Yogi: I have been using an anchor object like the breath to keep me in the present and then I can also notice thoughts, sounds and body warmth. But when I try to notice the awareness, I get trapped into thinking about the awareness.

Sayadaw: You can already notice many objects; so, just ask yourself ‘is awareness present or not?’ If you just ask, the mind will then notice if awareness is present.

Don’t try too much or you’ll start to think more. Naturally the mind can know; just reminding with a question is enough.