From the continuation of the self-awareness: The Uncomfortable Conversation of self, I decided to dive deeper into the psychological behavioral trait of avoidance behavior. The avoidance behavior trait of being unaware of self. Self-awareness is the source of becoming centered or balanced; without it, there will be discord within self, mind, body, & spirit.

Do you tend to mask your feelings or moods by indulging in alcohol, sexual acts, work, and other extracurricular activities? It is not about shaming but beginning to examine the root the why factor of avoidance behavior trait: unawareness of self. Ironically, as a society, we speak about healing, but we have an allegiance to the codependency of artificial reality (AR). Seriously why are we so afraid to feel?

This behavior is called avoidance. Avoidance behavior is a subtle form of avoidance, and escape is a natural mechanism for coping with pain and trauma (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021). Referring more to my experience as a care practitioner for surgical patients, this is one of the expected behaviors I see. I think the stillness of being in the moment can be traumatizing to some surgical patients because their subconsciousness of self has the opportunity to release without any distractions other than pain itself (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021). How do we begin to break the cycle of avoidance behavior that contributes to self-unawareness? How do we start a new process of thought patterns to practice small steps of self-awareness before the surgical procedure? I believe self-awareness is the first essential step in pursuing self-healing: mind, body, soul, and spirit (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021). I have a few suggestions that could be beneficial for pre & post-surgical patients to begin breaking the cycles of avoidance behaviors.

1.   Learning to accept that you are afraid to feel raw emotions of whatever bothering you, whether positive or negative (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021).

2.   Begin visualizing yourself sitting in a room alone, allowing the current mood to flow without future fear or goodness (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021).

3.   Talk to a trusted friend or trusted mental health professional about your reluctance to acknowledge your moods or emotions in the present moment (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021).

4.   Show yourself compassion and patience during this lifelong journey of self-awareness. It’s not about how fast you reach the finish line. Instead, embrace the progress and learn how to trust yourself on a new and higher level (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021).

5.   Do not forget to breathe. You got this. Take one moment at a time, and you will surprise yourself with how emotionally prepared you are for surgery (Saxena & Abulhosn, 2021).

In conclusion, I refer to Galatians 6: 3, NIV states, “If anyone thinks they are something when are not, they deceive themselves.” (New International Version, 2022, Galatians 6:3).

References:

Saxena, S., & Abulhosn, R. (2021). Avoidance behavior: Examples, impacts, & how to overcome. Choosing Therapy. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/avoidance-behavior/

Merriam – Webster. (2022). Self-awareness. In Merriam – Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-awareness

Cherry, K. (2020, July 14). Self-awareness: How it develops and why it matters. Verywell Mind. Retrieved May 1, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-awareness-2795023

New International Version, (2022). NIV Online. www.bibleportal.com/topic/selfawareness