Yogi: When I’m tired, the tendency is to think that I can’t be mindful because I’m too tired or sleepy to make that extra effort.
But actually being aware that I’m sleepy doesn’t increase the problem; it makes me better. I don’t feel as sleepy when I’m aware that I’m sleepy.
Sayadaw: It just depends on the attitude of the mind that is watching. When you’re sleepy and you know it continuously, the mind can become more alert, but if you think ‘I don’t want it and the sleepiness is not very helpful’, then the mind can feel sleepier.
Yogi: I notice that if I follow the thought, then I get more sleepy; but if I’m aware, from the point of awareness, there is no sleepiness.
Sayadaw: When it is like that, then you can be aware and start feeling better.
When we know how, we can change the mind.