Self-awareness and How it Develops

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This week's discussion topic: "Self-awareness and How it Develops"
8.11.2014
Level: Intermediate (B1) and above

1st Q: How do you define self-awareness?
August 11 at 8:16am ·
Y: I think its about knowing your self,the purpose of your creation and of course what you should become
August 12 at 3:21am ·  · 2
Z: knowing and predicting your reality , your actions and reactions ,....
August 12 at 10:40am ·  · 1
N:  Self-awareness reminds me of Gardner's intrapersonal intelligence... The ability to communicate with yourself.
August 12 at 2:25pm ·
N:  Have you heard of that?
August 12 at 4:53pm ·
Z: nah.
August 12 at 11:17pm ·  ·
Z: What is that ? ...N ?? kind of exorcism ? u know extracting your soul from your body and flying with your soul in the whole universe .or let's say exploring the whole universe to improve our capacities is a chance to get that super fancy megBd's brain ..i don know ...mate..
August 12 at 11:36pm ·  ·
N:  You can read about it here Z:: http://en.wikipedia.org/.../Theory_of_multiple_intelligences
Theory of multiple intelligences - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org
The theory of multiple intelligences is a theory of intelligence that differenti... See More
August 13 at 6:10am ·  · 1 ·
K:  I think self awareness is about being honest with yourself. And by honest I mean to try to feel every good or bad feeling the way it is, and ask yourself why I'm feeling this way. Moreover we should analyse our thoughts too. we should find the root of every thought in our mind and again ask ourselves " Is it my original thought or others made me think this way while I don't believe in that idea? "so the more we try to be self-aware, the more unique we are going to be, I guess.
August 13 at 11:24am ·  · 4
Z: multiple intelligences .... I think this is a new aspect of view on intelligence ...i always thought something was wrong with IQ tests...because the IQ test was always ignoring other aspects of my qualities..you know i guess the psychology must reconsider about IQ test part.
August 13 at 11:45am ·  ·  · 2
N:  thanks  and Mo. Next question is: Does developing self-awareness make life easier? Why?
August 14 at 11:28am ·
N:  B
August 14 at 11:30am ·
Z: I believe that the self-awareness is something everyone should deal with it. if you don't you can't go on and get ride of your weaknesses in your life .in our specific computerized language you are not gonna upgrade but downgrade.
August 14 at 11:53am ·  · 2
K:  oh Yes, It definitely makes everything easier. I think most of the time we are upset about things which didn't happen in our life or sometimes upset about people who didn't come to our life. or things we couldn't do. But in these cases i guess we're just trying to be something or someone we are not! Therefore we don't know ourselves very well. But if we were aware of our characteristics and our abilities, Then we would know that we probably couldn't have all those events or people in our life . and it's better for us to follow something that suits us more. this way , we're going to be much happier I guess and life would be much easier
August 14 at 1:05pm ·  · 3
F:  In my opinion self-awareness is about knowing yourself well enough to find out what you want in life and I strongly agree with what  said about being honest. I find it very hard thing to do!
August 14 at 5:06pm ·  · 3
F:  And yes it makes life easier because when you know what's going on with you and with your life, dealing with problems gets easier for you
August 14 at 5:10pm ·  · 3
N:  thanks , Mo and  . BTW here's a nice definition of self-awareness: "Self-awareness is a psychological state in which people are aware of their traits, feelings and behaviour. Alternately, it can be defined as the realization of oneself as an individual entity."
(Crisp & Turner, 2010)
August 14 at 8:06pm ·  · 2
N:  Being aware of one's feelings and traits will obviously help us lead a better life. One clear example is the way you behave towards the members of your family: I know that I easily get angry! To refrain from losing my temper I simply do not continue an angersome!! discussion, one that may cause bitter controversy. It does work for me but I guess it's not only self-awareness. I mean there are other factors involved in making such decisions...
August 14 at 8:27pm ·  · 3
Z: Dude... it doesn't work for me ..u know I'm a real stalker! ...yeah ..i always latch onto someone or something,i know this is terrible habit i have ..still it's on progress ...in anger case .. sometimes my anger becomes rage ....a bit  lunatics...
