The Art of Self-Awareness: Tuning In for Holistic Health

In a world that often pulls us in countless directions, it's easy to lose touch with ourselves. We become so focused on external demands and expectations that we forget to listen to the quiet voice within – the voice of our intuition, our emotions, and our bodies. This voice, however, holds invaluable wisdom, and learning to listen to it is the key to unlocking a life of holistic health and well-being.

Self-awareness, at its core, is the ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, motivations, and behaviors. It's about knowing your strengths and weaknesses, your values and beliefs, and how these factors influence your interactions with the world. It's not about being perfect or judging yourself harshly; rather, it's about cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of your inner landscape.

Why is self-awareness so crucial for holistic health? Because it empowers you to make informed choices that support your overall well-being. When you understand your emotional triggers, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms. When you're attuned to your body's signals, you can address potential health issues early on. And when you live in alignment with your values, you experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that permeates all aspects of your life.

This article will guide you through the journey of cultivating self-awareness, exploring practical techniques and insights that will help you tune into your inner wisdom and create a life of vibrant health and well-being.

Understanding Your Body's Signals and Intuitive Wisdom

Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, sending signals that provide valuable information about our physical and emotional state. Unfortunately, we often ignore or dismiss these signals, either because we're too busy or because we've learned to disconnect from our bodies.

The Body's Language:

Think of your body as a messenger, constantly delivering information. This information can manifest in various ways:

• Physical Sensations: Aches, pains, fatigue, tension, and digestive issues are all examples of physical sensations that can indicate underlying imbalances. A persistent headache, for instance, might be a sign of stress or dehydration. Muscle tension in your shoulders and neck could be related to anxiety.
• Energy Levels: Fluctuations in your energy levels can also provide valuable insights. Feeling consistently tired, even after getting enough sleep, might suggest a nutritional deficiency or a deeper health concern. Conversely, feeling unusually energized could be a sign of excitement, but also of underlying anxiety or mania in some individuals.
• Changes in Appetite or Sleep Patterns: Significant changes in your appetite or sleep patterns can be indicative of emotional distress or underlying medical conditions. Loss of appetite and insomnia are common symptoms of depression, while overeating and excessive sleepiness can sometimes be associated with other emotional or physical issues.
• Intuitive Gut Feelings: These are those instinctive hunches or "gut feelings" that seem to arise from nowhere. While they may not always be logical, they often provide valuable guidance, particularly in situations where you lack complete information. This is often referred to as "interoception", the ability to sense the internal state of your body.

Reconnecting with Your Body:

The first step in understanding your body's signals is to reconnect with it. This involves cultivating a greater awareness of your physical sensations and learning to interpret them accurately. Here are some practices that can help:

• Mindful Body Scan: This involves systematically focusing your attention on different parts of your body, noticing any sensations that are present without judgment. Start with your toes and gradually move your attention up to the top of your head, paying attention to any areas of tension, discomfort, or ease. This practice helps you become more attuned to your physical sensations and identify areas that need attention.
• Pay Attention to Your Breathing: Your breath is a powerful indicator of your emotional state. When you're stressed or anxious, your breathing tends to become shallow and rapid. When you're relaxed and calm, your breathing is typically deep and slow. Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day and notice how it changes in response to different situations. Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and promote relaxation. Diaphragmatic breathing, for example, involves inhaling deeply into your abdomen, allowing your diaphragm to expand.
• Engage in Physical Activity You Enjoy: Regular physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also helps you connect with your body. Choose activities that you find enjoyable and that allow you to move your body in a way that feels good. Whether it's walking in nature, dancing, swimming, or practicing yoga, find activities that help you feel grounded and present in your body.
• Listen to Your Intuition: Pay attention to those "gut feelings" that arise from within. While it's important to be rational and logical, don't dismiss your intuition entirely. Often, your intuition can provide valuable guidance, particularly in situations where you're facing uncertainty or difficult decisions. Trust your instincts and allow them to inform your choices.
• Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to the taste, texture, and smell of your food. Notice how your body feels before, during, and after eating. Avoid distractions like television or your phone while eating. This practice helps you become more aware of your body's hunger and fullness cues, preventing overeating and promoting healthier eating habits.
• Reduce Sensory Overload: In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with sensory input, from bright lights and loud noises to constant notifications on our phones. This sensory overload can make it difficult to tune into your body's subtle signals. Create periods of quiet and stillness in your day to allow your nervous system to calm down and your body to communicate more clearly. This might involve spending time in nature, meditating, or simply sitting in silence with your eyes closed.

