One of the things I noticed studying different things over my past, from hydraulic systems to human biology, is this feature of the ‘sensing system.’ Hydraulic and biochemical systems, to name just two, commonly utilise a feedback system for self-regulating the overall system they serve. These facilities constantly monitor and “sense” for levels within the system—in this way they maintain balance.
Likewise for us, balance is a key life endeavour we can never get away from. We’re always fighting to maintain our balance, in all sorts of ways and indeed realms. Take, for instance, busyness.
How do we restore our own balances? And how do we self-regulate ourselves in order to reconcile this struggling out-of-balance issue we’re plagued with?
Self-reflection is a key means of maintaining balance over our attitudes and behaviour. It’s critical for maintaining our moment-by-moment conscious awareness and therefore balance.
We can easily be confused as to the modes of self-reflection. Many see it as a one-off, perhaps daily or weekly, event. But I see a whole lot more for it.
On a whole separate level, self-reflection is about being in the moment.
Consider this: It’s one thing to take time out to reflect over our lives—a very key endeavour for a range of reasons. It’s another thing entirely to become accustomed habitually to reflecting in the moment.
This raises the issue of the skill of being distinctively consciously competent in the package that is both self-awareness and self-management—at the level of the unconscious i.e. being unconsciously competent, viz., habit.
Simply put, momentary self-reflection becomes habit. We see ourselves, others’ viewpoints of us and the situation we’re in, the whole picture really—in that moment.
The powers of conscious awareness are now realised.
© S. J. Wickham, 2009.
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