“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” Cesare Pavese

“One of the great thieves of joy is simply not being present to the task at hand.” John O’Leary

Sarah Ban Breathnach, in her updated version of the book Simple Abundance, highlights the overwhelming impact of today's fast-paced and unsettling 24/7 news culture. This constant stream of information drains our sense of security and reduces our ability to find happiness, leaving us drained and susceptible. We feel anxious, fragile, and fearful, often unsure of our direction or where we stand. Even in the presence of loved ones, we struggle to stay focused due to incessant distractions. What's disconcerting is that this perpetual state of anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional strain has somehow become the accepted norm in our society. However, we must recognize that this is not the true norm because the events unfolding each day are far from ordinary. To protect ourselves and our loved ones, we must acknowledge that there need to be limits on technology. We already possess everything we require, and true fulfillment comes from recognizing the blessings we receive each day.
I have been waking up at 5:00 AM every morning for months so that I may have some quiet time for myself, away from technology and the tv, away from my loved ones, even away from the cats, so I could go deeper inside myself and find out what I truly want for my life in the time I have left and who I truly am right now. I have been reading books and journaling every morning, before I check my email or the New York Times. Here are some of the nuggets of wisdom I have found.
In today's fast-paced world, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of life, living on autopilot without truly experiencing the present moment. We often neglect our own wants and needs, failing to tap into the immense potential that lies within us. However, developing self-awareness can be a transformative journey, empowering us to lead more fulfilling lives.
As Rick Hansen aptly stated, every living creature, including a human, is driven to pursue their wants and needs. Self-awareness involves deepening our understanding of these wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings. By developing this awareness, we become better equipped to meet our desires effectively and embrace ourselves fully.
In her book The Spark Factor, Molly Maloof highlights how many of us exist on autopilot, mindlessly following societal norms and expectations. However, she introduces the concept of biohacking, which involves bringing conscious awareness to our actions, thoughts, and their impact on our bodies and minds. By switching off the autopilot and becoming mindful of our experiences, we can embark on a path of healing and self-optimization.
Caroline Buijs, in The Big Book of Less, reminds us that we possess senses beyond just sight. By focusing on what we hear, feel, taste, and smell, we can anchor ourselves in the present moment. This heightened sense of awareness allows us to experience the richness of life, fostering a deep connection with ourselves and our surroundings.
Elissa Epel, in The Stress Prescription, emphasizes the importance of deep rest in restoring and rejuvenating our biological systems. By cultivating deep rest states even while awake, we provide our minds and bodies with a potent form of restoration. This practice enhances our overall well-being and helps us operate at our full potential. Naptime, anyone?! For decades, I have been struggling with fatigue from my various autoimmune diseases. I struggled against taking naps, only to be too exhausted when I finished work to do more than veg on the couch. Going against the idea that naps are for the very young or old, and reconfiguring my work schedule, most days I have time for a nap now. This has given me the energy to make and eat a healthier dinner, exercise and even engage in activities far after the sun has set. Just that one small change has given me so much more than I ever expected. I finally listened to my body, instead of other people.
Julie Smith, in her work Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, suggests that building awareness begins with looking back and journaling. By reflecting on our experiences and our responses to them, we enhance our ability to understand ourselves better. This introspective practice lays the foundation for personal growth and self-awareness.
Julie Smith further highlights mindfulness as a tool to cultivate awareness. By consciously switching off the autopilot and paying attention to our thoughts, emotions, urges, and actions, we gain the opportunity to pause and make conscious choices. Mindfulness allows us to break free from impulsive reactions and align our behaviors with our true intentions.
Rick Hanson, in his book Resilient, suggests practical ways to develop stable and steady attention. By focusing on the breath or engaging in breath awareness practices, we strengthen the monitoring capacity of our minds, stabilizing our attention. This centeredness helps us resist distractions and remain present in the moment.
Hanson also uses a beautiful analogy, comparing our minds to gardens. Observing, pulling weeds, and planting flowers represent the three ways we can tend to our minds. By observing our thoughts and letting go of unhelpful ones, we create space for positive growth, allowing our authentic selves to flourish.
When we cultivate self-awareness, we unlock a myriad of benefits. Firstly, self-awareness empowers us to make informed decisions and take intentional actions that align with our values and aspirations. It also enhances our emotional intelligence, allowing us to understand and regulate our emotions effectively. Self-awareness fosters personal growth, enabling us to break free from automatic patterns and create positive change in our lives. Moreover, it improves our relationships by enhancing our understanding of others' perspectives and emotions.
Self-awareness is an essential human trait that enables us to lead more authentic, purposeful lives. By developing this awareness through practices such as mindfulness, journaling, and reflection, we can break free from the confines of autopilot living. The journey of self-awareness empowers us to recognize our wants and needs, make conscious choices, and embrace our true selves. As we become more attuned to the present moment, we unlock the vast potential within us, paving the way for personal growth, well-being, and a more fulfilling existence.
Through my many early mornings, I figured out that magenta, hot pink and fuchsia are still my favorite colors, even if I am still stinging from being teased about it in 8th grade. Now, not only am I brave enough to be sporting neon pink toenails and fingernails, but I am comfortable enough in myself to be rocking magenta hair. Why go gray, when I can go pink, right? I have reached a profound understanding that my true value as a person cannot be measured by the balance in my bank account, the numbers on the scale, or the cleanliness of my house. The same applies to you. I discovered that I didn't require material possessions; all I needed was the realization of how fortunate I was. The way awareness manifests itself is inconsequential; what truly matters is its presence. I firmly believe that what you contribute to the world will eventually be reciprocated to you, perhaps not immediately or in the manner you anticipate, but if you give your utmost, the finest rewards will come your way.
Activity: Collage Creation
Create a collage using images, words, and phrases that resonate with you. Allow your intuition to guide the selection process, and reflect on what each element represents to gain insights into your desires, aspirations, and interests.
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