“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.”
-Lao Tzu
For the last several months, I’ve spent every Monday evening broadcasting Both Sides Now and Beyond with my good friend Kellee White. Kellee is a psychotherapist who also happens to be an incredibly gifted Spiritual Medium. We choose a new topic every week, and look at it from every angle – the divine and the practical, the mind and the spirit.
Recently, we discussed the idea of living a conscious life. As we talked about how to raise your consciousness and shared ways to detect and avoid unconscious behavior, I realized something.
I kept thinking “I teach my Mediumship students that!” or “My Spiritual Coaching students will LOVE that technique.” At the same time, Kellee was saying, “Clients who come to me for therapy can apply this to their jobs, relationships, and all aspects of their lives.” After the broadcast, I got this text from a friend “Wow! My kids need this information to help them navigate college.”
Consciousness Raising = Awareness
Attaining a higher level of consciousness is something everyone can benefit from. If you’re a light worker – a psychic, medium, healer, or spiritual teacher – coming from your highest place is imperative. But being more aware of your thoughts, actions, and the way you interact with others is a life-changer, regardless of your age, religion, or occupation.
The first step to raising your consciousness is to realize the unconscious behaviors and habits you might be relying on.
Many unconscious behaviors fall into these categories:
Being Too “In Your Head”
If you overthink everything and lie awake at night obsessing over things you can’t control, you might fall into this category. People who are “in their head” have such busy minds that they find it nearly impossible to enjoy the present moment without worrying about the future or endlessly reliving the past.
They miss out on the beauty that’s all around them, because preoccupation with their own thoughts makes them oblivious to their surroundings. And they can’t even imagine quieting their minds enough for a meditation session – even though that’s exactly what they need!
Making it All About You
You often walk away from a conversation without remembering what the other person said. Why? Because you spend more time thinking of your response or coming up with a better story to share than actually listening.
You feel you have to prove your worth by being smarter, more successful, and having more material things than everyone around you. But all that one-upping gets in the way of your relationships, and at the end of the day, your competitive nature can leave you feeling empty and exhausted.
To shift this behavior, start by actively listening to others. Try to estimate how much time you spend listening vs. talking, 40% talking / 60% listening is a good starting point.
The Bull in the China Shop
If you’re so easily angered that friends and family members have to walk on eggshells when they’re around you, it might be time for some serious soul searching.
Aggressive and angry behavior stems from fear, so ask yourself – what am I afraid of? Be aware of what triggers you, and when you feel yourself getting angry or impatient with a person or a situation, take a few deep breaths and make a conscious effort to respond with love, rather than react with anger.
Negative Nancy
If you don’t have a good word to say about anyone and are quick to criticize and judge, watch out! Dwelling on the negative isn’t good for anyone – especially you.
It’s easy to fall into negative mindset, and because seeing the worst in others and finding flaws everywhere you look attracts more of the same, it’s a hard habit to break.
But you can turn your attitude around with two magic words! Gratitude and Forgiveness can help banish negativity. So, let go of old grudges and grievances, and look for the good things in your life. I promise, there’s plenty to be thankful for!
Focusing Outward instead of Inward
Do you know more about the Real Housewives and social media influencers than you do about your own family? Are you constantly worried about how others perceive you? Does every vacation or social event feel like a chore, because you’re so focused on looking good to others rather than enjoying the moment.
When your attention and energy go outward rather than inward, being happy becomes an impossible challenge. There’s always going to be someone with more – but who cares! Life isn’t a competition. If you find yourself falling into this trap, remember what I always say. “What other people think of you is none of your business!”
As you look through this list, don’t beat yourself up if you recognize your own behaviors. Instead, congratulate yourself on taking the first step toward positive change. In the upcoming days, slow down and pay attention to your thoughts, behavior, and emotions. If you set your intention for positive chance and are mindful of your thoughts and actions, your consciousness has nowhere to go but up.
For more information about consciousness, mindfulness, intuition, grounding, energy vampires, and much, much, more check out my YouTube Channel. You’re going to love it!