Reflection on Self-Awareness & Self-Consciousness

MACC Roundtable Topic on 21st June 09 : Is Self-Awareness=Self-Consciousness?

Self-Consciousness is a state of being totally involved in one’s thoughts and feelings which are self contained within oneself.

Spiritually, it is a desirable milestone in seeking the sublime state of Holiness and Peace. Exponents of Yoga, Meditation and others, strive towards this state of being to seek inner richness.

However, in another context, Self-Consciousness has a different connotation ie it is a negative reflection of oneself, such as, being overly concerned of how others look at him so much so, he recoils into a disempowering frame or reacts superficially.

Narcissism (too much self-love) is a derivative of Self-Consciousness.

Self-Awareness is an extension of Self-Consciousness in that the person, having in control of his thoughts and feelings, now expresses them through his behaviours. Here, he has moved outside of himself; a manifestation of himself. He then initiates measures to develop himself holistically, embarking on the journey of transformation.

In a coaching context, Self-Awareness is the quintessential outcome for it then empowers the coachee:
a) to constantly touch base with his inner self,
b) to be fully sensitive to the impact of his actions upon himself and others and taking responsibility for it, and
c) to initiate corrective measures for positive improvement.

What is the Learning Lesson?

Self-Awareness and Self-Consciousness are, therefore, intertwined complementing each other, like inseparable twins. It is the utmost desirable state of anyone who seeks wholesome personal development, without which, he is a failed man.

Coaching, therefore, holds the key to empowering Self-Awareness-cum-Self- Consciousness.

What do you think? We invite your comments and thoughts.