Awareness: Honoring Your Self

Young girl doing yoga in the park

What is awareness? It can be defined as intuitive knowledge or information void of judgment. People may see things in us that we refuse to see in ourselves. All too often, we may be unwilling to discuss with others the negative aspects of ourselves. This unwillingness often leads to criticism, defensiveness and ultimately not feeling understood.

When we refuse to listen to what life is telling us, life has a way of making this point very clear. Life wants us to be aware of ourselves so we can make necessary adjustments in order to live more harmoniously.

No one wants to be accused of something they did not do. Likewise, criticism when offered in a way that invalidates us may cause a defensive response. However, criticism can provide us with profound insights about ourselves. If we can move beyond anger and fear, those who criticize us are using the only means they know of to make us aware of how we impact the world. When we control the ego to hear what is being said, we may come to realize the things that people say are the things we have silently said to ourselves.

Becoming aware of ourselves and the impact we have on the world is hard stuff! It requires a willingness to listen and determination toward growth in loving, accepting and understanding ourselves with all our experiences. The first step to awareness is looking in the mirror without judgment or self-criticism. Every experience must be revisited and explored. James Baldwin states “You cannot fix what you will not face”. Successful awareness has more to do with looking inward rather than trying to fix ourselves. Once we are aware, we become more empowered to choose what works and what does not. There is no longer a need to fear criticism.

Life makes us aware of what we need to know. We cannot change what we are unwilling to face. Awareness is the path to better choices and the key to peace. Awareness opens the mind and heart to new possibilities.