You are not your thoughts

"You are the observer beyond the mind" I believe this is the first step in spirituality or meditation. I would love to hear from others about their experiences with this realization.

In the beginning, we only get glimpses of the fact that we are not our thoughts. But 1) how does this understanding evolve as we progress in spirituality?

2)Do awakened individuals remain in this state 24/7? Or 3) do they still get lost in thoughts like ordinary people?