The Amazing Benefits of Waking up

Five reasons to become conscious

“You cry happy tears almost daily. You physically feel lighter, as if you could float. You spiritually feel alive in an entirely new way, not as a choice, but as a channel for something far greater. You judge nothing because you see yourself in everything. You blame no one because blame is the evasion of responsibility.” M. Dooley “The top ten things dead people want to tell you”

Some people wake up automatically as they mature. Others wake up when confronted with significant pain. Regardless of the manner, once on the path, most people come to realize that there are significant benefits to waking up. Whatever the motivation, the fact is that, as we become more conscious, amazing things begin to happen.

In this article, I describe the main benefits of waking up. And once you realize the benefits, I am sure you will see that waking up is the most important thing you can do, in your life.  

Benefit 1. You feel alive and joyful

At the most fundamental level, as you awake you will become acutely aware of how asleep you have been. You will realize that you have been living a type of half-life in a semi-conscious state. If you are like most people, you will have been oblivious to how your mind works and much of what is happening in and around you. It is as if you were wearing blinders to the beauty, majesty and mystical unfolding of your own life and all life on this planet. In this asleep state people often act in an unconscious and automatic manner.

Once you begin to wake up, your eyes open to a brand-new way of seeing things. Those who are awake often describe it as a heightened state of awareness, in which everything seems vibrant and alive. From a blade of grass to the moon setting on a calm lake. It’s like a state of awe and gratitude combined.

For thousands of years mystics have described this state of pure bliss. The ecstasy is often depicted throughout history in art and particularly statues in which saints and mystic are gazing up at the sky in a state of rapture.

Modern examples can be seen in the demeanor of people like Pema Chodron, Byron Katie, and Rupert Spira. Most surprising to me is that they are all unbelievably unflappable. They appear so centered and calm. It almost seems as if they are in a bubble, unaffected by the chaos going on around them.

Benefit 2. You feel love and have healthy relations

In my personal opinion, this is the biggest benefit of all: To feel love and intimacy. Indeed, I have found that the ability to give and receive love is directly proportional to the level of awareness. The more awake you are, the more open you are and the more love you can feel.

If you are asleep, your relationships will often be difficult since, more often than not, your individual egos and hidden fears get triggered. This results in miscommunication, disagreements and conflict.

When you are awake you are not only self-aware but also aware of others. You know who you are and thus what you need. You understand how you function and are not afraid to express your authenticity. Although you feel for others, you also know where your boundaries are.  As a result your relationships are more open, honest and trusting.

Most importantly, when you are awake you tend to take full responsibility for yourself.  You are slow to judge or blame and know that most conflict emerges from within you, often as supressed emotions or memories. You are aware of your triggers and are willing to investigate your responses and feelings toward others without attacking and making assumptions.  You are able to sit with difficult emotions – whether yours or others - without collapsing.

At the same time, you are aware of the ways in which your ego-state of mind keeps you fearful. You allow yourself to be vulnerable and open hearted. This makes you easy to get along with and also a caring, empathetic and loving partner.

Benefit 3. Your mind is calm and clear   

As you wake, you become aware of the insanity of your mind and how cluttered it is. You are able to notice the constant chatter of your monkey mind and thus are aware of its impact on you. As you recognize and observe your thoughts you become aware that they are not you. They are just ideas floating across your mind. In this way, you can select which ones to keep and which to release.

You are also aware of your emotions, beliefs and memories and how they impact your thinking and actions. You are thus not hijacked by your feelings and can maintain a fairly balanced emotional state. You trust your intuition and your inner knowing or your higher self (also called consciousness).

You are aware of your mind’s tendency to dwell on the past and to worry about the future. As a result you tend to live more in the present moment without getting pulled back into your past memories or worrying about what might be ahead. You are less compulsive and addictive.

By freeing yourself of this clutter and habits, you have a high level of clarity and are able to make decisions more easily. You also experience a sense of confidence and grounded-ness

Benefit 4. You are healthy

When you are awake, you are aware of your body from the inside out. You are aware of your physical sensations as well as your feelings. You are aware of what you put in your body and how you use and move your body. You can sense your energy and vibrations inside yourself and also in others and other sentient beings.

You listen to your body and understand what it is trying to tell you. Thus you tend to treat it better. You respect your body and you show yourself compassion. Your self-image does not depend on the opinion of others. As a result you tend to eat healthy food, sleep well and are active.

On this flip side, you pay attention to the physical aches and difficult emotions and accept setbacks more easily. You realize that life will always be ups and downs and embrace life fully.

Benefit 5. You move with ease, flow and connection

The most profound sensation of awakening is perhaps the feeling of “oneness” or non-duality. This is when you feel connected to everyone and everything.  Then, according to the mystics, when we regain our awareness of “oneness” (and our infinite divine nature) we access our true power and live effortlessly in the flow of life.  

Since you are more in the flow of life, you spontaneously allow life to unfold and show you the way without resistance. You feel as though your work is meaningful and you have a sense of purpose and accomplishment. You even find joy in mundane tasks.

In summary, as you awaken you will feel more alive, clear-minded and healthy. You will have loving relations and move through life with ease and a sense of belonging. You will be at peace and welcome the ups and downs that life brings.  

As the creator of Transcendental Meditation says:

“The bliss of this state eliminates the possibility of any sorrow, great or small. Into the bright light of the sun, no darkness can penetrate. No sorrow can enter bliss consciousness, nor can bliss-consciousness know any gain greater than itself. This state of self-sufficiency leaves one steadfast in oneself, fulfilled in lasting contentment.“  Maharishi “Science of being and art of living”  

I hope you agree that it’s a good idea to wake up and are keen to continue the journey with me.

Stay tuned.

In my next entries I talk about:

• Why its so difficult to wake up.

• How your fears keep you asleep.

• How religion woke me up.

Thank you for joining me.