How many times a day are we on autopilot?
Do we ask, “Why did I open this app?” as we reach for our phone?
Or do we remember to ask, “Do I really need it?” when shopping?
Living consciously requires staying alert not only in physical choices but also in emotional, mental, and spiritual planes. Who do we spend our time with? What do we spend our money on? Where do we channel our energy? Each of these is a choice, and we make most of them unconsciously. Then we find ourselves tired, scattered, and not knowing why we feel this way. We ignore the signals our body gives us, we do not listen to the needs of our mind, and we do not question our spiritual state. When we stop and look for a moment, we realize that the wind of life is carrying us away.
I have been experiencing a more conscious life for a while now. This process may seem like small changes from the outside, but it creates a big transformation in my soul. Before I shop, I stop and ask the question, “Do I really need it?” Before I say “yes” to an invitation, I ask myself and listen to what my heart is telling me. When I spend time on social media, I remind myself, “What am I feeling right now?” I notice the thoughts that occupy my mind. I listen to the body, emotions, and feelings.
All of these have deepened with my yoga practice. Because yoga is not just about taking shape with your body on the mat, it is also about finding shape in life. Trying to stay in the “now” with every breath, noticing the body’s signals in every posture, observing the mind in every vulnerable moment. Yoga strengthens the muscles of making conscious choices. It deepens the communication between your mind and body.
Thanks to yoga, my ability to make more conscious choices in every moment of my life has increased. It makes me realize what I say yes to, what I can’t say no to, and where I distance myself. Most of the time, when we act out of emotional reactions, we find ourselves in difficult situations. However, awareness allows us to stop before these reactions. This pause allows us to take a deep breath and refocus.
This awareness silently transforms the quality of your life. Being able to say no, being able to stop, being able to be alone, being able to look back at yourself… All of these are about “being true to yourself.” This loyalty strengthens your connection with your true self, which brings peace and balance. Every choice you make consciously brings you closer to your inner power.
This is not about being content with less; it is about choosing the truth. Realizing what we really need. Feeding on meaning, not crowds. Growing from contact, not consumption. Understanding that we need to live by hearing our inner voice, without submitting to the impositions of the consumer society… This can actually start with a simple awareness.
What choice were you conscious of today? Who or what did you say “yes” to? What did you choose for yourself? Maybe you drank a glass of water with longing. Maybe you listened to your body and got on the mat. Maybe you said “I don’t believe you anymore” to a thought. Maybe you chose to get away from the noise of the crowd and be with yourself for a moment.
They are all aware. Every awareness brings you a little closer to yourself. And every choice makes you a more whole, freer person. Living consciously is embracing not just the moment but also the whole of life. The moment of making a choice is actually one of the most powerful moments that shape life. That’s why every moment is a new beginning. You can make a new conscious choice.
Ayten Melis Gence
Instagram @melispurelife
E-Mail a.melisgence@gmail.com
