ABC: Awareness Builds Consciousness!
Have you ever wondered why the Wisemen and Sages, from antiquity to modern-day, always have a peaceful, content smile on their faces? Do they know something we don’t? It’s as simple as ABC. They have practiced the wisdom of Self Awareness for their entire lives. They’ve all known it is a crucial component of a fulfilling, meaningful and peaceful life. The concept involves being in tune with (witnessing) one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and understanding how they align with one’s core values and goals.
Daily practice of Self-Awareness can lead to significant personal growth, enhanced relationships, and greater overall well-being. Here are several reasons you might make self-awareness a daily habit.
Firstly, self-awareness helps us manage the altitude of our attitude and our reactions to the various situations we encounter. As highlighted in my book, “The Art Of Being ~ 101 Ways To Practice Purpose In Your Life,” by witnessing and carefully monitoring our attitude and living mindfully, we can navigate life’s challenges more effectively. The practice involves making small, ongoing, incremental adjustments in our attitude and of trusting that we are guided on our journey to a whole life by Infinite Intelligence. This form of mindful living allows us to stay present and responsive rather than reactive, leading to a life that feels more purposeful and serene.
Secondly, practicing self-awareness daily enables us to step outside our immediate experiences and view them objectively. This ability to become a “silent witness” to our thoughts and emotions is unique to humans and is described as our portal to a richer life. By regularly engaging in self-inquiry, we can identify and challenge self-limiting beliefs that no longer serve us. This introspective practice helps us connect the dots between our inner beliefs and outer experiences, facilitating deeper personal understanding and growth.
Another vital aspect of self-awareness involves gratitude. By being mindful and appreciating the many blessings in our lives, we shift our focus from what’s missing to what’s present and valuable. Simple daily practices, such as acknowledging the good health of our bodies or the supportive relationships we have, cultivate an attitude of gratitude. This shift in perspective does more than just make us feel good; it also activates creative energy that nurtures our potential and enhances our overall life satisfaction.
Self Awareness Brings to Light Our Ability to Change our Own Destiny
Daily Self Awareness also involves recognizing and valuing the lessons life offers. Life often brings repeated patterns our way, which are not mere coincidences but opportunities for learning and growth; to alter our own future. By being aware and teachable, we can break through these patterns and advance towards more fulfilling experiences. This ongoing learning process underscores the importance of remaining open to new insights and willing to adapt our beliefs and attitudes. The daily practice of Self Awareness is more than just a self-help technique; it is a fundamental aspect of living a conscious and fulfilling life. It helps us manage our attitudes, appreciate our blessings, challenge self-limiting beliefs, and remain open to life’s lessons. By incorporating mindfulness and self-inquiry into our daily routine, we open ourselves up to a deeper, more enriched experience of life.
THE TAKE AWAY: Let your inner Sage out and follow Its lead! Self-awareness is the bridge to a life where we are authentically in touch with who we are, why we are, where we are going, and what matters most.
Hi Nick…. great insights here; thanks for sharing. I have long been a fan of Teilhard de Chardin, primarily because of what you have shared about his wisdom. The fact that we can have a thought and then step outside of our mind and witness that thought, that emotion, and challenge it if it doesn’t serve us well is a gift that no other living creature has. May we all utilize that gift even more in the future! The world would be a better place for us all!
Have a blessed day.
Peace, Dennis
I agree that self-awareness is vital. If we create a gap between a stimulus and a response to notice what’s happening and what we think, we can decide what is the best thing to do. E F Schumacher in “A Guide for the Perplexed” and Teilhard de Chardin in “The Phenomenon of Man” argue that Self-Awareness is the highest human quality and is unique to us.
Another way to develop it is to talk to someone who is present and listens. When you express what you think and feel, you get new insights and know yourself better.
A small story: I was counselling a troubled married couple but had trouble connecting with the man. When I talked the case over with my counsellor, I realised that I was jealous of him but was unaware of it! (He was successful at work, and I was having a really difficult time and feeling lost.) This taught me a very valuable lesson. If you feel stuck, look at what is going on with you first.