Are We Truly Self Aware?
We like to think that we know what’s going on. We like to think that we know who we are and the environment that we inhabit. However, we sometimes make decisions and reason in ways that undermine such beliefs. Humans derive much of their understanding of themselves and the world from external sources. We fail to look within ourselves for the essential answers.
Self-awareness is defined as one’s ability to perceive and understand the things that make them who they are as individuals, including their personality, actions, values, beliefs, emotions, and thoughts. Individuality is dependent upon our ability to be present. To be locked into the moment. In 2024, we have a hard time blocking out the endless distractions. Whether it be our social lives, the responsibilities of daily life, the pleasures of modern technology, or an increasingly polarized society, we struggle to achieve the psychological concentration and focus needed in order to develop a strong sense of self-awareness.
It is upon us to recognize our distractive tendencies and habits, which we have adopted, largely subconsciously, throughout our development. We must begin our journey towards greater awareness by recognizing that our bodily senses serve as a vehicle towards our understanding of our environment and especially ourselves. About what we are, where we come from, and the true meaning of our livelihood.
Meditation and other forms of mental and physical relaxation are frequently emphasized as effective practices geared towards acquiring deep levels of self-awareness. Although these can be helpful, much more is required in order to be successful when partaking in such an endeavor. We must think about our individual journey. We must think deeply about our past, present and future. How did certain events, valuable in our minds, affect us and other’s perception of us. Ultimately, how did we respond? In what ways were our attitudes towards ourselves and the external world impacted? How did these events mold us into who we are today and who we want to be in the future? These are the type of questions that we must ask ourselves in order to make the great leap from obliviousness to self-awareness.
Once a person dedicates their time towards self-analysis, they enable themselves to acquire genuine self-awareness. A development which allows them to direct their authentic feelings and attitudes towards external stimuli. One of the goals of every individual should be to become knowledgeable and alert, allowing their instincts to help guide their decisions. Another goal should be to translate awareness into sound judgment. Our collective humanity makes this a difficult and ongoing dilemma. Some of us are better at this skill than others.
Nevertheless, each of us has to decide. Do we want to be the best version of ourselves? If we sincerely do, we have nowhere else better to look then within.