August 14 at 8:52pm ·  · 1
F:  Being aware is one thing and using it for better life is another. Maybe that person is aware of his anger problem but cannot control it. It's not that simple
August 14 at 9:08pm ·  · 1
N:  Z:, You need to big change. I guess you have to update your firmware
August 14 at 9:14pm ·  · 1
August 14 at 10:24pm ·  · 1
K:  Ké But the first step for a change is to be aware that there is a problem. And you're right. It's not easy at all. every change is followed by pain and some people can't tolerate that pain....
August 14 at 10:32pm ·  · 2
O:  forgive me for jumping in , i think self awareness is a lie , we can't claim and we can't recognize that which thought is natural and original and which one is not , in modern and civilized society , there is no natural behavior .i think everything is under the effect of society's need.
August 14 at 10:41pm ·  ·  · 3
Y: Oh self awareness just gonna make your life so hard despite the fact that every person should find his source and purpose.i mean the people that dont care about this stuff can live much easier than others.there is a poet about it in farsi that says har ke oo hoshyartar rokh zardtar
August 15 at 5:42am ·  · 1
N:  Thank you O and B and welcome to our weekly discussion...
August 15 at 7:09am ·  ·
N:  B, I do agree with you on the fact that the more you know the more you have to take. And I'm talking about the unpleasant situation around us, but I still prefer to be aware of the actual events and facts around me and to tolerate them rather than being ignorant.
August 15 at 9:46am ·
O:  saying thanks is not an answer , i just thought there will be a discussion.
N:
August 15 at 11:43am ·  ·  · 1
K:  O Thank you for joining us. We always welcome challenging ideas  yours. You're right about the originality part. And as you know even new ideas are based on their previous ideas, and they're not completely separated from them. And again i totally agree with your last sentence. But self awareness is about knowing what you're comfortable with. For example you may not be happy with your family virtues but you might find yourself comfortable with other people's culture. It's not your original thought but you KNOW that is what makes you happy. So you're now more self-aware. could I make myself clear?
August 15 at 11:58am ·  · 2
K:  B I think you've been a little misunderstood here. What you're talking about is awareness, not SELF- awareness . To know more about life and the world around us (awareness) is definitely painful. But self-awareness is about being at peace with yourself. When you know what you are, what you want or what you're capable of, you will have a much easier life rather than not knowing all of these matters
August 15 at 12:04pm ·  · 1
O:  K:  Thank you , you've made it clear to me
August 15 at 12:11pm ·  · 2
K:  You're welcome. Happy to hear that
August 15 at 12:15pm ·  · 2
Y: Thankyou K.i didnt know that
August 15 at 3:17pm ·  · 2
K:  I have another question and I'm really keen to know about your knowledge and experiences. What can we do to become more self-aware? Y: O:  N:  K: é  Z:
August 15 at 11:50pm ·  · 1
Z:  i said .knowing yourself.. that's all what i got to say
August 16 at 6:08am ·  · 1
N:  Actually that's part of the topic: "How self-awareness is developed". Let me brainstorm a little: thinking about what I've done today, what I could've done, how I treated others, understanding myself, my needs, feelings and desires, ambitions, knowing my weaknesses...
August 16 at 8:27am ·  · 2
K:  Now that I'm thinking about it, I can guess from my experiences that when a similar event happens to me over and over again, and I keep having trouble handling it, I realize that it might be one of my weaknesses. Or when I keep having an unpleasant feeling over a situation, I ask myself: "what is it that makes me feel this way? What thought is bothering me right now? " and then I might find a problem in my attitude towards the situation. And this way I become more aware of my feelings or thoughts. that can be a small step of self-awareness .
August 16 at 11:17am ·  · 3
K:  Z: It would be much better if you shared more with us. But if you think you said enough, it's your choice and I respect that
August 16 at 11:47am ·  ·  · 2
Z: pardon me...K:  ...in this area i don't have much knowledge...self-awreness has a lot of discussions...i know almost none of them it's not my place to elaborate it piece by piece....
