Sidewalk

There have been countless times in my life where conversations have escalated, and I have not understood why. In reflecting I have come to understand that part of this experience, is because a need I have is not being met in the conversation.

When needs go unmet we can experience strong emotions and react out of that place. Communication is often far deeper than we acknowledge and when two or more people come together, there are multiple needs that are seeking to meet through the conversation.

Conflict can occur and become emotion driven when it is no longer just about what is being spoken, but the intense experience of the conversation not meeting what we are seeking to have met through our communication.

Taking moment to think through prior to a conversation or reflecting post a conversation, can help us to learn more about ourselves and what we are seeking for our lives.

When we look at the world today, we can all identify both wonder and challenge present in our communities, wider society, and the global stage.

It can be natural for us to project our concerns, fears, and desires outwardly. Seeking to be heard and understood. To identify evidence that meets our opinions and protects us. Part of being human is to constantly search for meaning and our place in a wider context.

Until we seek to understand ourselves, we will continue operate out of unconscious needs and concerns. Whether we are a parent, partner, manager, or global leader.

Self – awareness brings to the surface those unconscious motivators of our actions and behaviours. It grants us the opportunity to reflect and identify change. It creates possibility for our personal transformation that changes what we do, when and how we do it.

It shifts us towards personal responsibility. Where we identify what exists within us that needs support or reframing, rather than seeking the world to meet our current perspective.

Self-awareness has the power to change the world if we are willing to live in the curiosity of what can be, both for ourselves and the wider world.