomes easier. It becomes a state of relief, a sense of expansion—like letting go of the pressure to constantly perform or achieve.

The Uncomfortable Side of Consciousness

But here’s the catch: being present isn’t always pleasant. When we become more conscious, we also become more aware of the things we might prefer to ignore—the difficult emotions, the uncomfortable truths, the shadows within ourselves and others. This is where the real challenge lies. It’s much easier to “check out” and avoid the discomfort of being fully aware.

Think about it: when we’re faced with emotional pain, stress, or anxiety, what do we often do? We reach for distractions—work, social media, TV, or even food. This is a form of escape, a way to numb ourselves to the pain. We choose unconsciousness to avoid the discomfort of confronting our emotions. It’s like a coping mechanism that helps us avoid feeling the full weight of life’s challenges.

The Importance of Faith in Conscious Living

But in order to truly live consciously, we must face everything—the good and the bad. This requires faith. Faith that everything we experience, even the uncomfortable moments, is part of our growth. Trusting in the process of life is essential for maintaining our presence. Without trust, it’s easy to check out when things get tough.

When we choose unconsciousness, we choose numbness. We avoid feeling, seeing, or experiencing what’s difficult. But living consciously means being willing to feel everything, even the difficult emotions. It’s about returning to the present moment, again and again, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Finding the Balance

Living consciously isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness. It’s about recognizing when we’re checking out, when we’re slipping into unconsciousness, and choosing to return to the present moment. It’s a process of trial and error, a continuous practice of coming back to ourselves. There will be moments when we slip, when we choose to disconnect for a while. But over time, we’ll start to notice the difference. The more present we are, the more connected we feel—to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.

In Conclusion

Conscious living is a journey, not a destination. It’s about being present, about embracing the fullness of life—both the joy and the discomfort. In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to slip into unconsciousness. But by cultivating awareness and trusting in the process of life, we can begin to live more fully, more consciously, and with greater connection to the world around us. So, the next time you catch yourself scrolling through your phone, take a moment to check in. Are you present? Are you really here, in this moment? The more you ask yourself this question, the more you’ll start to cultivate the habit of conscious living—and that, in itself, is a step toward a richer, more fulfilling life.

Watch the video on this topic here