We Can See Only What We Can Think

From Anthony - A wise humble soul with life in prison - 22 years as of now: I have practiced formal meditation for many years. Once I calm the mind by following the breath I ask the question what is aware of the body, the sense objects, the thoughts and emotional activity? I then turn the attention toward that Awareness that is always aware of yet unaffected by whatever is going on in the mental realm. What I realized after many years of meditation is that the formal practice is really only training us for our daily walk. I am now able to turn the attention back toward that Awareness that is always present yet often ignored because we are focused on the mental chatter instead. Now it is simply remembering to turn the attention once I realize that I've been swept away by thought. So, there is hope, we can actually experience all of the sense objects without thought and the experience is much richer without the usual mental labeling. An autumn breeze still feels great without the thought, oh what a nice breeze. When I experience complete inner stillness I am aware that everything in nature is synchronized. The cawing of the crow, the flight of the dragonfly, the rustling of the palm fronds all seem to be in rhythm when not obscured by mental chatter. Whenever I sense anxiety or unease I am aware that my thoughts are shaping my experience. I then turn the attention back toward that still Awareness that is aware of the mental/emotional turmoil yet completely at ease. Meditate on that Awareness! Anthony