Unveiling Layers of Self-Awareness: A Journey to Know the real YOU

For the longest time, I brushed off the concept of "self-awareness" as something too abstract to merit much consideration. In my mind, it merely evoked images of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a topic seemingly reserved for later stages in life when more immediate concerns had been addressed. However, my perspective underwent a significant shift when I found myself attending a workshop that challenged my preconceptions and prompted me to delve deeper into its meaning.

Self-actualization, or what we commonly refer to as self-awareness, can be likened to peeling away layers of an onion, gradually uncovering the essence of who we are. The journey begins with the first layer, where we come to understand our emotions – what brings us joy, what saddens us, and identifying the blind spots that influence our emotional responses.

Moving to the second layer, we confront the pivotal question of why we experience certain emotions. Here, we seek to uncover the root causes behind our feelings, delving into our past experiences and understanding the triggers that shape our emotional landscape.

Finally, we arrive at the third layer – the realm of personal values. These are the deeply ingrained beliefs instilled in us from childhood, dictating our perceptions of success and failure, morality, and the standards by which we judge ourselves and others.

Regrettably, many stumble when faced with these fundamental "whys." This lack of clarity often leads individuals into mismatched careers, unsatisfying relationships, and ill-suited circumstances. Consider the scenario of a child aspiring to become a doctor, only to realize later in life that the pursuit does not align with their true passions.

This discrepancy arises from the formative years of our lives, where our beliefs and perceptions are molded by the influences of our environment and upbringing. These ingrained beliefs become deeply embedded within us, shaping our identities and guiding our decisions.

In light of this, it becomes imperative for us all to pause, take a moment to quiet the distractions around us, and engage in introspection. By peeling away the layers of societal conditioning and external influences, we can begin to unravel the authentic essence of ourselves – the real "YOU."