Know yourself?

The current issue of Success magazine (September/October 2023) is about self-awareness. When I started therapy in HS (teen angst), the writing exercises I did with my therapist went into a notebook labeled “self-awareness” that I still have.

“[Maria] Forleo says it’s important to understand what you really are at your core, what you want most and how to parse through what is truly your vision or dream versus what’s been conditioned into you.” — Success Magazine

Self-awareness is helpful on many levels. You better understand yourself, better understand others and have better relationships. I have learned that some people are naturally self-aware and others need to learn it. I am blessed in the fact that I am naturally self-aware and my mother would tell you I always have been. On the hand, I have watched my mother become more self-aware with the development of a meditation practice over the last year. Many years ago, I had a yoga teacher who at the beginning of each class would ask us to mentally scan our bodies for the problem areas. I would visualize a scanner wand going up my body from my toes to my head and make note of the areas that seemed uncomfortable being “scanned.” Nine times out of ten, I already knew what the areas were because I am self-aware and check in often with myself.

Want to be more self-aware without visualizing a scanner or starting a meditation practice, then ask yourself some probing questions like “What is the most important thing in my life? Who are the most important people in my life?”, etc. (Darius Foroux, The shine App) Be sure to write down your answers so you can refer to them later. It is important to keep in mind that are several tangential skills such as having an open mind, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, etc. (Sean Peek, Business News Daily) that will help you on your path to becoming more self-aware.

“’Self-awareness keeps us grounded, attuned and focused,’ said [Sherrie] Campbell in her book.” — Sean Peek, Business News Daily

So, as we head towards the end of summer (already?!) be aware of how you feel in the sunshine, at backyard BBQ or on a walk in nature especially note who you are with if you are not alone. Then remember sitting by a fire with a cup of cocoa can in the winter can be just as much fun as  a backyard BBQ.