Self-Awareness v's Consciousness: What They Are and Why They Matter

My personal exploration into the difference between self-awareness and consciousness began long before I got into the field of workplace wellbeing.

It started at the age of 21 when I read The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield and was introduced to the understanding of consciousness and the field of energy.  The book led me to start asking the big question about 'who am I?' and 'why are we here?'

I'd lie in bed pondering how the Universe was infinite and how it never ended, and try to somehow understand this. I spend time looking at plants or my hand in an attempt to 'see energy' or the field.

So it doesn't surprise me that consciousness was keen to express itself through me in this exploration from a young age!  Even at the age of 9, I recall asking my Sunday School teacher how life began.

I don't consider myself an expert, and I'm by no means a Quantum physicist.  Yet having spent 14 years working one-to-one with people, delving into the human mind and continuing my spiritual journey, I intend to share with you what I have 'seen' and help you understand the difference between self-awareness and consciousness.

You Are The Awareness Behind Your Thoughts

Along with reading this blog, I invite you to watch or listen to the video somewhere quiet. A place where you like to walk in nature or while having a bath. Somewhere that you can create an insight-friendly space. 

Because the wisdom I share doesn't come from my words - but from what you 'see' with your awareness.

And it's my promise to you that when you really see this understanding, life will never be the same again.

What is Self-Awareness? Exploring the Finite Mind

People are often confused about the difference between self-awareness and consciousness, so let’s embark on a journey together, starting with self-awareness.

To answer that question, let us pause for a moment and ask the question: What is the self?

To me, the self is who you identify yourself as.  You can identify yourself by your name, gender, and nationality. What job role you have, your family members and your ancestors.

Without the power of thought, the body wouldn't know who it is.  We have to use thought to create this sense of self.

And when we dig deeper, that self has a finite mind which is made up of thought patterns, assumptions, stories and beliefs, which we identify with as true. 

But identifying with a thought and seeing it as truth doesn't make it real.  Who you are is not your thoughts, or your beliefs, and when you begin to not only see this, but operate from this knowing, then trust me, life becomes so much easier and joyful!

The Unicorn is the National Animal of Scotland, where I live, and symbolises the transformation that occurs within us when we tap into our innate wisdom and power, which is the truth of who you really are.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

- Marianne Williamson

 

The Meaning of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is an intimate journey of self-discovery, a gentle exploration of your thoughts, beliefs, assumptions, emotions, and behaviours.  Over time, these inner thoughts create a filter system which impacts what you are aware of.  And if you aren't self-aware of a pattern of thought or a belief, for example, that doesn't serve you, how can you change it?

The journey of self-awareness can, at times, be a rocky ride. For many, looking at the 'self' can be challenging.  But what I know to be true, having worked intimately with hundreds of people, is the gifts you uncover from the exploration. 

Understanding yourself and the way you navigate life is like embarking on an adventure to uncover the treasures that make you uniquely you.

On your journey of self-awareness, you will find thought patterns and beliefs that don't serve you from living your full potential - but these don't make you who you are.  Thoughts come and go.  In and of themselves, they aren't a problem. The only problem that arises is when we identify with thoughts and make them our 'truth' thereby shaping our reality.

Michael Neill, in his book The Inside-Out Revolution, emphasises the importance of understanding the nature of thought and how it shapes our experiences. He writes, “We are living in the feeling of our thinking.” Which means that our perceptions and reactions are created from the inside out.

What is Consciousness?

Beyond Self-Awareness

Consciousness is ALL that there is.  Also known as the field, infinite intelligence or the Divine. Everything you experience through the senses is consciousness. 

Imagine, for a moment, being part of a grand cosmic tapestry, where every thread is intricately woven together. Consciousness whispers to your soul, reminding you of your inherent unity with the world around you.

Sadhguru often speaks about the limitless nature of consciousness. He says, “When your perception is enhanced, you see everything as a part of yourself, and there is no such thing as the other.” This perspective helps us understand that consciousness is about transcending individual identity and embracing the unity of existence.

The Limitless Expansion

You are that consciousness! It’s something you evolve with. It’s an expansion of your existence that knows no limits. Consciousness lifts you to soar above the limitations of the personal mind, allowing you to see the bigger picture and your place within it.

Self-Awareness Versus Consciousness

The Dance of Inward and Outward Awareness

While self-awareness helps you understand the finite mind more deeply, consciousness expands your awareness beyond your identity. Self-awareness invites you to dive into the depths of your being, while consciousness lifts you to soar above the limitations of the personal mind.

