WHAT IS SELF AWARENESS?
A simple definition of self awareness could be someone getting to ‘know themselves’ in regard to why they might think a certain way; why they feel certain feelings and why they might do certain things. The importance of self awareness is that as we become self aware we also learn such skills as empathy, tolerance and much more because as we understand ourselves, we then understand those around us on a totally different level.
For me personally it’s also about me knowing what my belief systems are and where they originated from; what my fears might be; why I behave in a certain way; understanding how I relate to other people and why. It’s many things and most importantly it’s the first step to self realisation and being able to create the life I want.
It is for me lastly, understanding ‘ who’ I am and ‘ who’ I am becoming.
The 7 step programme ‘Know the “Who” in You!‘ contains a simple process to help those interested, on their journey to become self realised! More information regarding this programme can be seen here.
The first suggestion that could help us become more self aware is to listen to our ‘self talk’ – whether it is up-lifting or makes us feel the total opposite. Become ‘more mindful’. Do we have a voice that ‘puts us down’ or focuses on what we’re grateful for in our lives?
The following is an extract from an exercise which is part of Step 1 in ‘Know the “Who” in You!’
‘SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH THAT INNER CRITIC VOICE!
1. Be more aware of when it talks to you!
2. Realise that as ‘the Critic’ it is simply trying to ‘improve’ you or ‘make you better!’ So basically it is trying to HELP YOU! Except it has the opposite effect! Makes you feel worse and helps to zero your self worth.’
As has been explained, self awareness is about knowing oneself. For instance, knowing what feelings up-lift us and what ones make us feel ‘down’. As we’re ‘in charge’ of them we can change them.
Being in this position makes it simpler for us to stand back and realise the thoughts we’re thinking and be aware of our feelings in certain situations. As the observer and with understanding, we have a choice as to whether we respond or react.
It helps when we focus on being mentally and emotionally in the ‘NOW’ in situations that we’re co-creating around us.
A suggestion that will help us be more in the present is to spend time on our own – in nature. Or we could meditate maybe, listen to calming music. Letting go of any thoughts that may come up and with no judgment involved, allow them to simply drift away. More on this in ‘Meditation’.
Further tools to help become ‘Self Aware’ will be posted separately on ‘Self Mastery Keys‘ soon.
The quote I’ve included from Eckhardt Tolle is about focusing on becoming ‘the Observer’.
‘Hold the power of the silent watcher. You can become stronger than any thoughts or feelings’.