Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
At a recent seminar on self-awareness we spoke about the importance of “knowing thyself” and the fact that is much easier to see the faults of others. We discussed the cycle of self-awareness as follows:
- Become aware – be open to feedback.
- Reflect on the feedback provided. If you can’t see it, you can’t change it.
- Understand your feelings about the feedback. Use the Five Whys to reflect.
- Allow yourself the freedom to change.
- Master your mind. Use mindfulness to accept yourself, to learn and to grow.
Consider that enlightenment is a journey and that the outcome of our lives will be based on the choices we make. The focus should always be on control of self, and not the control of others. This is especially difficult with parenting when we often mistake control for caring and by doing things for our children to ensure they are successful can hinder their own development when they will learn significantly more from trying on their own (even if they fail).
Consider that it is easier to deflect and avoid, but it is harder to be vulnerable. However, vulnerability, and being exposed from a “heart space” is where growth can happen. In fact, it is believed that by only by exposing our own vulnerability can meaningful conversations and relationships happen.