Self-Observation

Self-observation, also referred to as self-awareness in popular media, is an important staple in the worlds of spiritual development and mental health, and I write from an interest in the former and professional stake in the latter. Self-observation is part of the umbrella category of self-regulation -- to control one’s behavior -- coined by one of my favorite behaviorists, Albert Bandura. Self-regulation comes in many forms, but self-observation, the act of keeping tabs on our behaviors, remains one of the most popular and elusive, filling entire shelves of your local Barnes and Noble’s self-help section.




Self-observation is the corner stone of personal development. In order to change, grow, develop, and become in touch with our innate, higher selves, we must recognize what thoughts and behaviors our stifling our divine natures. Recognition/awareness is the step before and leading to change, and once we become aware of what thoughts and actions are faulty and no longer serve us, we can seek out the knowledge to grow. Knowledge is power in many cases, and this is sure one. I like to think of myself as that curious child looking out into the world saying, “why?” – but instead, I look inward with the same question. If someone is bothering me, I look inward to figure out what about me is making this person agitate me versus having the need to change the individual. I take these moments as special invitations to learn more about who I am and how I operate in this world, which leads to an overall happier and healthier me.



For example, a relevant topic in today’s world is substance abuse, but particularly, alcohol, which is a legal drug and prevalent in the world of twenty-somethings. The issue with alcohol is not its consumption, but rather WHY it is being consumed and whether or not there have been negative consequences due to its use. Ask yourself, “Why am I drinking?” If it is to regulate emotion in any way, you do not have a healthy relationship with alcohol. At this point, it should be explored further, specifically with a mental health professional.



Making sense? Think of self-observation as an exciting process where you disconnect from your egoic-mind and become the observer of your thoughts – because you are not your thoughts. You are much more than that. Once you make this break, your thoughts lose power and the objective observer in you takes the power back. It is a beautiful process and quite exciting when mastered to the degree that you can analyze your thoughts as they enter your consciousness all day long. Is there anything more beautiful than personal growth and development?!

 

 
 
Any questions?
 
 
HAPPY HEALING!!!