To live consciously is to stop moving through life on autopilot. Which we often do.

Living consciously means noticing where our attention goes, what we are saying yes to, and whether the life we are living actually reflects what matters to us. It means being present enough to hear our own thoughts instead of constantly being distracted by everyone else’s.

Conscious living doesn’t require perfection or a major spiritual transformation. Sometimes it’s simply taking a moment before we react. Or taking a walk alone, without our phone. Or with someone and listening fully when someone speaks. Asking, Do I really want this, or have I just gotten used to it?

Living consciously means being more intentional with the time we have. Intentionality.

What would happen if we all lived awake?  If we noticed what is here. Chose our thoughts and actions with care.

Our life is happening now. In this minute. We should be living it in the now.

Developing our consciousness

Developing our consciousness is not about becoming someone new….it’s about becoming more aware of who we already are.

We get there by first, noticing ourselves: our automatic reactions, our assumptions, our fears, and the stories we tell ourselves about other people. Awareness gives us a pause, a moment of choice where habit once drove things.

Oh and it doesn’t mean seeing our way as the only way. As consciousness grows, we become more curious and less certain that our view is the only way. We begin to listen more deeply, question more honestly, and recognize the parts of ourselves we might rather avoid. I know that’s true of me.

Consciousness is not a destination. It is an ongoing willingness to wake up—to ourselves, to other people, and to the life unfolding around us.

As I said, above:

Live awake. Notice what is here. Choose with care. Our life is happening now. In this minute. Make the most of it.