Do you have enough curiosity to ask the question, “How self-aware am I?”
It is a penetrating thought that may inspire us to reflect on the areas of our lives that are on autopilot, and it may prompt us on a journey of greater enlightenment with more aha moments.
We often hear that it is just the beginning, indicating there is much more going on beneath the surface. And, the truth is, there is much more going on in our unconscious minds once we begin to dig deeper. In fact, research in neuroscience and behavioral psychology indicates that 90% to 95% of human decisions and behaviors are driven by the subconscious mind.
These non-conscious processes are influenced by emotions, past experiences, and cognitive biases, acting much faster than conscious thought. And, left unseen, unconscious patterns will create the same frustrations, angry thoughts, and feelings – and until we make the unconscious conscious, it will direct our lives, and we will call it fate. (Carl Jung)
Keeping this in mind, doesn’t it make sense to increase our self-awareness? If or when you are ready, the following are three ways to start:
1. Understand that we process information through our senses – seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling. In other words, from the inside out. And here is where conscious awareness is helpful.
2. Becoming conscious of your outer environments – the people, places, and things that can set you off (your triggers). Self-awareness recognizes your personal beliefs, perspectives, biases, and judgments; you become aware of what you know and what you do not know.
3. Our self-awareness becomes strengthened when we know our values. Our values indicate what we prioritize and deem important.
However, please keep in mind we all have limitations – some are self-sabotaging in nature, others are self-imposed, and many are a direct result of a lack of self-awareness.
It is said, we have met the enemy and he/she is us. NOW, here’s a thought to ponder! Josette Veltri, a Boca Pointe resident, is a certified educator and coach on loss and transition. Her purpose, to assist clients with healing and move forward so they can go from I Can’t to I Can, One Step at a Time. She can be reached at [email protected] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josettejveltri/).
