Solutions for finding inner peace
WHAT IS SELF-AWARENESS?
To be self-aware is to be constantly attentive to the thoughts and emotions you observe arising within you, bringing them to light—from the subconscious to the conscious.
As an example: a young woman avoids conflicts with her husband and refrains from standing up for herself. That is a learned avoidant behavior rooted in the belief: If I speak up, I’ll be abandoned. However, becoming self-aware of these underlying thoughts and emotions, which reinforce this behavior, allows her to challenge them, ultimately leading to a change in behavior by realizing that these beliefs are not true.
Dr. Tasha Eurich, an organizational psychologist and researcher, wrote:
“Even though most people believe they are self-aware, only 10%—15% of the people we studied actually fit the criteria.”
Why do I need to be self-aware?
Through self-awareness of your inner dynamics, you will recognize your strengths, weaknesses, values, and boundaries and operate accordingly. Fundamental behavioral changes start with self-awareness, as that is the path to breaking free from all mental and emotional toxic patterns, which will, in turn, transform your perception of yourself and others. You will then be able to build healthy and loving relationships.
According to Harvard Business Review, only 10% of all leaders are self-aware, where gender plays a role: some 19% of women executives exhibited self-awareness, compared with only 4% of male executives.
Here is a psychology-based test on self-awareness: Self-Awareness Test
How to gain self-awareness?
Silence is the key. Meditation is one way to connect with yourself. Another way is yoga, which unites your body with your mind, leading to more awareness of yourself as a whole being. Being in nature is an essential way to gain a better understanding of yourself. Journaling helps process your thoughts and emotions by bringing them into a written, visual form.
“Numerous studies have suggested, for example, that mindfulness meditation offers significant positive effects in reducing various physical and mental symptoms and altering the perspective of self-observation (Shapiro et al., 2006).”
What is mental health?
When you are physically healthy, you can walk, run, jump, go to work, do sports, travel, and use your physical health to enjoy life. Likewise, when you are mentally healthy, you can make decisions, face life situations with strength, navigate challenges with stability, and deal with negative emotions with resilience. Through this, you can enjoy life, build relationships, immerse yourself in productivity, and participate in communities.
According to WHO:
“It is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
As an example: if a teenager constantly hears from his father that he is a failure, he may internalize that belief. As a young man, this self-perception affects his work performance, making it hard for him to overcome challenges and face difficulties. Lacking confidence in his ability to succeed, he gives up at every obstacle.
What is the relationship between self-awareness and mental health?
As you become aware of your inner world, you gain the ability to assess your mental capacity and navigate life situations with clarity.
As mentioned in the example above, if this young man becomes aware of the falsity of the thought he has of himself, he will be able to be productive, face challenges, and maintain his mental well-being.
