How do practices of mindfulness and meditation alter one's perception of reality and contribute to spiritual awakening?

ANSWER: Mindfulness and meditation practices fine-tune awareness, anchoring the mind to the present moment and quieting incessant thought streams. This heightened awareness gradually dissolves the ego's hold, revealing life's impermanence and interconnectedness. Through consistent practice, individuals begin to perceive reality beyond the filters of personal biases and conditioned responses, leading to insights into the true nature of existence. This clarity fosters a deep spiritual awakening, nurturing a sense of unity with the cosmos and an inner peace independent of external circumstances.