shadowsofdarkness

[shadowsofdarkness]

I feel like I don't understand what "awareness" means anymore. I've seen the word be used a lot but I genuinely don't understand it anymore. Or maybe it's because I'm overcomplicating it. When i become "aware" of something it just means I'm putting my attention on it? And at that moment I'm experiencing it? I'm not sure. Can you please speak on awareness itself and what it truly means. What does it mean when people say "you are only awareness", "awareness is all that is". Thank you for reading and sorry that this ask was all over the place

This is a great question.

Awareness is the focused and attentive aspect of consciousness (the true self).

It is the lens of perception that allows you to witness and perceive having a human experience. It serves as the observer that enables you to be aware of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions in your experience without becoming attached to or identified with them. Awareness allows you to notice those elements of the mind, without becoming entangled in them.

To further answer your question, those who say those things are referring to the true self's nature on the deepest level as consciousness.

Consciousness is the vast and pure field from which existence and all experiences arise. It is the essence of being and the all-encompassing presence that underlies and transcends everything.

It is the absolute foundation of reality.

Together, consciousness and awareness form the entire totality of existence.

[shadowsofdarkness]

Intro to Nonduality:

What if the key to true freedom lies in understanding that the separation between 'you' and 'the world' never truly existed?

What is Nonduality?

"The moment you see through the illusion of separateness, you realize that the whole universe is your own self." – Ramesh Balsekar

Nonduality is a philosophical and spiritual concept that unveils the interconnected nature of reality beyond the human form and its deceptive illusion of separation. It teaches that the sense of an individual self, separate from the world and the universe, is a false identity. The 'individual self' is not the true essence of who we are—it's merely a mental construct that reinforces the illusion of separateness. Nonduality reveals that the underlying source of all existence and the entire universe is the infinite essence of consciousness—the true self.

Consciousness & Awareness - Essence of Nonduality:

"What you are looking for is already within you, in the form of pure consciousness, the essence of who you truly are." – Adyashanti

Consciousness is the unlimited source of all experiences and the essence of existence itself. It is the pure underlying presence in which everything arises. This pure consciousness is ultimately the true self’s nature beyond everything and all experiences. It is the fundamental essence of reality that completely transcends all. 

Awareness is the aspect of consciousness that allows you to experience and perceive everything being experienced through the unique lens of perception you hold. It is the witness of all thoughts, emotions, and experiences without becoming involved or identified with it. Awareness serves as the observer.

Why is knowing this important?

"Knowing the self is the beginning of freedom. When you realize that you are not separate from everything, you break free from the illusion of duality." – Eckhart Tolle

Understanding the interconnected nature of reality revolves around being able to understand consciousness and the aspects of it that allow you to have a human experience in order for consciousness to recognize itself as the creator of all existence and its manifestation of humanity. Understanding the true self to be consciousness comes with many profound spiritual results such as:

Self-Awareness & Clarity:

It is essential to recognize that your true self is beyond all thoughts, emotions, and experiences in order to peacefully detach from them and break identification with them.

Understanding your consciousness allows you to see yourself as the observer of your experiences, rather than getting caught up in them or consumed by the stories playing out. This transformative shift in perception brings clarity, peace, and a deep sense of freedom, ultimately leading to liberation as the witness and source of it all.

Inner Peace: Recognizing your true self as consciousness allows you to explore and engage with your experiences from a place of peace and stability, regardless of the circumstances or stories that unfold before you.

Understanding the True Nature of Reality: This transformation in your perception of reality allows you to explore its true nature, cultivating a deeper connection with the underlying interconnectedness of all existence. As a result, you develop a greater appreciation for the ultimate beauty of the human experience.

Transcending the Ego - By breaking down the wall of the false sense of self and its identification with thoughts, emotions, desires, and experiences, you transcend the ego. As you do, you realize your true self as consciousness, and the mental construct of the ego becomes the servant rather than the master of the mind. This transformation allows you to experience life with greater peace and freedom. It’s about ascending beyond the ego’s control, revealing your true self beyond its mask.

