Self-Awareness

Self-awareness also takes time and is a constantly evolving practice on tuning-in and tuning-up. Mindfulness teaches us to bring our attention to these patterns that we may not be aware of so we can consciously decide if we want to continue practicing them.

Now back to the beginning stage to developing awareness.

If one does not progress and instead gets stuck in negative loops. You may begin to obsess and this can be a TRAP! A trap that often discourages individuals from diving deeper into themselves.

This is because when you make judgments it feels like you are being self-aware doesn’t it?  

You are thinking to yourself, “wow, I was actually really rude to that person because my ego was threatened. I’m such a horrible person for being that way“. Then you stop there, placing blame and judgments on yourself and not actually integrating the experience.

This is not self-awareness.

Let’s look at it from an acceptance point of view, when we add in mindfulness and self-kindness we begin to see things more clearly. We see a more balanced perspective.

Now I say, “wow, my ego was threatened in that situation, I reacted poorly. Next time I’m in a space like that how can I bring more understanding in”.– For example, its possible that after journaling and doing reflections you will see that you reacted that way because you felt insecure in the space. Now that’s a mindful discovery. No judgement placed here, just awareness.

Using mindfulness meditation I can reflect on that need, and I find ways to build myself up so that I feel more stable.

This generally means finding ways to take care of that need every day. So finding a balancing routine, making sure you are reflecting on your emotions and adding in mindful practices to support your journey.  All this will help to build ways to the fulfillment of those needs. – Almost everything we express has a core need behind it.. It’s our job to listen to what that is. This is mindful awareness.. It’s a way to hold space for yourself each day.

So now, I accept what I struggle with and I am actively trying to understand and nurture that space. Then the next time my ego is threatened, instead of responding in an obnoxious/rude/terrible way I can take a minute to breathe, check in and establish stability before reacting. – As the daily practice you do will bring this about.

Do you see how the cycle goes from; awareness – integration – mindfulness – understanding – acceptance.

Working on this not only builds understanding and acceptance for ourselves, but for the entire world around us. The inner worlds reflect the outer and visa versa. Throughout this journey, remember to be kind to yourself. Try to be aware, without feeling guilty or angry at yourself, for what you’re doing and thinking at any given moment. Just find ways to integrate and be mindful, so you can move forward with a positive supportive perception.

With gratitude, Demi-Gea  x