Honoring Your Body's Needs:

Once you've learned to understand your body's signals, it's essential to honor its needs. This means making choices that support your physical and emotional well-being, such as:

• Getting Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.
• Eating a Nutritious Diet: Fuel your body with whole, unprocessed foods that provide essential nutrients. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
• Staying Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health problems. Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it regularly.
• Managing Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on your physical and emotional health.
• Seeking Medical Attention When Needed: Don't ignore persistent or concerning symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional if you're experiencing any health issues that require medical attention.

By cultivating a deeper understanding of your body's signals and honoring its needs, you can create a foundation for vibrant health and well-being.

Practices for Enhancing Self-Awareness

While tuning into your body's signals is a crucial aspect of self-awareness, it's also important to explore other practices that can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. These practices involve introspection, reflection, and a willingness to examine your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with honesty and compassion.

Journaling:

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery. It allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and private space, without judgment or censorship. By writing down your experiences, you can gain clarity about your emotions, identify patterns in your behavior, and uncover hidden beliefs.

• Types of Journaling: There are many different types of journaling, so find one that resonates with you. Some popular options include:
  • Free Writing: Simply write whatever comes to mind, without worrying about grammar or structure. This can be a great way to release pent-up emotions or explore a particular topic in depth.
  • Gratitude Journaling: Focus on the things you're grateful for in your life. This can help you cultivate a more positive outlook and appreciate the good things that you have.
  • Reflective Journaling: Reflect on your experiences and explore what you've learned from them. This can help you gain insights into your behavior and identify areas for growth.
  • Dream Journaling: Record your dreams as soon as you wake up. This can help you uncover subconscious thoughts and feelings.
• Tips for Effective Journaling:
  • Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can write without distractions.
  • Set a Timer: Start with a short journaling session, such as 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
  • Be Honest and Authentic: Don't censor yourself or try to write what you think you should be writing. Be honest and authentic in your expression.
  • Don't Judge Yourself: Remember that journaling is a safe space for exploration and self-discovery. Don't judge yourself for your thoughts or feelings.
  • Review Your Entries: Periodically review your journal entries to identify patterns and track your progress.

Meditation:

Meditation is a practice that involves training your mind to focus on a single point of reference, such as your breath, a mantra, or a visual image. This helps you quiet the chatter of your mind and cultivate a greater sense of awareness of your thoughts and feelings.

• Types of Meditation: There are many different types of meditation, so experiment to find one that suits you. Some popular options include:
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Focus on your breath and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
  • Loving-Kindness Meditation: Cultivate feelings of love and compassion for yourself and others.
  • Transcendental Meditation: Use a mantra to quiet the mind and access a deeper state of consciousness.
  • Guided Meditation: Listen to a guided meditation recording that leads you through a visualization or relaxation exercise.
• Benefits of Meditation:
  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Meditation can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  • Improves Focus and Concentration: Regular meditation practice can improve your ability to focus and concentrate.
  • Increases Self-Awareness: Meditation helps you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
  • Promotes Emotional Regulation: Meditation can help you develop greater emotional regulation skills, allowing you to respond to difficult emotions in a more skillful way.
  • Enhances Compassion and Empathy: Meditation can cultivate feelings of compassion and empathy for yourself and others.
• Tips for Starting a Meditation Practice:
  • Start Small: Begin with short meditation sessions, such as 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
  • Find a Quiet Space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can meditate without distractions.
  • Be Patient: It takes time and practice to develop a consistent meditation practice. Don't get discouraged if your mind wanders. Simply gently redirect your attention back to your chosen point of reference.
  • Use a Guided Meditation: If you're new to meditation, try using a guided meditation recording to help you get started.
  • Be Consistent: Aim to meditate regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.

Mindfulness:

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves cultivating a greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they arise, without getting caught up in them.

