TED talk - 'emotional hygiene'

[mitz]

Sam,it's difficult to describe the awareness bit, as it is something you experience, rather than describe, but it is your awareness, your conciousness, what is looking from your eyes, what is feeling, hearing, seeing, something beyond your thoughts, but not separate to them either. people call it different names. some people use metaphors to make it easier to understand; like a crystal ball or the sky is your awareness, and the reflections/clouds are the thoughts that come and go, your awareness is always there, consistent, stable, but not always always noticed, so it is about getting familiar and recognising this. if it is something you are interested in exploring further it is a good idea to find a teacher/class to help you get familiar and have some support. I hardly get it myself, it's easier for me to describe than do, especially with very afflictive states. it's easier to start practising using the happier or more neutral thoughts.