“Know thyself.”~ Socrates - 5th century BC Greek philosopher
A simple two word statement by Socrates way back in the 5th
century still holds true in the 21st century. Self-awareness,
Mindfulness are tools for being effective leaders, successful personalities.
Lets understand what is self awareness? How does one develop Self-awareness?
Why is self awareness important for personal growth?
Self awareness is our ability to notice ourselves in the present moment.
Being aware of the self,
helps us to navigate our life more purposefully through various situations in
both professional and personal lives. Lack of awareness is like a boat moving
without any sense of direction.
Is that how we want to
lead our lives? No.
When one is aware of the
self, one can bring about behavioral changes, one can understand others better.
Self awareness also enhances Emotional Intelligence, leadership skills, life
skills and effective communication skills.
Self-awareness can be
developed at all levels of the personality. The personality encompasses the
physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Self-
awareness at the physical level:
Awareness of our body –
weight , looks and height. Total acceptance of the physical self. Being aware
of our body can make us aware of what is really happening. For example a gut feeling may alert us about something
that's not quite right; the flow of blood in our veins can awaken us to the
simple joy of being alive; a shiver down our spine may let us know that we have
connected with a truth. Noticing these activities internally - is the
manifestation of self-awareness.
Self-awareness
at the mental level:
A constant chatter
continues in our mind – I wish I had said this , how dare anyone talk to me like that, what do
they think of themselves, I will show them, No one really understands me and on
and on. Sometimes, we are so drawn in to the mental chatter that we lose out on
the present moment. Also what happens is – our thoughts, internal dialogues
give rise to various emotions. When we lack awareness, we give in to those
emotions, we react from those emotions and all this only creates further
misunderstanding for us. However, if we are aware that it is just a thought, and
if it is not a welcome thought – we can snap it at that very moment.
Awarefully bring the mind to the
present, take a few deep breath and be present in the moment. Responding to
situations is always better than reacting.
Self-awareness
at the emotional level:
When we are aware that it
is our thoughts giving rise to the emotions, we can find a way out of the
emotion too. When any emotions arise, acknowledge, accept and let go. Constant
brooding over the past only harbors negative feelings. In full awareness, snap
out of it. Bring your attention to the present, admire something beautiful, be
thankful for all you have at that moment and smile.
Self-awareness
at spiritual level:
Self-awareness at the
spiritual level is being conscious of our thoughts, actions and speech. We will
be guided by the higher self to take decisions keeping the bigger picture in
mind. Being more compassionate and sensitive to our surroundings and situations
and acting from a place of aware full
consciousness is the result of self awareness at the spiritual level.
This knowledge of what is happening with us at
this moment , here n now , is self-awareness, to be differentiated from
self-knowledge which is based on what we know of ourselves from the past - even
if that past is as recent as only a moment ago.
The
past is gone, the future unknown Being present in the here and now is all that
matters.
