Appreciating Your Real Self
This period of self-discovery through exercises and self-awareness has left me feeling a bit unsurprisingly chagrined. I suppose it is because I often think about what I think about, what I am and am not so aware of, reading people individually and within group dynamics, how my mindfulness translates to others, and what type of progress I am making. I have done these things so often, and for so long, they are second nature, allowing me even to foresee events based on behavioral patterns that others never see coming. Nonetheless, the journey through these continued internal dialogues, the sharing of perspectives with fellow students, and the readings of related articles have been nothing short of value-added.
Reflecting on my life and work, I was able to articulate specifically
what things I hold dear and valuable in both areas of my life and what items
may be holding me back. In recalling what I value the most in my life
includes playing with my children, connecting emotionally and intellectually
with my wife, taking walks in meditation gardens, caring for my body's health,
and taking time to converse with old, dear, and close friends. Those
things at work that I value the most include collaboration, brainstorming,
taking the initiative on new, grassroots projects, and integrating multiple
disciplines. Looking back at these things I like the most has reminded me
to take a moment and engage more mindfully with the awareness that I enjoy these
aspects of my life and work. I should
think about that while engaging in these areas; doing so will help me enjoy the
process at the moment rather than realizing I enjoyed them after the fact.
Looking a bit deeper at myself more holistically, I tend to think about
the gaps in life and not the bridges. I suppose I feel that since I can
walk over and enjoy the bridges I encounter, I ought to focus on the gaps in
life that require attention so that I may one day enjoy the bridges that have
spanned the gaps. The issue with this thinking is that I refocus on the next
gap after building a new bridge, never truly enjoying the fruits of my labor. I
need to take stock in the things I know I could thoroughly enjoy in life if I
would only choose at the moment to be mindful of the fact. In addition, I
have allowed myself to grow more emotionally by letting myself share my
emotions with those closest to me instead of being overly concerned about what
others may judge if I chose to express myself authentically. As a former
gymnast and Navy SEAL, I am regularly in tune with the conditions of my body
and work diligently to find and maintain balance with its health. While
spiritually, I contemplate my true self's relationship with God (which is to
say, everything; people, nature, and the cosmos) regularly to continue
unraveling the higher versions of myself over time.
One of the best things I can do for myself is to focus on decluttering my life and work and take time to enjoy those bridges I had built. I want to enjoy my life while simply being, not only for those things I enjoy doing. I often feel that I never have enough time or money to do the things I want to do. However, I find it is that actual thinking that has kept these things from me. When I decide that there is more than enough time and money, I will encounter the resources that provide opportunities to discover these things. Taking time to sit mindfully to appreciate all that we have and will receive is a blessing in and of itself outside of our ability to develop and master relationships. In the holistic approach, we will see what remarkable aspects of self we can bring to other's lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment