In yoga, in mindfulness practices, in disciplines that are intended to cultivate an awareness of our true self: source, supreme consciousness, god, we are instructed to observe our thoughts, control our energy and our senses and allow the fluidity of our emotions. We are instructed to practice this not only on our mat, our mediation cushions, in our times of self study and quiet contemplation but to more importantly, learn to integrate this awareness throughout our daily activities. I would say that our isolated moments of disciplined self study and practice are the training ground for the times of true implementation of the tools for understanding consciousness, that happen when we are not in control of our surroundings and those we interact with.
One way to do this is to contemplate the Koshas, the five layers of awareness. They consist of the Annamaya Kosa, the most external layer that relates to the physical body and how we feed and nurture the physical body. The second Kosha is the Pranayama Kosha or the energy body and the regulation of the flow of prana, life force. The third Kosha is the Manomaya Kosha, the mind our thoughts. The Vijnanamaya Kosha relates to our intuition, inner wisdom. The final Kosha and the highest state of consciousness is the bliss body or the Anandamaya Kosha, the connection to the true self.
Try to become aware of these layers in your personal practices and continue this mindful connection throughout your day. Notice how your perspective shifts, how your personal guidance system becomes easier to discern, and witness the deepening quality of your awareness in your everyday activities and interactions.