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Floating and Self-Awareness
As September closes, and leaves start to turn and fall, we begin to see the beauty of the sturdiness of trees. Stripped of the it's boastful leaves, the tree continues to grow strong, from the inside out, preparing for brighter days, with deeper roots and stronger bark. Aren't we all like the trees? Change is inevitable, the weather, unpredictable, and sometimes, we have to lose all our leaves, get to the basic core of who we are to grow stronger. With metaphors as heavy as this, it's no wonder September is Self-awareness month.
So, metaphors aside, what is Self-Awareness? According to Merrium-Webster, it is an awareness of one's own personality or individuality. It's important because knowing ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, empowers us to build on positive aspects of who we are and make improvements where needed. This in-turn impacts our relationships and our environments, perpetuating personal growth, and often times creating a ripple of positivity as we forge our path. Some believe self-awareness is the key to happiness, and I would have a really hard time arguing against that.
At Halcyon Floats, we think the most effective and efficient way to know thyself, is to meet thyself in meditation, preferably in a float tank. With all the chatter of outside non-sense hushed, free from other's opinions, confused perceptions and just everyday stresses, floating in the stillness of the pitch dark, you get an eagle-eye view of the limitless potential that makes you, you. The good you see is the foundation, the not so good, the opportunity.
So, if you feel like you could kick your self-awareness up a couple notches, if you are trying to really shed some leaves, see whats going on underneath, and work on growing into the strongest, sturdiest tree you can be, here are some tips you can employ next time you are in the float tank:
1. Ask yourself the following questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I want to be in my life? You might notice you are a bit hard on yourself, or maybe you might notice you have adopted some labels that others have projected on to you. Let that go.
2. Give a look inward at your strengths and weaknesses. No one is perfect, remind yourself that you are only human. We all make mistakes, the important thing is how we proceed, how we apply our strengths to go forward, and how we grow from the opportunities that stem from our weaknesses.
3. Think about individual issues and ask yourself why three times. Be honest with yourself. It's going to be alright. It's going to help you feel better.
4. Meditate on the balance of taking responsibility for your missteps, while forgiving yourself. Reflect on your mistakes, release yourself from guilt, so that you can hold yourself accountable for next time.
Applying these four techniques while you on in the sensory deprivation tank will be the icebreaker you need to meet and know your innermost self. Lots of our clients use these strategies to help them get in-tune with their true self so that they can meet personal, family, or even business goals.
The leaves come and go, but if the roots are deep and nourished, the tree grows regardless. The tree knows. Happy Self-Awareness Month, Float Fam!
This blog is informed by personal experience, client input and the sources listed below. I strongly urge you to check them out, if you want to learn more about Self-Awareness and how to get there.
Sources:
https://www.goalcast.com/2017/07/14/10-essential-self-awareness-exercises-bring-out-inner-you/
https://www.healthyplace.com/other-info/mental-health-newsletter/september-is-self-awareness-month-enhance-your-wellbeing/#self
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-awareness