EP 3: The Gift of Self-Awareness: A Journey to Healing
Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Breathe More. Today, we're delving into the profound topic of self-awareness. It's a journey that has personally reshaped my life, and I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with you.
The Catalyst for Change
When I embarked on my healing journey, self-awareness quickly emerged as the cornerstone of transformation. For years, I had been navigating life without truly understanding how my early experiences, family dynamics, and past shaped the person I had become. While there were beautiful qualities that emerged from those experiences, there were also destructive habits and patterns that caused tension and pain.
As I began making connections between my past and present, I felt empowered. Self-awareness allowed me to separate my feelings from my actions and past experiences. Let me share an example. I recently found myself in a serene mountain town, Idlewild, far from the hustle and bustle. It was everything I had longed for: peace, a slower pace, and a safe space to heal from health issues. Yet, upon arrival, panic gripped me. I felt an overwhelming urge to leave, convinced I couldn't thrive in such tranquility.
The root of this anxiety was a younger version of myself, who had never experienced a safe, restful environment. She felt uneasy and feared reprisals for slowing down. This unease led to thoughts like, "My upcoming mastermind launch won't succeed unless I'm in the chaos of LA." This realization was a pivotal aha moment.
Embracing Stillness
Throughout my life, I had thrived in crisis, becoming an adept problem-solver in chaotic situations. But stillness made me uncomfortable. To fill the void, I kept myself perpetually busy—a trait I inherited from my mother, who couldn't be at ease unless occupied.
Recognizing this pattern, I've actively worked on undoing it. I've taught my inner child that we can embrace a slower pace without sacrificing success or ambition. Quiet surroundings don't negate our goals or desires. It's a process I've undertaken while in this mountain town—hiking, playing by the creek, and avoiding 12-hour workdays.
Continuing at my previous frantic pace would inevitably lead to burnout, a path I've already traversed with its accompanying health issues. My body has been imploring me to slow down, and I'm finally listening.
The Power of Breathwork and Self-Reflection
One of my tools for self-awareness and healing is breathwork. Through meditation and other healing modalities, I process emotions and confront my fears. Breathwork has also been a transformative practice for my clients.
As we identify limiting beliefs, patterns, and habits that no longer serve them, we delve deeper. Often, beneath the surface, we uncover layers of emotion, such as anger and rage. Creating a safe space for these emotions allows us to express and embody them, preventing them from erupting as explosive reactions in daily life.
With each breath, we work toward reframing these beliefs and thoughts, enabling us to show up differently in the world and achieve different results.
Compassion and Inner Child Healing
Self-awareness has gifted me immense compassion for myself, especially when I notice old patterns resurfacing. Instead of berating myself for not being completely healed, I pause and ask, "Which part of me feels unsafe right now?" Often, it's my inner child, feeling scared and unsafe.
In those moments, I breathe deeply and engage in a compassionate dialogue with my inner child. I ask her how she feels, what she needs, and how I can support her. I offer her a new perspective, reassuring her that we are safe and won't get into trouble for taking time to rest.
This process has allowed me to create space for my inner child to simply be a kid again. Whether it's going on a hike or splashing in the creek, I ensure she receives the care and attention she deserves.
Empowerment Through Self-Reflection
Through self-awareness, we can empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges. By identifying the root causes of our reactions and behaviors, we gain clarity and a roadmap for change.
So, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-reflection. Notice your behaviors and patterns—have you been short-tempered or impatient? Take a deep breath and connect with your body and emotions. Journal about your observations and begin the process of excavation.
As you unearth these hidden aspects of yourself, you'll find that pieces start falling into place, making sense in new ways. You'll also gain insight into the changes you need to make to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Let's Connect
If you decide to embark on this journey of self-awareness, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out via email at info@analilia.net or send me a message on Instagram @analilia. I'm always eager to learn about your experiences and offer support in your journey.
If you feel you could benefit from guidance and support in this excavation work, don't hesitate to contact me. Whether through one-on-one sessions in my RESET program or within the Dream Bigger Mastermind, we can work together to uncover your true potential and create the life you desire.
Thank you for joining me today on this transformative exploration of self-awareness. I look forward to connecting with you soon. Wishing you a beautiful day filled with self-discovery and growth. Bye for now!
WORK WITH ANA:
CONNECT WITH ANA: