Exploring Subjective Experience: A Yoga Perspective
How aware are we of our own subjective experience? This question is often left unexplored, yet it is fundamental to our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Understanding Subjective Experience
Subjective experience is a term that can be seen as either a redundant tautology or a complex expression. Essentially, it refers to the personal, internal experience of the individual, which is inherently subjective and unique to each person. Subjective experiences are the core of our consciousness, and they form the basis of our understanding of the world.
When I started my yoga journey at the age of 20, I became more attuned to the subjective elements of my experience. Yoga, similar to meditation, encourages a deeper awareness of one's mind and body, fostering a more profound understanding of one's subjective experience. Through these practices, I have come to believe that my awareness is relatively high, but it is still a matter of degree.
Quantifying Awareness
On a scale of 1 to 24, allowing for an average of 6 hours of sleep and downtime, my awareness of my subjective experience would be around 18. This can be expressed as the fraction 3/4 or the ratio 3:1. However, due to occasional distractions, this number could be closer to 12, which is approximately half of the time.
Comparing my level of awareness with that of others, I believe my numbers are likely to be higher than average. This is because awareness is not just a fixed state but a dynamic process that can be improved through practice and introspection.
The Nature of Awareness
Awareness is inherently subjective. It is your own internal experience. Objectivity must therefore be understood as deriving from these subjective experiences. We often think of objectivity as a direct reflection of the external world, but in reality, it is shaped by our subjective perceptions.
The process of awareness is essential to existence. For example, a butterfly only becomes a butterfly in our subjective perception. Without our awareness, there would be no reference to a butterfly; it would simply be a physical occurrence without meaning. This realization brings to light the interdependence of subjectivity and objectivity.
The Paradox of Existence
The paradox of being aware is a testament to the complex nature of existence. For something to exist, there must be an awareness of it. Yet, awareness itself cannot exist without something to be aware of. This creates a loop where existence and awareness are mutually dependent.
If we consider the word “butterfly” as an example, the physical entity (the butterfly) exists regardless of human awareness. However, the concept of “butterfly” is a product of human cognition and language. Therefore, while the physical butterfly exists, the idea of a butterfly does not exist without the awareness that gives it meaning.
This interplay between awareness and existence highlights the importance of both in our understanding of the world. It also underscores the inseparability of subjectivity and objectivity, regardless of whether we can articulate this in words.
Ultimately, awareness is the foundation of our subjective experience. Without it, there would be no experiences to discuss, no memories to hold, and no meaningful existence. Understanding and embracing this concept can lead to a deeper appreciation of the universe and our place within it.