• Practicing Mindfulness in Daily Life: You can practice mindfulness in any situation, whether you're eating, walking, talking, or working. Simply focus your attention on the present moment and observe your experience without judgment.
• Benefits of Mindfulness:
  • Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to them in a more skillful way.
  • Improves Focus and Concentration: Mindfulness can help you train your mind to focus on the present moment, improving your ability to concentrate.
  • Increases Self-Awareness: Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
  • Promotes Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness can help you develop greater emotional regulation skills, allowing you to respond to difficult emotions in a more skillful way.
  • Enhances Gratitude and Appreciation: Mindfulness can help you appreciate the simple things in life and cultivate a greater sense of gratitude.
• Tips for Practicing Mindfulness:
  • Start with Your Breath: Focus your attention on your breath and observe the sensation of each inhale and exhale.
  • Pay Attention to Your Senses: Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you.
  • Observe Your Thoughts and Feelings: Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings as they arise, without judgment.
  • Be Present in Your Body: Pay attention to the sensations in your body, such as the feeling of your feet on the ground or the warmth of the sun on your skin.
  • Practice Mindful Activities: Engage in activities mindfully, such as eating, walking, or washing dishes.

Seeking Feedback from Others:

While self-reflection is essential for self-awareness, it's also valuable to seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Others may see aspects of your behavior that you're not aware of, and their insights can help you gain a more complete understanding of yourself.

• How to Ask for Feedback:
  • Choose the Right People: Select people who you trust and who are willing to give you honest feedback.
  • Be Specific: Ask specific questions about your behavior or communication style.
  • Listen Openly: Listen to the feedback without getting defensive or interrupting.
  • Thank the Person: Thank the person for their honesty and willingness to share their perspective.
  • Reflect on the Feedback: Take time to reflect on the feedback and consider how you can use it to improve yourself.
• Be Open to Constructive Criticism: It's important to be open to constructive criticism, even if it's difficult to hear. Remember that the person is trying to help you grow and improve.
• Don't Take It Personally: Try not to take the feedback personally. Remember that it's about your behavior, not about you as a person.
• Focus on What You Can Control: Focus on the aspects of your behavior that you can control and make a plan to change them.

By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and unlock your full potential for growth and well-being.

Recognizing Your Emotional Patterns and Their Impact on Health

Emotions are an integral part of the human experience. They provide valuable information about our environment, our relationships, and our inner world. However, when emotions are suppressed, ignored, or mismanaged, they can have a negative impact on our physical and mental health.

Understanding the Connection Between Emotions and Health:

The mind-body connection is a well-established scientific principle. Our thoughts and feelings directly influence our physiological processes, including our immune system, cardiovascular system, and nervous system.

• Stress and the Immune System: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. When we're stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that suppresses the immune system.
• Emotions and the Cardiovascular System: Strong emotions, such as anger and anxiety, can increase our heart rate and blood pressure, putting strain on the cardiovascular system. Over time, this can increase our risk of heart disease.
• Emotions and the Nervous System: Our emotions are processed in the limbic system, a part of the brain that is also involved in regulating our nervous system. When we experience strong emotions, our nervous system can become dysregulated, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems.

Identifying Your Emotional Patterns:

The first step in managing your emotions effectively is to identify your emotional patterns. This involves paying attention to your emotions as they arise and noticing any recurring patterns or triggers.

• Keep an Emotion Journal: Keep a journal to track your emotions. Write down the date, time, situation, and the emotions you experienced. Also, note any physical sensations that accompanied your emotions.
• Identify Your Triggers: What situations or events tend to trigger certain emotions for you? Are there certain people or places that tend to evoke strong emotional reactions?
• Notice Your Physical Sensations: Pay attention to the physical sensations that accompany your emotions. Do you feel your heart racing when you're anxious? Do you feel your stomach clenching when you're stressed?
• Reflect on Your Past Experiences: Think back to past experiences and try to identify any patterns in your emotional responses. Have you always reacted to certain situations in the same way?

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms:

Once you've identified your emotional patterns, you can begin to develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing your emotions. This involves finding ways to regulate your emotions in a way that supports your physical and mental health.

• Practice Emotional Regulation Techniques:
  • Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups in your body to promote relaxation.
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to them in a more skillful way.
  • Cognitive Restructuring: This technique involves challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts.
• Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Engaging in activities you enjoy can help boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Connect with Loved Ones: Spending time with loved ones can provide emotional support and help you feel more connected.
• Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling to manage your emotions on your own, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

The Importance of Emotional Expression:

While it's important to manage your emotions effectively, it's also important to express them in a healthy way. Suppressing your emotions can lead to a buildup of stress and tension, which can negatively impact your health.

