The difference between being awake and not being awake.

When you are not awake, you are subject to the whims and fancies of the world you live within. You are like a leaf floating on the water as the river of life flows. Depending on the environment and conditions, you may be overwhelmed and sink to the bottom where you are tumbled and destroyed by the current and rock at the bottom.

When you are awakened, you understand your part in the creative process, wherein you consciously choose your experiencing of the here now moment by moment unfolding. That is to say, you are less like the leaf being carried away by the whims and fancies of your environment and conditions. This also mean, you don't have to accept that which is presented to you as the moments unfold.

You can make conscious choices, like for instance, while the world around you is in turmoil, you can choose to be at peace and centered in the light of love and joy. While the world bemoans the maladies, conflicts and emotional rollercoaster ride it unconsciously agrees to, you can say, "No thank you, not in my life unfolding."

The thing is, you really have to awaken, you can't fake it. Life will show you whether you "got it" or not. But in the meantime, I suggest taking care of each moment as it unfolds, holding it with loving care and consideration so that, in doing so, you avail yourself to more to be loving and caring and considerate about.

Blessings to us all.