Yogi: I was aware of sound and bodily sensations and tried to be aware of the awareness of sound and sensations. But it was too late and stressful.

Sayadaw: Don’t try to be aware of the awareness. In this instance, it is clear that the awareness is present. Just know the distinction between the object and the awareness, that you’re clear there is awareness. 

Rather than try to know the awareness, point to it with the question: Do I know that I’m aware? If there’s a sense that awareness is present, that’s enough. Don’t try to focus or lock in on it.

Usually, we don’t look at reality; we understand reality.

We can’t focus on the mind like we focus on the external objects. 

You can know the mind by its activity, movement and intention.

You can know what passes by, but to focus on it like you would on your leg, you will over focus and it will feel out of sync. 

The mind is subtle and always shifting and you can’t grip it.