Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 4 Issue - 4, 1 October 2019 | Page 20

animals only possess instinctual consciousness. According to one Scientific
American article, “Consciousness is awareness of one’s body and one’s
environment; self-awareness is recognition of that consciousness.” In other
words, consciousness is an external focus, while self-awareness is an
internal focus.
Self-Awareness Examples
Intellectually understanding self-awareness is all fine and dandy. But let’s go
to the next level. What does self-awareness actually look like in action? Here
are some self-awareness examples:
Angela keeps falling into toxic relationship with unavailable men. Finally, after
her fifth failed relationship she has a revelation, “some unhealed part of me is
attracting these men into my life.” She has experienced a moment of self-
awareness.
Daniel has a weight issue that has caused diabetes. After coming back from
work each day he goes on a massive food binge. Suddenly, while cramming a
jammy doughnut into his mouth he realises, “I always binge eat after coming
back from work. Work must really stress me out.” He has had a moment of
self-awareness.
Patricia struggles to make genuine connections with others – she also has an
addiction to talking about people behind their backs. In the middle of a
conversation with her no-nonsense work partner, the conversations come to a
halt. “Why are you always gossiping about other people, Patricia?” Suddenly,
a lightbulb goes off within Patricia’s head and she realises why she can’t
make genuine friends. She has temporarily become self-aware.
Rahul can’t stand his father in law, but he isn’t aware of it. His wife wants him
to go to a fancy dinner with her family, but he adamantly refuses. “You won’t
go!? I can’t believe this!” screams Rahul’s wife as she storms out and slams
the door. Rahul stands there quietly and suddenly realises how much he
dislikes his wife’s father. He has had a spark of self-awareness.
Jayla constantly gets into arguments with other people. She thinks it’s
because others are out to get her, but she doesn’t realise how poor her
communication skills are. After interrupting her sister for the twentieth time,
her sister explodes. “Why do you keep fucking interrupting me, Jayla? Just let
me TALK already. It’s no wonder you’re constantly arguing with everyone –
they can’t stand talking to you! Show some damn respect and let other people
talk for once.” Jayla bursts into tears, realising the harsh truth behind her
sister’s words. She has experienced self-awareness.