The Breaking Autopilot

This article shares the transformative journey of Naveen, a Kolkata teacher who broke free from autopilot living through the Decode phase of the D.H.A.R.M. Sadhana coaching model. It details practical mindfulness interventions, including awareness audits, mindful pauses, Wheel of Life assessments, and self-inquiry practices, which helped him transition from a mechanical routine to conscious presence. The case study demonstrates measurable improvements in workplace engagement, emotional awareness, and life satisfaction, offering readers actionable insights for reclaiming their own awareness and breaking free from unconscious patterns.

The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

Picture this: a dedicated teacher going through the motions, day after day, wondering where their passion has gone. That was Naveen when he first reached out to me—a story I’ve witnessed countless times in my 12+ years of coaching, yet each journey remains uniquely powerful. I still remember our first conversation. Naveen described his days as a monotonous loop: alarm, commute, classroom, repeat. He was physically there for his students, but emotionally? He felt like a passenger in his own life. That’s when I asked him a question that would become the catalyst for everything:

“When did you last feel truly awake?”

The silence that followed spoke volumes.

The Hidden Cost of Autopilot Living

Naveen’s struggle resonated deeply with me because it’s one I encounter regularly in my practice. His life had become routine-driven, devoid of conscious presence. Teaching—once his calling—had transformed into something mechanical. Emotional numbness had crept in like fog, making self-care feel impossible. Fatigue and irritability became his unwelcome companions, following him home each evening. But the most painful part? That quiet doubt whispers,

“Am I really making a difference?”

Enter the Decode Phase: Illuminating Hidden Patterns

This is precisely where the Decode phase of my D.H.A.R.M. Sadhana Model becomes transformative. My intention wasn’t to fix Naveen—it was to help him see clearly. To bring his subconscious patterns into the brilliant light of conscious awareness, creating the foundation for authentic growth. The Awareness Audit became our starting point. Naveen began journaling daily, tracking those telling moments when he was on autopilot versus truly present. This wasn’t just writing—it was detective work, uncovering the hidden patterns running his life.

Three Mindful Pauses daily became his gentle reminders. Not to force change, but to create sacred spaces for noticing. A simple alarm would invite him to check in with his breath, his thoughts, his body. The Wheel of Life assessment provided a visual wake-up call. We mapped satisfaction across different life domains—some areas flourishing, others gasping for attention. Short guided meditations became part of his routine, focusing purely on observation without judgment. And through powerful self-inquiry prompts—”What am I feeling right now?” “Is this routine serving me?”—Naveen began peeling back decades of unconscious habit to rediscover his authentic needs and desires.

The Transformation: Numbers Tell Only Half the Story

Within weeks, the changes were remarkable. Naveen reduced his autopilot episodes from 12 per day to just 3—a quantifiable shift that reflected more profound internal changes. His self-reported presence in the classroom soared from 4/10 to 8/10. But numbers, while impressive, only capture part of this transformation. Naveen rekindled his passion for teaching, introducing mindfulness moments for his students. His relationships with colleagues and family grew warmer and more authentic. Most significantly, he discovered a renewed sense of fulfillment and calm, a quiet confidence that radiated into every corner of his life.

In Naveen’s Own Words

“I used to move through my day as if on rails. Now, I catch myself, breathe, and choose how I show up for my students and myself.”

This quote captures the essence of what the Decode phase accomplishes—not just awareness, but the power to make a choice.

Why Breaking Autopilot Changes Everything

Naveen’s journey proves something I’ve observed across thousands of coaching hours: breaking free from autopilot isn’t merely about changing routines; it’s about embracing a new perspective. It’s about reclaiming your awareness, your energy, your joy. The Decode phase of D.H.A.R.M. Sadhana isn’t a quick fix—it’s a conscious commitment to wake up to your own life, one mindful breath at a time. If Naveen’s story resonates with you—if you’ve felt stuck in routine, disconnected from purpose, or hungry for more presence—know this: transformation is possible. With the right tools, support, and commitment, you too can step off those rails and choose how you show up.

The question isn’t whether you can change. It’s whether you’re ready to wake up.

Ready to begin your own Decode journey? I invite you to start with a straightforward practice: Set three gentle alarms throughout your day. When they sound, pause. Breathe. Notice. That’s where awareness begins.

Curious to start? Download my free Dharmic Leadership Meditation Guide or book a Dharma Discovery Call. Let’s walk this eternal path together.

Om poornamadah Poornamidam |
Poornaat Poornamudachyate |
Poornasya Poornamaadaya |
Poornamevaavashishyate |
Om shanti, shanti, shanti hi ||

Hari Om Tatsat!

Warm regards,
Abhisshek Om Chakravarty
Life Transformation Coach, Blogger, and Author.
Founder, D.H.A.R.M. Sadhana
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