What is Conscious Living?
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change” Dr Wayne D Dyer
We are often asked the question “what do you mean by living consciously?”.
Now, this is a very big topic, which we could talk about for days! But the heart of the matter is actually really simple – it’s all about self-awareness.
The Oxford Dictionary definition of self-awareness is “knowledge and understanding of your own character”. So why is self-awareness important, how does it lead to conscious living and what are the benefits?
Before we go on to answer those questions, we’d like to draw your attention to 6 negative habits that prohibit true conscious living, because we’re going to relate to these later.
Judgement
Guilt
Shame
Blame
Justification
Assumption
Hold that thought…
Self-awareness is important because when we know ourselves and understand our own character, we have the power to influence outcomes, we communicate with clarity and intention, allowing us to understand things from many perspectives. Raising our self-awareness helps us make less assumptions and reduces our biases towards others.
When we are self-aware, we are able to live consciously by being curious about what’s going on for us, around us and with others. We become aware of negative feelings or thoughts which helps us ask questions like “what’s going on for me here?” or “is what I’m thinking really true or am I making assumptions or creating a story?”.
When we take a step back, take a deep breath and tap into our consciousness, we are able to respond to situations rather than react to them.
Perfecting this process means that we can look at things more objectively and can change our perspective on situations, people and our own thoughts. Most importantly, we can make different choices and decisions and behave in ways to support the new outcomes we want.
When we hone these skills, we find that our relationships improve, there is less desire or need to control situations or others behaviour and we experience more joy and peace in our lives. Making choices and decisions becomes an easier process and we are more able to live in the moment, understanding that life is a series of steps and there are no “wrong” decisions – just different outcomes.
Now, it is important to note that increasing our self-awareness and living consciously is an ongoing practice not a destination. However, the more we practise the more aware and conscious we become. Often, we become stuck in a particular mindset or cycle of behaviour, and we believe “it’s just the way it is and I have no choice”. This is a story we tell ourselves, but the good news is, there are always choices. We just need to shift our perspective and see the choices available to us.
Earlier, we mentioned the 5 negative habits that can prohibit living a conscious life. When we are willing to work on the skills for positive change, we become aware of the times that we are judgemental (of ourselves and others), when we use blame to make ourselves right, when we feel guilt or shame for something we have said or done and when we catch ourselves in the act of justification.
We learn these 5 habits as we grow and develop into adults, but they actually serve little or no purpose in experiencing a joyful and positive life. We advise our clients to have their radar up so they notice these habits and can stop and change the narrative.
In the beginning many people find it difficult to overcome these habitual behaviours as it is easier to blame or judge others or justify ourselves. Jumping to conclusions, making assumptions and telling ourselves stories becomes our default.
However, once we start looking at different perspectives and make even small changes in our thoughts, words and behaviour, we notice the difference our changed perspective has on our experience of life and also on those around us. Small changes on a consistent basis cause the ripples to spread far and wide – it is truly MAGICAL!
Learning these skills and incorporating them into our everyday lives has immeasurably changed our experience of life and those of our clients, friends and family. There are many tools that we personally use and share with our clients that help us on this journey of conscious living. If you would like 1:1 support from us please contact us using the link below.
Life is magical. Conscious Living allows you to live it.
Kathy & Amanda
Supporting your journey to a Conscious Life