August 16 at 3:10pm ·  ·  · 3
K:  Z: Do you think I'm a expert in these matters?! I only know as much as you do! we're just talking about our experiences and this helps us learn from each other, that's all it's not an exam or something. and no one is going to judge you for your opinion here. Sometimes someone in the discussion asks me something which I know nothing about. So I have to search a bit about it to be able to say something. I admit it's a hard topic to talk about. I find it difficult for myself too. All I'm asking is that whether you have any experiences in this matter that you'd  to share with us?
August 16 at 3:36pm ·  · 3
K:  And now that I'm looking at your previous comments Z:, all I can see is that despite what you're trying to tell me, you seem  a very knowledgeable person! and who knows? You might know about self-awareness more than all of us!
August 16 at 3:48pm ·  ·  · 2
Z: thanks .K:  ..i think this subject is connected to the discretion.....i don't know if you are noticed or not...most of the father's with dying breath are telling something very strange and unusual facts (something  predictions).. after a while those words of the fathers become true ...i know it sounds stupid and strange ..but it is something makes me wondering what if our fathers are at the most heightened of their awreness...
August 16 at 5:01pm ·  · 1
Z: i digged a little this subject is very close to ...or consciousness , awareness, sobriety we need to discuss more i guess..
August 16 at 5:04pm ·  ·  · 1
N:  Let's make life, and this discussion in particular, easier! I'm gonna post some questions in a couple of minutes...
August 16 at 5:07pm ·  · 1
Z: N....have u ever read Divergent or transcendence philosophies?
August 16 at 5:10pm ·
Z: i think this article would help..http://www.anus.com/zine/articles/alexis/transcendence/
What Is Transcendence?
www.anus.com
Transcendence as seen from a transcendental idealist, aesthetic idealist and nihilistic-pragmatist perspective.
August 16 at 5:12pm ·  · 1 ·
K:  you mentioned something very interesting Z: . I agree with you. I think the older we get, the more self-aware we will be.
August 16 at 5:14pm ·
N:  Hey Z:. Nope! You believe in Nehilism?
August 16 at 5:15pm ·
N:  "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." ~ Anais Nin
August 16 at 5:18pm ·  · 3
N:  OK guys. I found this article interesting: http://www.mindtools.com/.../coaching-self-awareness.htm Let's discuss the six approaches. We'll start by reading the intro. and approaches 1 and 2.
Coaching to Develop Self-Awareness: Helping People Get to Know Themselves
www.mindtools.com
With better self–awareness, we can improve our relationships, and reach our goal... See More
August 16 at 5:26pm ·  · 3 ·
N:  BTW, Z: I didn't get your point about the father thing... Could you elaborate?
August 16 at 5:29pm ·  · 1
K:  Thanks for the link Z:. But I think it was more theoretical. there must be a more practical way for everyone to develop self-awareness. Don't you think?
August 16 at 5:32pm ·  · 1
Z: yeah ..K:  ...there are more ways....
August 16 at 5:32pm ·
Z: N... i believe in some of Nehilism ideas ..that's all.
August 16 at 5:33pm ·
Z: K: ...i was chatting with a us gal who does meditation stuff ...we were discussing about this subject ..but most part of our discussion was how to develop our awareness...she said we develop ourselves and our minds is by getting our soull out of our vessels ...
August 16 at 5:39pm ·
K:  I think the link N:  shared can be very helpful. I've tried daily writing and telling your life story. and I found them very useful. I'd  to try "defining your role in life".
August 16 at 5:40pm ·
Z: we walk around the universes and stuff ...and when we get back...we become someone else...
August 16 at 5:40pm ·
K:  I told you! you know more than I do! Can you explain how it exactly happens? Z:
August 16 at 5:43pm ·  ·
Z: K:  ..trust me i m worse than u ...
August 16 at 5:44pm ·  · 1
Z: she said ...she is doing with meditation at the top of lava mountain
August 16 at 5:44pm ·  ·  · 1
Z: as much as i know ..this is buddhism ...we have mediation in our religion....