• Find Healthy Outlets for Your Emotions:
  • Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member: Talking to someone you trust can help you process your emotions and gain a new perspective.
  • Write in a Journal: Writing in a journal can help you express your emotions in a safe and private space.
  • Engage in Creative Activities: Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, writing, or music, can help you express your emotions in a non-verbal way.
  • Practice Physical Activity: Physical activity can help you release pent-up emotions and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Learn to Communicate Your Needs Assertively: Assertive communication involves expressing your needs and feelings in a clear and respectful way. This can help you avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate to yourself when you're experiencing difficult emotions. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay to not be perfect.

By recognizing your emotional patterns and developing healthy coping mechanisms, you can manage your emotions effectively and protect your physical and mental health.

Identifying Your Values and Living in Alignment with Them

Values are the principles that guide our lives and inform our decisions. They represent what is most important to us, what we believe in, and what we strive to achieve. Living in alignment with your values is essential for experiencing a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and well-being.

Understanding the Importance of Values:

Values provide a framework for making choices that are consistent with your beliefs and priorities. When you live in alignment with your values, you feel more authentic, grounded, and satisfied with your life. Conversely, when you compromise your values, you may experience feelings of guilt, resentment, and dissatisfaction.

• Values and Decision-Making: Values can help you make difficult decisions by providing a clear sense of what is most important to you. When faced with a challenging choice, consider how each option aligns with your values.
• Values and Relationships: Values can influence your relationships by attracting you to people who share your beliefs and priorities. When you surround yourself with people who support your values, you're more likely to feel understood and accepted.
• Values and Career: Values can guide your career choices by helping you identify work that is meaningful and fulfilling. When you're passionate about your work, you're more likely to be engaged and productive.
• Values and Well-Being: Living in alignment with your values is essential for experiencing a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and well-being. When you're living a life that is consistent with your beliefs, you're more likely to feel happy and satisfied.

Identifying Your Core Values:

The first step in living in alignment with your values is to identify your core values. This involves reflecting on what is most important to you and identifying the principles that guide your life.

• Reflect on Your Past Experiences: Think about times in your life when you felt most fulfilled and engaged. What values were being honored in those situations?
• Consider Your Role Models: Who do you admire and why? What values do they embody?
• Identify Your Pet Peeves: What situations or behaviors frustrate you the most? What values are being violated in those situations?
• Use a Values List: Use a list of common values, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, creativity, and freedom, to help you identify your own values.
• Prioritize Your Values: Once you've identified a list of your values, prioritize them. Which values are most important to you? Which values are you willing to compromise on?

Living in Alignment with Your Values:

Once you've identified your core values, you can begin to make choices that are consistent with them. This involves aligning your actions, relationships, and career with your values.

• Set Goals that Reflect Your Values: Set goals that are aligned with your values. This will help you stay motivated and focused on what is most important to you.
• Make Choices that Honor Your Values: When faced with a decision, consider how each option aligns with your values. Choose the option that best reflects your beliefs and priorities.
• Surround Yourself with People Who Share Your Values: Build relationships with people who share your values. This will help you feel supported and understood.
• Find Work that is Meaningful to You: Pursue a career that is aligned with your values. This will help you feel engaged and fulfilled.
• Be Willing to Make Sacrifices: Living in alignment with your values may require you to make sacrifices. Be willing to give up things that are not consistent with your values.
• Regularly Evaluate Your Alignment: Periodically evaluate your life to ensure that you're still living in alignment with your values. Are there any areas where you're compromising your values? Make adjustments as needed.

The Benefits of Living in Alignment with Your Values:

Living in alignment with your values can lead to a number of benefits, including:

• Increased Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: When you're living a life that is consistent with your beliefs, you're more likely to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Improved Self-Esteem: When you're living in alignment with your values, you feel more authentic and confident.
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: When you're living a life that is consistent with your values, you're less likely to experience stress and anxiety.
• Stronger Relationships: When you surround yourself with people who share your values, you're more likely to build strong and supportive relationships.
• Greater Resilience: When you're living in alignment with your values, you're more resilient in the face of challenges.

