The quote “Ignorance is bliss” is a misquote. The full concept is, “Where ignorance is bliss, ‘tis folly to be wise.” People suffer because of unawareness, both at individual and society level. Eckhart Tolle says,
“What a liberation to realize that the voice in my head is not who I am. Who am I then? The one who sees that.”
So, you are not what you think or feel, but you are the one who observes your thoughts and feelings.
These are the seven ways you can expand your awareness:
1. To meditate, you can also use binaural beats
Binaural beats are relaxing sound waves that balance your brainwaves. Next time when you find it hard to meditate, use them.
2. Suppression is not the right way
Don’t ever suppress your feelings. Confront them. Fight them. Live the moment. Just internalize: Feelings come and go.
3. Personal growth is for you to grow yourself, not making ends meet
If you think personal growth is about becoming a better person or earning more money, then you are never going to be satisfied with yourself. Let go of this preconception. Accept what there is.
4. Things that are internal will give you happiness
If you think you are going to be happy because of a material object or your relationship, then you are deluded. Take a step back and understand everything has its own time. They won’t last forever.
5. Expand your knowledge tank
Don’t believe everything that is out there. Trust your common sense. Ask questions. Find answers. Read. Watch. They will help you grow and help you understand different perspectives.
6. You are only human
We think that we are flawed or imperfect. But we don’t think that we are human. There is humility in realizing how human we are. Find them. Accept our flaws.
7. Soul and Ego are different
You identify yourself as ‘I’. That’s your ego. The soul is something that doesn’t require definition to exist. The ego will act up at crucial times and cause you to envy and be jealous of something or someone. Soul, on the other hand, acts up out of love and compassion. Understand it. Lose your ego.