awareness and thoughts, your perspective

[jdandre]

It's not, to my mind, a case of being "just the awareness" (which perhaps owes more to non-duality than mindfulness), it's more about being aware, paying attention. Or, in other words, being mindful.

As the man himself (who knows how to properly spell "Jon") says:

[Bethany]

Good questions!

I don't reject "negative" thoughts, because they are based on subconscious assumptions that won't go away so easily. Instead, I am curious about any thought that doesn't feel good. I ask my mind "Why do you think this?" I keep asking "why," as well as other questions, until I can redefine the thought.

As far as "positive" thoughts go, I am skeptical of emotional highs. When I am not taking care of my basic needs, my emotions swing from one extreme to the other, so "highs" are often a sign that I need to care for myself better.

[Gareth]

I keep asking "why," as well as other questions, until I can redefine the thought.

What do you mean by "redefining" the thought?

[FeeHutch]

I don't feel like mindfulness requires me to redefine my thoughts. The quote from Mark Williams in my signature sums up my understanding on that particular point.

[Candour]

I agree with jdandre, Waking Up is a fascinating read if you want a straightforward scientific exploration of self transcendence. The no head meditation is both surreal and very familiar.
Beyond Meditation looks interesting too.