Is Consciousness the Problem or Is Awareness?

In our quest for inner peace and understanding, many of us have grappled with the nature of our own minds. We often hear the terms consciousness and awareness used interchangeably. Yet, as we start to distinguish between them, a deeper question emerges. Does our basic, reactive consciousness create our suffering? Or is it the absence of a heightened state of awareness that makes us vulnerable to it?

Defining the Terms

Consciousness: can be thought of as the state of being awake and alert. It’s the canvas on which all our thoughts, emotions, and experiences are painted. This raw, everyday consciousness is essential to our experience as human beings. It is the means by which we interact with the world.

Awareness: on the other hand, is a more refined quality. It is the ability to watch what arises in our consciousness without instantly being swept away by it. Awareness allows us to witness our thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they come and go. It creates a space between our experience and our reactions. In many spiritual traditions, this is sometimes called “witness consciousness.”

The Role of Consciousness

At its core, consciousness is not inherently problematic. In fact, it is our precious gift—a ground state of experience that allows us to perceive, feel, and exist. Yet, our habitual way of engaging with our consciousness can often lead to identification with our thoughts and emotions. We become overly involved in the narrative of our everyday mind. As a result, we lose sight of a broader, more peaceful reality.

For example, when we react impulsively to a perceived threat—real or imagined—it’s our unfiltered consciousness at work. This raw reactivity can spiral into patterns of stress, anxiety, and even conflict. In this sense, it isn’t consciousness itself that’s the problem, but rather the unexamined, automatic processes that it can manifest.

The Transformative Power of Awareness

Awareness offers us a way out. It’s the shift from merely being caught in the flow of consciousness. Instead, we start observing that flow with a gentle, compassionate curiosity. When we cultivate awareness, we create a space. In this space, thoughts and emotions are seen for what they are. They are passing phenomena rather than the sum total of who we are.

With this shift, we can:

Break Free of Reactivity: By observing our reactions as they occur, we can choose a response. This response aligns with our deeper values. We avoid being driven by old patterns.

Discover Greater Clarity: Awareness helps us see the underlying causes behind our habitual responses, allowing for self-inquiry and growth.

Embrace a More Loving Existence: In that space of awareness, we realize something important. Our true nature isn’t defined by ego-driven thoughts. It is not limited by beliefs. Instead, it’s defined by the expansive, unconditional love that underlies all of existence.

Integrating Consciousness and Awareness in Daily Life

The key is not to reject consciousness—we need it to experience life—but to infuse it with awareness. Here are some practical steps to help bridge the gap:

Mindfulness Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day sitting quietly and simply noticing your thoughts and sensations. This practice can help you recognise when you are caught in a reactive loop.

Pause and Think: Before reacting to a situation emotionally, take a deep breath. Ask yourself if your response is coming from an automatic impulse. Figure out if it’s from a place of clarity.

Journaling: Write about your experiences. Capture moments when you felt overwhelmed by reactive consciousness. Describe times when you stepped back and observed with awareness. Over time, patterns will emerge that can guide your growth.

A New Perspective on Suffering and Freedom

Ultimately, the interplay between consciousness and awareness can redefine our experience of freedom. Suffering doesn’t originate from consciousness, which is our capacity to think, to feel, and to dream. It stems from the limitations imposed by identifying solely with that raw mind. As we learn to awaken the quality of awareness in every moment, we start to see our true “self”. It is not the turbulent sea of thoughts. We start to understand this deeper truth. Instead, our true self is the calm, spacious sky in which those thoughts arise.

By embracing our consciousness and cultivating our awareness, we unlock the potential for a richer, more compassionate life. The goal isn’t to silence our conscious experience. Instead, we aim to transform our relationship with it. We must recognise that while consciousness gives us the gift of life, awareness gives us the gift of freedom.