DR SANJAY TEOTIA’s simple tips to be young, well and joyful
Have you ever had the time or inclination to just stop and really soak in the beauty of a sunset? Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on how you’re feeling inside? That’s what inner awareness is all about. It’s like putting a pause on the hectic pace of your life to check in with yourself. By diving into our own thoughts and feelings, we not only connect with the world around us but also form a connection with our true self.
Consciousness and Awareness
We all know there’s a link between consciousness and awareness. Think of conscious states as those moments when we’re actively aware of the world. But there’s much more to life than just external awareness. Inner awareness is that surreal sensation of being in tune with what’s happening inside our minds. Imagine being aware of feeling angry or in love. You can’t see, hear, or touch these thoughts and emotions, but you’re still vividly conscious of them.
Living on Autopilot
Many of us go through life on autopilot, and that’s not always a bad thing. Our habits and routines help us navigate daily tasks without constantly stopping to think. Problems only arise when we stay on autopilot for so long that we forget we’re even on it. When we lose awareness of our own habits and impulses, they start to control us instead of the other way around.
Developing Self-Awareness
Did you know that kids go through different levels of self-awareness as they grow up? By around age four or five, they start recognising themselves in mirrors and understanding their own emotions. This skill is crucial for personal development, and we could all benefit from a bit more of it in our busy lives.
Emotional Intelligence and Inner Awareness
In today’s stressful world, it’s easy to react without thinking and miss out on meaningful connections. That’s where emotional intelligence comes in. Regulating our emotions and understanding what drives us can make a huge difference. Inner awareness is the first step in laying a firm foundation for this emotional intelligence.
When you can identify your emotions, and recognise your coping mechanisms, and are also able to define your own beliefs, you’re better equipped to find joy and purpose. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps as well. However, most people find that they are so busy that they have no time for this self-reflection. The thing to do is to take time out of our busy schedules and just do it.
The Benefits of Inner Awareness
It’s no secret that many of us aren’t naturally inclined to spend much time on self-reflection. And when we do get feedback, it’s not always pleasant to hear. But cultivating inner awareness is a crucial first step in improving our lives. It sharpens our judgement and opens up opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Tapping Into Inner Joy
Inner joy emerges when we strip away the layers of our physical and mental selves to reach our core awareness, which helps us to confront our true self. While the mind might seem deeper than the body, they’re intertwined. The mind expresses itself through the body, so our happiness is often linked to what our body and senses experience.
So, let us spend some time every day to check on oneself. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and see how it changes your outlook on life. You might just find yourself feeling younger, more joyful, and more in tune with the world around you. Aren’t those the best ingredients that guarantee a happier you?
Dr. Sanjay Teotia is an eye surgeon and is Senior Consultant, Balrampur Hospital, in Lucknow (U.P.) He is a prolific spiritual writer and his articles appear regularly in Navbharat Times and in Times of India, apart from YoursPositively
Featured photo from Breno Cardoso from Pexels