By identifying your values and living in alignment with them, you can create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your true self.

Using Self-Awareness as a Guide for Holistic Choices

Self-awareness is not merely an abstract concept; it's a powerful tool that can guide you in making informed choices that support your overall well-being. By understanding your thoughts, feelings, motivations, and values, you can create a life that is aligned with your authentic self and promotes holistic health.

Self-Awareness and Decision-Making:

Self-awareness can help you make better decisions in all areas of your life, from your relationships and career to your health and finances.

• Health Decisions: When you're self-aware, you're more likely to make healthy choices about your diet, exercise, and sleep. You're also more likely to seek medical attention when you need it.
• Relationship Decisions: Self-awareness can help you build stronger and more fulfilling relationships. When you understand your own needs and boundaries, you can communicate them effectively and avoid unhealthy relationship patterns.
• Career Decisions: Self-awareness can guide you in choosing a career that is aligned with your values and interests. When you're passionate about your work, you're more likely to be engaged and productive.
• Financial Decisions: Self-awareness can help you make responsible financial decisions. When you understand your spending habits and financial goals, you can create a budget that supports your values and priorities.

Self-Awareness and Goal Setting:

Self-awareness is essential for setting realistic and achievable goals. When you understand your strengths and weaknesses, you can set goals that are challenging but attainable.

• Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses: What are you good at? What are you not so good at?
• Set Goals that Align with Your Values: What is most important to you?
• Break Down Your Goals into Smaller Steps: This will make them seem less daunting.
• Track Your Progress: This will help you stay motivated.
• Celebrate Your Successes: This will reinforce your positive behaviors.

Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation:

Self-awareness is a key component of emotional regulation. When you're aware of your emotions, you can manage them effectively and avoid impulsive reactions.

• Identify Your Emotional Triggers: What situations or events tend to trigger strong emotions for you?
• Practice Emotional Regulation Techniques:
  • Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups in your body to promote relaxation.
  • Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to them in a more skillful way.
  • Cognitive Restructuring: This technique involves challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts.
• Seek Support When Needed: Don't be afraid to ask for help from a therapist or counselor.

Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:

Self-awareness is a catalyst for personal growth. When you're aware of your limitations and blind spots, you can take steps to improve yourself.

• Identify Your Areas for Improvement: What areas of your life do you want to improve?
• Seek Feedback from Others: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues for feedback on your behavior.
• Read Books and Articles on Personal Development: There are many resources available to help you learn more about yourself and how to grow.
• Attend Workshops and Seminars: This can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with other like-minded people.
• Be Patient with Yourself: Personal growth takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.

Living a Life of Authenticity and Purpose:

Ultimately, self-awareness empowers you to live a life of authenticity and purpose. When you're aligned with your values and living in accordance with your true self, you experience a sense of peace, fulfillment, and well-being.

• Embrace Your Imperfections: No one is perfect. Embrace your imperfections and learn from your mistakes.
• Be True to Yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not.
• Live in the Present Moment: Focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple things in life.
• Express Gratitude: Be grateful for the good things in your life.
• Serve Others: Help others in need.

By using self-awareness as a guide, you can make choices that support your holistic health and create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your authentic self. It's a journey of continuous discovery and growth, and the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the process, be kind to yourself, and trust in your inner wisdom.

Conclusion

The journey of self-awareness is a lifelong pursuit, one that requires dedication, honesty, and a willingness to explore the depths of your inner landscape. It's not always easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. By tuning into your body's signals, understanding your emotions, identifying your values, and using self-awareness as a guide for your choices, you can create a life of vibrant health, authentic connection, and profound purpose. Embrace the process, be patient with yourself, and trust in the power of your own inner wisdom. Your journey to holistic well-being begins with you.

References

• Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Gotham Books.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Hanson, R. (2009). Buddha's brain: The practical neuroscience of happiness, love, and wisdom. New Harbinger Publications.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
• Siegel, D. J. (2007). The mindful brain: Reflection and attunement in the cultivation of well-being. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Harvard Business Review. Increase Your Self-Awareness With These 5 Exercises. https://hbr.org/2018/01/increase-your-self-awareness-with-these-5-exercises
• Psychology Today. Self-Awareness: The Key to Personal and Professional Success. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/self-awareness