Freedom & Liberation From Suffering - Much of human suffering arises from attachment to the false sense of self and the belief in separation from the world. By realizing that the true self transcends these mental constructs, you free yourself from the cycle of suffering, leading to greater bliss and contentment in the present moment.

Living With Liberation & Confidence As the Source - Realizing your true self allows you to live with spiritual confidence and liberation, as you come to recognize yourself as the limitless source of all existence and experience. Your perception of conscious manifestation transforms, shifting to see it as a flowing expression of consciousness, experiencing itself through you in the human form.

Increased Feelings of Compassion & The End of Dualistic Thinking - Recognizing your true self brings about stronger feelings of compassion and empathy, as you begin to see the same true self in everyone you encounter. By ending dualistic thinking, you come to view the entire nature of reality as interconnected and ever-changing, rather than divided by separation—an illusion that only reinforces the sense of disconnection.

Spiritual Fulfillment - Through understanding the true nature of the self as consciousness and having a direct experience of connection with it, the ultimate goal of many spiritual traditions—enlightenment or self-realization—is realized. Recognizing that your true self is beyond the mind, body, and all of existence itself inevitably leads to profound spiritual fulfillment, reinforcing a lasting and divine connection with your true self.

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"When you realize that there is no 'other,' there is only one, you awaken to the true nature of reality, and life becomes an expression of love." – Gangaji

This understanding of the nondual nature of reality allows you to transcend the limiting perception of yourself. It enables you to develop a deeper spiritual connection with your true self as consciousness, and to live with a profound sense of freedom and liberation. By recognizing that your truest essence of being is entirely beyond the mind and human creation, you experience life from a place of deeper self-awareness and inner peace.

[shadowsofdarkness]

Intro:

Welcome to my page.

You can call me Shadow.

I chose this name to represent my love for darkness and the night. As always, this woman is drawn to the captivating beauty of the night and I had to choose a name that represents my darkness aesthetic.

This page and all of the insight I share is directly inspired from the teachings of Nonduality revealing the interconnected nature and true self of divine consciousness.

Before diving deep, I want to share that I used to run another page, but I just chose to listen to my heart and start over brand new to create a safe space for my insights, epiphanies, and overall, tracking my spiritual experiences.

I want to *note* here that I have heavily evolved on this path of spirituality and so, the old blog no longer resonates with the stage I have reached, nor does it represent where I am at in my spiritual expedition.

As a result of deep insights and discoveries, I have already let go of some of my old views and developed a brand new perspective that shows my evolving experience over time from deepening my understanding of nonduality. It's safe to say that I have come a long way to reach self-realization and deepen my spiritual transformation.

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About Shadow:

- Buffy the Vampire Slayer is my favorite series of all time. All that aside, I am a major fan of The Vampire Diaries and American Horror Story

- Some of my interests revolve around: music/concerts, tv shows, movies, psychology, dream work, and spirituality

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Now before you proceed, I want to make it all crystal clear:

- I am *not* a teacher or a guru. I am not here to teach anything. I am only here for a safe space to share my insights throughout my spiritual experiences and how I choose to embrace the nature of nonduality in my experience.

- I am simply here to share deeper insights, form genuine connections, and potentially make new lasting friendships along the way with followers.

Rules For This Page:

1. Respectfully, do not come on my page in order to challenge any differing views that I may hold or try to harass me about the way I share insights. You will either be ignored or blocked.

2. Do not refer to me as the old name I used to be known for.

3. Do not interact if you are not interested in nonduality or the idea of conscious manifestation.

4. Do not ask me how to consciously manifest. Just discover the true self and rest in the understanding that your desires are yours. Choose a desire and recognize its accomplishment.

5. On my page, you are to be kind and respectful to everyone despite any differing views that may not resonate. Treat everyone the way you wish to be treated and they're all just you anyway. It is not difficult to show kindness and empathy.