How self aware are you? Self awareness is defined as a “conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.” According to Buffy Andrews for the Made Well Center for Wholeness in Wilmington, it’s also a major key in working on healing your mental health. Part of becoming self aware is creating the time and space it takes to reflect on your thinking patterns, actions and your capacities to get really honest about what you see there. It also means you can invite God in to show you the things that rest deep within your spirit.
Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
So what’s a good way to start becoming more self aware and inviting God to examine your thoughts? Even with your busy day, it’s not as challenging as you might think.
TAKING 5
Try spending some time every day when you’re driving in your car as a moment for self awareness by using transition times before or arriving at your next location. For example, when you’re leaving somewhere, simply sit in your car and “take 5.” Taking 5 means allowing yourself to take 5 slow, deep breaths to begin allowing your brain and body to catch up to where you are. Taking those few moments gives you deeper awareness of the emotions you may be carrying with you or the burdens on your back. It could become a short moment you need to pray and lay any harmful emotions or heavy burdens at the feet of Jesus.
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
So next time you’re at the intersection of Oleander and College, take your time at the stop light to use these 5 deep breaths. As a result, you will increase space of self reflection and enhanced awareness of self. In addition, you can enter into your next activity or space with much more grace and peace for yourself. Now be honest… A little more peace throughout your day sounds like something you need, doesn’t it?
You can’t heal what you don’t know needs healing
DO YOU NEED TO COME MORE SELF AWARE?
If you need help developing a deeper sense of self awareness, reach out to Madewell Center for Wholeness at info@madewellcenter.org or call their office at 910-240-4473. They can also assist you in many other areas including nutrition, counseling and therapy.
Hear the Mental Health Minute with Buffy Andrews on your Life 90.5.