August 16 at 5:47pm ·  · 1
Z: when we are praying ...it is kind of meditation you are calm..........
August 16 at 5:51pm ·  ·  · 1
K:  Hi P welcome to the discussion You're totally right . But if you take a look at the previous comments, you'll notice N:  made a similar comment. To tell you a summary of what we said, I'd say : Although we might react differently when we' re depressed or sad, we have a personality that doesn't change much during our life. What we mean by self-awareness is to know our unique personalities. Do you think if there is a way to know ourselves , so we can react more maturely in different situations?
August 16 at 6:35pm ·  · 2
K:  Z: I see You even have self-aware friends . So meditation has a key role in self awareness, and praying too.Although you weren't eager to talk about this subject, you made some beautiful points. thank you so much for your time
 
N:  Hi P. I do agree that self-awareness is a complicated psychological issue and is difficult to be developed. We're trying our best to discuss it here I found this article interesting: http://www.mindtools.com/.../coaching-self-awareness.htm Let's discuss the six approaches. We'll start by reading the intro. and approaches 1 and 2.
Page not found (Error 404)
www.mindtools.com
Sorry, the page you asked for isn't on our server.
August 16 at 7:07pm ·  · 1 ·
N:  http://www.mindtools.com/.../coaching-self-awareness.htm
Coaching to Develop Self-Awareness: Helping People Get to Know Themselves
www.mindtools.com
With better self–awareness, we can improve our relationships, and reach our goal... See More
August 16 at 7:10pm ·  ·
N:  OK P. I posted the correct link in the next comment.
August 16 at 7:12pm ·  · 1
Z: i gotta go too for now ....duty calls.--> piece
August 16 at 7:18pm ·  · 2
N:  P, WOW! it was great thnx
 K:  P What you said about moderation is so true. I actually had a moment of insight about my own life by reading your comment! and I think moderation is one sign of self-awareness. thanks
August 17 at 4:18pm ·  · 2
K:  P This is a weekly discussion honey. but if one discussion takes more than one week, we will start the new one as soon as we finish the previous one.
August 17 at 11:15pm ·  · 1
K:  By the way the video you posted was very nice.
August 17 at 11:16pm ·  · 1
N:  Hey guys. Today I'm going to post a new topic. Any suggestions?
August 18 at 1:35pm ·  · 3
K I think "motivation and its importance in life" can be a good topic.
August 18 at 2:07pm ·  · 2
I Although it seems too late ,I've gotta add ,human is the only creature that is self-aware which means he can look at himself,see himself in different situations,... .These two terms 'self' and 'awareness' can be used only when we are talking about mankind!The question that comes to our minds is;'What has made all the difference between human and other creature that just he is 'selfaware'?'.Once we find the answer to the question,we'll learn how to develop it I think.There might be many answers;knowledge=>'little knowledge is a dangerous thing',....
August 18 at 11:30pm ·  · 1
H It develops slowly!
August 19 at 7:50am ·  · 2
K finally I! You showed up Happy to see you here again. yeah, I agree with you, and there were some links N kianpur shared with us on how to develop our awareness and I think they were useful too. And also your last sentence is sooo true.
August 19 at 9:05am ·  · 2
K Yeah H that's what makes it so painful sometimes
August 19 at 9:06am ·  · 2
N:  Hi I. Glad to read you Little knowledge is hazardous...
August 19 at 9:58am ·  · 2
N:  H, that was a succinct answer! thanks
August 19 at 9:59am ·  · 2
J Really appreciate all comments! Thank you for having the chat and thanks to those contributing.
August 19 at 11:30am ·  · 2
J So.... I have pondered on this topic for quite a while in my life..... and now I have two questions (for anyone who would  to answer it).... 1) What is the definition of "self-awareness" in your opinion, and 2) based on your answer to questions 1, why is "self-awareness" important?
August 19 at 11:35am ·  · 1
N:  Hi there. Sorry but we've already answered these questions You can find them if you scroll up! Why don't you join us on the new topic for this week?
August 19 at 12:02pm ·  · 2
J Thank you N: , got it!