Introduction to Mindfulness - Dean Amory

2. Working with our unconscious better
If I had to pick one thing to help one become aware of the
unconscious, it would be to spend quality time with yourself each day.
Here the intention is self-inquiry, to know yourself at a deeper level
through contemplation, meditation, and prayer.
Other things that build self-awareness and help you understand what
is below the surface are the following:
1. Read a few pages each day in a self-help book that you find applies
to your personal challenges and issues.
2. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Journal-write about
your conflicts to allow them to become more conscious to you. Feel
your feelings – cry if you need to, feel your upset and anger if you
need to; allow feelings inside of you to surface.
3. Watch your dreams and daydreams. Look for patterns and
messages about your issues, actions, about what you really want. If,
for example, you daydream about writing a book often, take this as a
serious message from your unconscious. If you dream about moving
over and over, you may need to look at your current living situation
and consider that the unconscious is nudging you in a new direction,
not necessarily to move physically, but to do something different to
get unstuck emotionally.
4. Notice if you are envious of anyone. Ask yourself what they have
that you want in your life. Then use them as a role model. Observe
them to learn how they accomplish what you want to create.
5. Psychotherapy is a supportive way to look at yourself and your
problems, to move beyond conditioning from the past, and to find
good solutions to life’s dilemmas.
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