Who is in Control? Your Mind or You?

After meditating (a lot) I’ve come to the realization that the above quote from The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer is actually very true.

When you close your eyes with the intention of just observing your own thoughts, becoming the witness, you may realize that thoughts arise seemingly out of nowhere.

It is your private thoughts that run your day-to-day life. Whether thoughts influence your behavior or control your behavior is entirely dependent upon your level of self-awareness. This is why self-awareness is so, so, so, can’t stress this enough, so important. And yet, despite all its importance, research indicates that only about 10-15% of people ON EARTH are truly highly self-aware. This means that out of 8 BILLION people, around 800 million to 1.2 billion people actually possess a high level of self-awareness.

Determining if you’re self-aware involves reflecting on how well you understand yourself, your thoughts, and how you interact with others. Here are some key indicators that can help you assess your level of self-awareness.

1.     Emotional Awareness

You are able to recognize and name your emotions as they arise. Rather than reacting impulsively, you can pause and understand why you’re feeling a certain way. You can also manage your emotions in a healthy manner, choosing how to respond to them instead of letting them control your actions.

2.     Understanding Your Thoughts and Triggers

You’re aware of your internal dialogue and recognize patterns in your thoughts. For example, you can spot when negative self-talk or limiting beliefs arise and challenge them rather than accepting them as facts. You’re aware of situations or people that trigger strong emotional reactions and understand why they do.

3.     Knowing Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Self-aware individuals have a clear sense of their strengths, limitations, and areas for improvement. You’re able to acknowledge where you’re skilled and where you need development without becoming defensive or overly critical of yourself.

4.     Receiving and Accepting Feedback

You can handle constructive criticism without getting overly defensive or dismissive. You see feedback as a tool for growth rather than a threat. You’re open to understanding how others perceive you and willing to adjust your behavior if necessary.

5.     Alignment Between Actions and Values

You consistently act in alignment with your core values and principles. You know what matters most to you, and you regularly reflect on whether your actions reflect those values. You notice when there is a gap between your actions and values and make changes accordingly.

6.     Awareness of How You Affect Others

Self-awareness also extends to understanding your impact on the people around you. You’re able to see how your words, actions and behaviors affect others emotionally and socially. This helps you navigate relationships with empathy and consideration.

7.     Reflective Thinking

You often take time to reflect on your experiences, decisions and behaviors. You ask yourself why you made certain choices, what you learned from specific situations, and how you can improve going forward.

It’s very likely that you are self-aware if these traits resonate with you.

But, what if they don’t?

If all these traits aren’t resonating with you just yet, don’t give up hope. Through mindfulness, meditation, and an openness to growth, you are fully capable of becoming more self-aware. The key is to be aware of your thoughts while knowing when to dismiss them. True growth doesn’t come from constantly dissecting every thought or action but from mastering the art of letting go.

You are not your thoughts. You are aware of your thoughts.