Awareness, what is it?

[Lukapotamus]

So, I am currently creating a different me. I am doing it because I got out of an amazing relationship and I'm taking it very hard. I am creating a different me so I can love myself, be independent and I guess figure out Who I Am.
I just started a few days ago, I have my affirmations and my set of rules for the long and frightening path in front of me.

This brings me to my question, what does it mean to be aware? What is it? What does one do to become spiritually aware? Physically aware? Whats the difference?

She was very much into being aware and knowing and loving God and All That There Is. She would often explain these things to me, I listened but I never absorbed it.
I have tried contacting her, but she never responds.
I've been reading many posts in the different sections and I believe that you guys are much more enlightened than myself, and hopefully you'll answer my question and many more to come.
Thanks,
Luke

[Angela]

Welcome, Luke, and may our force be with you!

I highly recommend reading The Power of Now for a first-hand experience of what Awareness is, in a very real way.

I want to acknowledge you for your courage in looking at yourself boldly.

Lukapotomus, I love you from top to bottomus!

Angela

[The Cloud]

My answer is that if you're looking for awareness, you will find it. I could give you my version, and there is a minute chance that it will help you, but in the long run it is you that will find the ideas you need to create the beliefs you want to live with. For example, I sometimes start threads in this forum asking for potential answers or input to a question I am having, only to find out later that I figured out the answer all on my own without having to read any of the responses.

With the vast amounts of information available at your fingertips, whether in books, videos, or websites, you can't help but find the answers you're looking for if you just commit yourself to the search.

As for help in your search, I personally gained a lot out of meditation. For philosophers, Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra", Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead", and Alan Watts have been important sources of ideas for me.

If you want to become aware, start off by thinking about yourself. Think about the things you do, the thoughts you have, and most importantly why you do and have them. Most of all, don't give up.

[Mato Kinze]

"Being" aware is a lot less important than "becoming" aware. It is as much about the journey as it is the goal.

Start asking good questions and seek your answers from within. Quiet your mind and still your Heart and listen to what your Guides tell you.

[Maguru]

Originally Posted by Mato Kinze

"Being" aware is a lot less important than "becoming" aware. It is as much about the journey as it is the goal.

I love that. It's beautiful. I believe it is becoming aware of self. regards

[Lukapotamus]

Awesome, thank you all for your wonderful answers!
These responses were all I needed to hear. I started reading the preview from "The Power of Now" and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow after school.
Again, thank you all.
Angela, what you wrote hit something inside me, and I cried. I haven't cried in 8 years, and I have twice in the past week. I'm currently 22, the last time I cried was at my grandma's funeral, if only for a few seconds.

[Rockchick26]

I just got the book "Awakening To the Natural State" by John Wheeler. I'm only 30 pages in but so far it's pretty darn cool! Basically it says that whenever you say "I",you're not really referring to anyone,because there is no "I". You ARE awareness. You don't DO anything,you don't choose your thoughts,feelings or emotions,they happen to your body and soul. Life happens to your body and soul. Anything you "do" is just awareness of movement. You are simply awareness of this. Sounds a bit confusing,i know,i'm still wrapping my mind around it as we speak!

[ConsciousPilot]

Check out this website

Adyashanti.org

Adya has free writings, videos, and podcasts. He is one of the greatest post-zen teachers of awareness I have come across.

But basically what is awareness?

What isn't awareness. Look around, anything that is going on in your reality at the time, your thoughts, your emotions, your perception of objects, your body - all awareness. Awareness IS, it's the only thing there IS. Some people have been confused by the word god, but the closest way to relate it to your understanding probably would be that awareness is god. And you are this very awareness.