Page 176 - C:\Users\STEVEB~1\AppData\Local\Temp\msoF8C5.tmp
P. 176

ϭϳϲ




         3$57    -  /(&785(     -  7+( 32:(5 2) $:$5(1(66


         Using Questions To Be More Self Aware
         Our quality of life can be improved by the quantity and quality of questions we ask of ourselves
         and the honesty with which we answer them. Questions can help you become more self aware.
         Are you your house or the district where you live? Are you your job? Are you what you look like?
         The answers to these questions are only reflections of who you are to the outside world. But it’s
         just that, a reflection of your inner self. To go below the surface, the questions need to be more
         meaningful.

         Think of the questions as being in layers. Each level or layer of questioning takes you closer and
         closer to the “core of your being.”


         Example of Layers

         What type of people do I enjoy spending time with?
         Well...they have to be open-minded people. I really enjoy their company.

         Why do I enjoy being with open-minded people?
         Because then I can explore lots of different ideas. I enjoy searching for answers. And if they’re
         open-minded, the exploration can go anywhere!
         What do I mean by “exploration can go anywhere”?
         I mean I can investigate all the big questions in life like...Why are we here or where do emotions
         come from?

         How does being with open-minded people assist me in exploring those questions?
         Well...if they’re open-minded they won’t make fun of my ideas.

         Why is it important to me that people not make fun of my ideas?
         Because it feels like my ideas are..well...me. I don’t like being made fun of.

         Why don’t I like being made fun of?
         Because then I feel shitty about myself.

         Why would I feel shitty about myself if people made fun of me?
         Because they’re not accepting me for who I am!
         Why do I feel low if others don’t accept me for who I am?
         Because it means I’m not OK.

         How does others not accepting me mean I’m not okay?
         Hmmmm.... I guess it doesn't have to mean that.

         As you can see, the further down in the questioning process you go, the more you can tap into
         why you do what you do and who you are. It will take time for you to go through all the
         questions if you keep digging down each layer. Feel free to refer back to this example when
         answering the questions.

         Tips On Answering Questions   Awareness is the first step in the creation process. As you grow
         in self awareness you will better understand why you feel what you feel and why you behave as
         you behave. That understanding then gives you the opportunity and freedom to change.
         Without knowing who you are, self acceptance and change become impossible.
   171   172   173   174   175   176   177   178   179   180   181