171: Clarifying the Natural State: Direct Recognition & Embodied Living

In this episode I explore what it means to clarify the natural state — not as something to attain or construct, but as something already here, quietly present beneath the noise, the striving, and the constant movement of mind.This is a conversation around direct recognition — the simple, often overlooked capacity to notice what is aware, rather than getting endlessly caught in what we are aware of.We explore how easily the system gets pulled into patterns of seeking, fixing, improving… and how this, in itself, can obscure the very clarity we’re looking for.There’s a gentle but honest look at the habits of mind that keep us looping — and how through awareness, breath, and embodied presence, something begins to soften.Not through force.Not through more effort.But through seeing clearly.This episode also touches on embodied living — what it means to bring this recognition into the body, into relationship, into daily life. Not as a concept, but as a felt, lived experience.A return to simplicity.A return to what’s real.If you’ve been feeling caught in the “more, more, more” — more practice, more knowledge, more optimisation — this is an invitation to pause……and notice what’s already here.If you’d like to listen to the full episode, come and join me over on Substack.Continue the JourneySubstack (writings and videos):https://yogaheartmind.substack.comUpcoming immersive — May 2:https://app.punchpass.com/org/6670/classes/19796254?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioUpcoming retreats, including Sri Lanka 2026:https://www.stuartwatkins.org/sri-lanka-retreat-2026This Episode Is Supported ByThese are brands I genuinely use and value in my own life:Ajjaya — ceremonial clothing and sacred wearUse code STUARTWATKINSInfraredi — red light therapyhttps://infraredi.com.auUse code STUARTWATKINSSTEEP Ayurveda — ayurvedic bathing ritualsOne Golden Thread — conscious clothingUse code STUART181 for 18% offhttps://onegoldenthread.com/Sole Mechanics — barefoot and grounding footwearUse code WATKINS6162 for 15% offhttps://www.solemechanics.com.au/Aum Rudraksha — handcrafted mala beads from BaliUse code WATKINS10 for 10% offhttps://www.aumrudraksha.com/Thank you for listening and for supporting the work.StuartSupport the show