Awareness

Do you think it’s possible to increase your awareness to the point where you can observe your behavior? If so, would you be surprised at what you see? I think it is. I have been working on becoming intentional about paying attention to how I respond to people and situations around me. It’s not easy, but it can certainly deliver a kind of peace you are not expecting.

“Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?”

Marcus Aurelius

Someone recently attempted to share exciting information about a practice that helps with holistic self-care. While they were in the process of telling their story, I completely highjacked the conversation, offering my own opinion about what I thought of the practice. Instead of listening, I poked a bunch of holes in what they thought was a serious attempt at helping both of us. I knew what I was doing, I could sense it, feel it, and I felt ugly afterward!

“I’ve worked all my life on the subject of awareness, whether it’s awareness of the body, awareness of the mind, awareness of your emotions, awareness of your relationships, or awareness of your environment. I think the key to transforming your life is to be aware of who you are.”

Deepak Chopra

When I began to do this work, I knew there would be moments of hurt and pain associated with it. The thought was accurate, and I was staring the emotions in the face. Herein lies the lesson. To change a behavior, we first must be aware it exists. Though it might cause some pain, it can’t be corrected until we own it. We don’t know what we don’t know!

“Honest self-understanding liberates us from our stuck emotions.”

C. Terry Warner

The need to feel ugly or get mad at myself is not necessary. Instead, it is a cause for celebration. It means that the intentional work I am doing to increase my self-awareness is the right path. I know there will be more opportunities to correct how I respond to the world around me. Each time, getting me closer to the behavior I can accept about myself. Feeling ugly and getting mad at myself turns into a moment where I can laugh at my behavior instead. This light-hearted approach to life makes a lot of room to fill the heart with happiness.

“A sense of humor … is needed armor. Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”

Hugh Sidney

Talk soon…

G