It’s a harmonious dance between the inward gaze and the outward embrace, each enriching and informing the other.

By nurturing self-awareness, you expand your consciousness and see through the illusion of what you believe is 'reality'. Conversely, expanding awareness of consciousness enhances your self-awareness, allowing you to uncover deeper truths about yourself and your purpose in this vast tapestry of existence. It’s a delicate and transformative dance of self-discovery and interconnectedness that opens doors to profound transformation and inner harmony.

Practical Steps to Develop Self-Awareness and Expand Conscious Awareness

1. Daily Breathwork to Regulate Your Nervous System

When you’re caught in a thought storm, clarity feels elusive. You find yourself hopping from one train of thought to another, getting more and more tangled. We often fall into the illusion that we need to think about our problems constantly to find solutions.

But the truth is, the more you overthink, the further you drift from insight and clarity, and the more deregulated the nervous system becomes, which means it's in survival mode.

As Eckhart Tolle highlights in his book The Power of Now, your true power lies in the present moment.

A simple way to regulate the nervous system;

• Breathe in through the nose for the count of 5
• Hold your breath for 2 seconds
• Breathe out of the mouth for the count of 7 seconds

Do this daily for 10 minutes to create brain and heart coherence.  To add an extra layer, listen to heart coherence music to really experience the heart open.

2. Meditation to expand your awareness of consciousness

Over the years, I’ve had a mixed relationship with meditation. I wanted to be more consistent, but the idea of spending hours at 4 a.m. meditating just wasn’t appealing! My breakthrough came when I took the pressure off and decided to meditate for just 10 minutes a day.

Being a practical person, I started meditating on specific questions I had. I’d ask my higher mind to show me what I needed to see or know about a situation, then drop into my heart and listen to my innate wisdom. This approach made meditation incredibly helpful and gave my sessions a clear purpose.

I don’t meditate every single day. Often, a combination of journaling, heart coherence breathing and EFT Tapping is more than enough.

My view is that it’s all about finding what works for you. I like to mix things up, and that keeps it fresh and effective for me.

3. Journaling to Create Self-Awareness

Journaling has become a ritual for me over the last 10+ years. It’s a high-performance habit and a powerful tool for self-awareness, helping you recognise patterns and triggers. The question I’m often asked about when it comes to journaling is, “What do I write?”

You can use journaling prompts to get you started if you are new to journaling. I recommend writing in a journal rather than using technology because when we write, it slows down our brain waves, which is what we need for greater self-awareness! You aren’t very aware if you’re thinking at 200 miles per hour!

Here’s an example of a journaling prompt to get you started:

1. Recent Emotional Experience:
   • Choose a recent emotional experience and write about it in your journal. What emotions did you feel, and what triggered them? What does this emotional experience remind you of?
   • Where was your focus of attention before the event? What does this experience have to teach you about yourself? What are you making this mean about yourself? What thoughts do you keep thinking that keep reactivating the emotion?

4. Private Coaching or Therapy

In The Inside-Out Revolution, Michael Neill shares stories of individuals who have transformed their lives by understanding the inside-out nature of thought. One such example is a CEO who realised that his stress was not caused by external pressures but by his own thinking. This insight allowed him to change his relationship with stress and lead with greater clarity and calm.

I'm well aware, having spent over a decade as a Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist and Coach, that many people wait until they are in crisis or pain before seeking help.  This is due to the universal model of change, which means we'd rather remain in pain and suffering until we reach a point where the thought of change is less painful than remaining where we are!

The truth is, change doesn't have to be difficult or involve an archaeological dig into your past!

Having held thousands of sessions, people always say the same thing 'I wish I'd seen you sooner!'. 

If you are ready to develop your self-awareness and live your life beyond the limitations of the finite mind, you are welcome to book a free consultation with me.

Or book an online group MAP session for a powerful one-hour experience where old, limited thoughts and beliefs melt away, allowing you to live from the truth of who you are.  I have found MAP to be the most powerful tool for inner self-awareness and transformation, and it has contributed to my being able to live beyond the illusion of separation.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

In the pursuit of personal growth and understanding, self-awareness and consciousness are integral aspects of our journey. By exploring our inner landscape and embracing the interconnectedness of existence, we unlock profound insights and transformative experiences. Remember, this journey is ongoing and ever-evolving. 

✨ Ready to Live Beyond The Limited Mind?