Are We Awake Or Dreaming?

How do we know which?

We’re awake when there is observation of thoughts and behaviour.
We’re dreaming when we believe these thoughts and behaviour are what we are.

There are two states of consciousness.
Our dream state is thinking about thinking.
Mindfulness is watchfulness.
This is the distinction between being a passive participant in our minds versus being the active observation.

The Dreaming State (identification).
When we believe we are our thoughts, emotions and behaviours, we are in a state of ego-identification without question. Waking dreaming means we are entirely swept up by our internal monologue, reacting to every passing worry or impulse as if it defines our absolute reality.

The Awake State (observation).
True wakefulness begins with awareness of the ability to monitor our own mental states. When we observe a thought passing through our mind without automatically reacting to it or claiming it, we create distance. We shift from being a character in the story to being the author watching the story unfold.

Why it matters.
Without awareness ,we are completely at the mercy of our automated thoughts and deeply ingrained behavioural habits. Through mind training, we gain the ability to catch a negative thought or an impulsive urge before it dictates our behaviour, giving us the freedom to choose a conscious response instead of an automatic reaction.