Cultivating Self Awareness
Feeling Stuck?
At some point in our lives, most of us find ourselves feeling stuck—held back by invisible threads of old patterns, unresolved emotions, or limiting beliefs. These threads, often rooted in our past, subtly influence how we relate to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.
Sound familiar? — If so you are in good company with fellow readers, as this is a normal and human experience that does not always have to leave you feeling stagnant.
Why does Self Awareness matter?
Self-awareness is more than simply knowing how we feel in the moment; it’s an ongoing practice of tuning into our inner world with openness and compassion. By approaching our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with curious, non-judgmental attention—not to fix them, but to understand them—we begin to notice the patterns that shape us: our stress responses, inner narratives, and automatic reactions that may no longer serve us.
In the healing context, self-awareness is a foundational tool. It creates space between what we feel and how we respond, allowing us to move through life with more intention and clarity. This gentle attention helps us meet our pain with care, honor our needs, and make choices aligned with our values. Over time, it strengthens our emotional resilience and deepens our capacity for self-love, connection, and growth.
How Therapy can help?
Therapy is a powerful catalyst for self-awareness. In a supportive, non-judgmental space, we slow down and turn inward—something often missed in daily life. With a therapist’s guidance, we explore our thoughts, emotions, and patterns, uncovering connections we may not have noticed before.
How I support my clients in developing self awareness —
In my work as a therapist, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients build deeper self-awareness and emotional clarity. CBT offers a practical lens—together, we look at the thoughts and beliefs that shape behavior and mood. What story are you telling yourself? Is that story helpful, or is it keeping you stuck? By identifying and reframing unhelpful patterns, my clients begin to make more empowered choices.
IFS invites us to go even deeper. We explore the inner landscape as a system of “parts”—each with its own voice, emotion, and history. What part of you feels anxious? What part is trying to protect you? Rather than pushing these parts away, we get curious. Over time, clients connect with their core Self—the grounded, compassionate inner presence that can lead with clarity and confidence. (I have referenced the work of Richard Schwartz in a previous newsletter as it empowers my clients in incredible ways — click here to view his text, “No Bad Parts”, which explores the roots and benefit of the IFS strategies)
This blend of approaches helps clients not only understand their patterns but transform their relationship with themselves. What might shift if you met your inner world with curiosity instead of judgment?
Off The Page: Actioning The Insights
Building self awareness, Now
Building self awareness is a practice that can be cultivated in this very moment and continue to benefit you as you navigate the day, week, and the larger context of your life. Review the list of strategies below and take what resonates with you into your week!
Notice Your Inner Narrative
Pause throughout your day and ask: “What story am I telling myself right now? Is it rooted in an old belief? Is it kind, critical, forceful? — Naming the narrative helps create distance and clarity.
Track Emotional Triggers
When you feel a strong emotional response, take a moment to reflect: “Have I felt this way before?” — Repetitions in response patterns can reveal past unresolved wounds that influence how you react in the here and now.
Dialogue with Your Parts
If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask: “What part of me is showing up right now? Is it trying to protect me? Is this part wounded in anyway that is influencing its response?” — Acknowledgement with curiosity can soften inner tension.
Revisit Attachment Themes
Take a moment to reflect upon early relationships. What have you learned about love, safety, connection, and conflict? How might these early lessons learned by direct teaching or experience show up in your life today?
✦ Bonus — An excerpt from my personal journal
Though I’m clinically trained and hold space for therapeutic conversations daily, I often remind my clients—I’m human too. Being a therapist doesn’t mean I have all the answers or a life free of emotional tension. Like you, I’m navigating my own inner world, and we might often experience similar emotions. Below is a personal journal excerpt from a moment of reflection today that supported me in building awareness:
“Stress is my guide — it lets me know when I have deviated from my true north, when something needs to be looked at deeper, when an insight can be made that will support me in navigating the complex territory of life as it continues to progress around me.”
Introducing — The Library
I have recently published The Library on charanbashir.com, a collection reads that have cultivated inspiration, joy, curiosity, insight, discovery, and self reflection.
Feel free to explore the reads of my personal bookshelf and take what resonates with you — including my current read: The Courage to Be Disliked
Thank You
Thank you for joining me this week! I’m excited to keep sharing insights from my work, research, and personal journey with you.
Did something resonate with you? Curious about applying these strategies in your life? Or know someone who might benefit?
Use the link below to schedule a consultation or forward this newsletter to a friend!
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