In our last blog post we introduced the concept of awareness and self-awareness.
It is the ability to think about one’s own thinking as well as stand back from oneself and reflect on who one is and one’s behaviour.
We talked about how this is a uniquely human skill that is the reason why we are able to achieve and do so much in the world.
The next step from awareness is, I think, to ask questions. Often questions no one else is asking. And then being aware as to where the question takes you.
The scientific world abounds with examples:
- Penicillin was discovered when a scientist noticed mould on the side of a Petri dish after a long weekend and wondered what that was about.
- Viagra was a cardiac drug that failed and someone wondered why!
- The microwave was invented shortly after someone became aware of a chocolate bar slowly melting when it was too close to a radar screen and questioned why.
Some personal examples:
In my early 20s I became aware of the kindness of a certain girl who offered an ice cream to me, a lonely boy far away from home. It gave me a window into her heart and the rest they say is history! But I wouldn’t necessarily advise marrying someone who offers to buy your ice cream!
More seriously I mentioned in my previous post on awareness about the apparent curse of being aware of my lack of a place to call home, being neither settled in India or Britain. Then in the autumn of 1984 I read for the first time in the book of Hebrews chapter 11 of various prophets from the past who had struggled in various ways. From verse 13:
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were looking for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.”
I look back to that time when I first read those words as the time when my awareness of my identity went from being a curse to a huge blessing.
So how about you?
What questions, thought comments and ideas come to mind – to your awareness as you read this?
Please leave your comments below.
Dr Sunil Raheja
Many seasoned leaders realize they've lost their direction in life. Through my coaching program, leaders are equipped with a personalized plan for meaningful purpose and better days ahead.