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The 5 Layers of Self-Awareness

By
Beth Gibbs, MA, E-YRT 500, C-IAYT
quiet reflection is one way to peel back the layers of self-awareness.

For centuries, philosophers have pondered the connection between mental and physical health. Science now recognizes the mind/body connection. Research continues to find evidence that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and handling stress can positively or negatively affect our physical health. Modern research on the psychological aspects of self-awareness can be traced back to 1972 when Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund developed their theory of self-awareness:

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Female yoga student legs on yoga mat. Yoga props for Iyengar lesson

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Uttanasana or Standing forward Fold Pose variation with the support of the wall and a chair.

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 Image represents space and how space is part of everything and how we are mostly space.

Space Element: Vibrating Life

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Workout group class at the yoga studio.

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Rear view of girl with hands up facing sunrise.

Air Element: Balance Your Prana

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Portrait of beautiful woman meditating and doing yoga at sunset on the grass in a park or forest

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In 1988, I attended my first silent Insight Meditation retreat. I noticed one thing right off—how incredibly out-of-control my mind is. But as my mind began to quiet a little, I started to notice something... Read more
Image of Jnana Mudra that is symbolic of inner knowledge

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Student rolling out mat getting ready for yoga class with mobile smartphone close by

Cell Phones in Yoga Class?

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