Chapter 1: Understanding Conscious Living

Living consciously is essential for a fulfilling life. But how can one achieve this state?

> This article marks my inaugural piece on Medium. I'm Markus, 38, and I've been on a journey of self-exploration and ego refinement since I was 14 years old. I'm excited to share my insights and experiences with you here.

The Common Struggle: Self-Deception

Our society faces a significant challenge: the pervasive habit of lying to ourselves, often without realizing it. When people are asked if they lie, most will deny it, yet they often overlook the lies they tell themselves.

To break this cycle, it’s crucial to learn how to observe oneself from an outsider’s perspective—without judgment or evaluation. But how can we achieve this?

This journey begins with small, manageable steps. It’s important to be patient; habits ingrained over decades take time to unlearn. While it may seem daunting, the positive effects of this practice can begin to manifest quickly.

Taking Initial Steps Towards Personal Success

Start by becoming aware of the little things in your daily routine. For example, when you wake up, take a moment to stay in bed with your eyes closed. Allow your mind to settle without dwelling on the day ahead or reflecting on the past.

Instead of rushing into your thoughts, focus on your breath. Begin with simple affirmations: “I breathe in, I breathe out.” Initially, you might need to verbalize this to connect with the experience. Over time, this will evolve into a natural feeling of awareness and satisfaction.

Now, as you rise to your feet, consciously acknowledge, “I stand with both feet firmly on the ground.” This awareness will eventually become instinctive.

Next, pause at a doorway and affirm, “I am going through the door.” Extend this mindfulness to your daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth or using the restroom. Recognize and verbalize each action, transforming mundane routines into conscious experiences.

The Connection Between Awareness and Self-Improvement

You might wonder, how does this relate to personal growth? To improve, we must first be aware of ourselves. Living unconsciously means existing in a haze, unable to recognize what can be changed. Only through conscious awareness can we identify areas for improvement and enact change.

Gaining Control Over Your Life

Realizing what you are doing grants you control. Awareness leads to the ability to make choices—choices that can transform your relationships and daily decisions.

For example, many struggle with unhealthy habits like smoking. Despite knowing the risks, they often fail to quit. This is because they haven't truly internalized the implications of their actions. Genuine change requires not just acknowledgment but also a deep emotional understanding.

Enhancing Financial Decisions Through Conscious Living

Living with intention extends to financial matters as well. Making decisions with clarity and confidence is crucial for financial health. By observing your thoughts and actions without influence from fear or external pressures, you can make informed choices that benefit your future.

For those seeking guidance or tips on this journey, please feel free to reach out. I'm eager to share insights drawn from my own experiences.

Awakening to Stillness: Eckhart Tolle's Path to Conscious Living

This guided meditation with Eckhart Tolle explores the essence of conscious living. It emphasizes mindfulness and the importance of being present in each moment.

EP. 03 - Breathwork as a Path to Conscious Living with Lee Davy

In this episode, Lee Davy discusses the transformative effects of breathwork on conscious living, highlighting techniques for greater awareness and presence in daily life.

Conclusion

Conscious living is not an overnight transformation; it requires ongoing effort and patience. However, each moment spent in awareness is a step toward a more fulfilling life.

Embrace this journey, and you may find that even a minute of conscious living is more profound than a lifetime of unconscious existence.