If you have read books like "The Secret," "The Man Who Wasn't Me" or "The Man Who Loved You More Than Anyone Else's Eyes," you may have come across the term self awareness. The word self awareness comes from the observation that individuals can only become aware of themselves when they objectively examine everything they feel and think about themselves. Self-awareness involves four elements: insight, reflection, inferring, and accepting. When we speak of self-awareness, we speak of something internal to ourselves. When examining yourself, you must be aware not only of what you think and feel but also of what you know to be true about yourself.
Self-awareness is a necessary part of improving self-awareness, particularly if your life is one characterized by constant stress. Self-awareness is the first step in improving self-esteem. Without self-awareness, you will never become self-aware. However, there are two distinct forms of self-awareness, cognitive and emotional. While self-knowledge, the study of self, can be acquired through formal classes, in order for you to be able to build on self-aware qualities, like self-reflection, in the process of improving self-esteem, a commitment to participate in an Emotional Intelligence training program is necessary.
Most Emotional Intelligence training programs use a variety of techniques to help participants understand and apply concepts related to self-awareness. One such technique is mindfulness meditation. In its most basic form, mindfulness meditation is defined as remaining consciously aware of your body, feelings, thoughts and space around you at all times. Mindfulness can be practiced by beginners through focused breathing exercises, which can be done before you go to sleep at night, in the morning as you wake up, or any other time that is most convenient for you.
By learning to stay present in the moment, self-aware individuals can learn to de-stress. Stress, according to University of California - Los Angeles Psychology professor Carol R. Gilligan, PhD, can lead to higher levels of emotional intelligence and greater coping skills. Self-awareness can help you fight off negative feelings such as anxiety and depression, according to Self Improvement magazine. Self-awareness can also help you manage stress by changing how you respond to stressful situations and by regulating your responses to stressful thoughts and feelings.
While mindfulness can make us more aware of our self, it also has practical value in our everyday lives. Self-aware people tend to make less errors in judgments and decisions, they enjoy a better work environment, they take fewer risks, and they make more money, according to the Emotional Intelligence Society. Self-awareness also helps reduce stress and anxiety, according to a 2021 study conducted in the U.S. by Leanne Davidson, PhD, and doctoral candidate Kyuo Sung. Self-awareness can foster healthy communication skills, leadership skills, organizational performance, and mental health.
Self-aware individuals tend to have realistic feelings about themselves, so they can change those feelings for the better. When we are aware that we are feeling bad about something or that someone else is upset with us, we can make the necessary changes to move forward instead of continuing down the path of failure and dissatisfaction. When we are fully aware of our feelings and beliefs and are able to actively change them for the better, we are much more likely to have a positive affect on those around us.
Self-aware people are aware that they need to actively care about the quality of their lives. A happy mind and body can often overcome difficulties. When we are aware that we are paying attention to our feelings and thoughts, we become more responsive to what our brain and heart are saying to us. Being aware of your own thoughts and feelings allows you to address your experiences with strength and wisdom. It also makes you more likely to change the things about yourself that are causing you unhappiness.
People who practice mindfulness are more likely to take a positive attitude and to practice self-care on a regular basis. When we are more mindful of our thoughts and feelings, we are also more able to respond positively to the needs and problems of others. Our world would be a happier place if everyone was more self-aware. The practice of mindfulness promotes happiness, poise, and confidence in all people of all ages.