What is awareness? Is it a natural given or a human superpower?

Awareness is the practice of stepping out of situational circumstances to understand the influence of past experiences and blockages on perceptions, emotions, and thoughts.

The problem is when we’re on autopilot for so long that we forget we’re on autopilot. Because when we’re not even aware of our own habits, routines, impulses, and reactions, then we no longer control them; they control us. (Mark Manson, The Three Levels of Self-Awareness)

There are two types of self-awareness:

-internal state of awareness

-external state of awareness

Some people are overly focused on their thoughts and emotions and lose sight of what’s going on in their environment and fail to be “in the moment”. Others are glued to their surroundings in the sense that they do not consider their own welfare and opinion. (empaths) Some are inclined to do both without feeling centered as the observer of life phenomenon which can lead to feeling emotionally distant or detached from what’s going on in their lives. 

It is easy to feel powerless when either internal or external awareness are more dominant. The goal is to find a balanced self-identity between the two, this way there is self-understanding and environmental/energetic protection simultaneously.

Self-awareness seeks to gain mental clarity in both internally and externally occurring experiences.

Despite possessing capacities far beyond other animals to consider others’ minds, to empathize with others’ needs, and to transform empathy into care and generosity, we fail to employ these abilities readily, easily, or equally.

There is a symbiotic connection between self-consciousness, environmental consciousness, and absolute consciousness.

Consciousness is the linkage between each living thing and the manipulated matter which results from thoughts and actions. 

Every piece of matter and person is playing a part in consciousness and becoming aware of that role is the main theme of self-awareness.

Self-awareness is a mentally taxing skill that requires consistent practice. It is often associated with Buddhism, athletic sports, artistry, dangerous situations, and high pressure decisions. These disciplines require high alertness combined with inner peace, or a combination of both internal and external awareness.

Awareness, like behavioral therapy, requires backtracking in the mind, playing rewind. 

Here’s a personal story:

I always found myself cringing when told compliments. It is bearable to live with this sort of reaction, but I wanted to understand it as a hindrance to social connection. I tracked back to the formation of this behavior and realized it was an internal reaction to external stimuli. 

Turns out, I developed this self-consciousness as a child who wanted to be seen for true talent and intelligence, rather than beauty. However, prior to understanding the association my mind created, I would internalize the negative self-talk and pronounce a fake “thank you”.

I had become aware of this particular behavior, but now I was at the threshold of creating a new one, a more socially productive one.

I left a mental note here to go back to whenever I was faced with the decision to retreat or to genuinely recognize the kind motives of the communicator. This became easier and easier and eventually I created a new connection:

“Just because someone comments on outer beauty, does not mean they do not recognize the deeper, more meaningful kind. Actually, they may not be aware of the need to recognize the under-the-surface qualities within themselves due to social conditioning either.”

And now I boldly reply: “Thank You”. This person means what they are saying and is not trying to create a threat or attack. Rewired.

Awareness takes practice. It is a bridge between the internal and external worlds, linked to a jumble of memories and associations that formed unconsciously.

To become “aware” or “self aware” means to dig up connections between thoughts and emotions and external experiences. After understanding why the connections formed, individuals can augment them to better suit their goals of self worth and sustainable happiness.

The Art of Soul Growth | Soul Threshold