How to Grow The Skill of Awareness
Awareness is the foundation of change.
You can’t change what you’re not aware of. It’s that simple. But, if you want to grow in awareness it first requires that you slow down and prioritize space for it in your schedule. If you’re on autopilot, then you’ll just keep doing more of the same. People who live day to day in their mindless defaults tend to grow in awareness only once their defaults lead them into some sort of crisis. It’s a brutal way to learn a lesson.
You'll do yourself a huge favor if you start growing your awareness of the following:
Emotions
Thoughts
Body Sensations
Negative/Limiting Beliefs
Core Values
Your Overall Story
Gratitude
Taking 10 mins a day to journal something about your thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, and/or reflections about your past, present, or future can go a long way in helping you develop the habit of self-awareness. There is no right or wrong way to get started. You just have to do it.
If you’re a journaling beginner, I have 2 simple suggestions for how to grow your awareness skills:
The Brain Dump. This is a simple venting practice. Set a timer for 5 mins or so, and write down anything and everything that comes to mind, unfiltered. You might be surprised to notice that after doing this you’ll feel a bit lighter and more clear.
Gratitude. This is a simple practice of focusing on what you do have vs. what you don’t have. Simply name 3 or more things that you are grateful for. Don’t just name the same rote things day after day, but try and stretch yourself for things that are specific.
Remember, how we experience life is very much related to the stories we tell ourselves. If we are seeing our world through default negative filters, then we are more likely to suffer and stay stuck. If we grow our awareness skills, then we can have the opportunity to change our perspective, decrease suffering, and make some real progress.
If you find yourself saying, yeah, but I'm just not good at this awareness stuff. That is also just an old story. You can keep it (and continue your current trajectory) or you can create consistent space in your daily schedule to practice seeing things in a new way. It’s totally up to you.
But since I’m in your corner, I’ll lovingly suggest you make the commitment to growing your awareness skills. :)
Tom Page, LCPC
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