What can we learn from self-examination, self-awareness?

Question

Before you watch television, drink alcohol, or do anything else that distracts you from reality, pay close attention to your motivations and intentions--asking yourself "why?"

-Barbara Ann Kipfer

Namaste

Peace and Love

Answer 1

Everything, my brother, everything ...

Answer 2

And so can reading, computer, and playful companionship be considered distractions -

Lighten up all of it is part of living life. The pleasure of living comes in many forms. As long as it does not dominate or control us by becoming an end in and of itself then enjoy the movies or a couple of drinks.

Good job Trinity I like that.
There are measuring sticks for an inventory that were passed on to some -

Honesty in thought, deed, and motive.
Purity " "
Unselfishness " "
Love(ing) " "

This is a quick way to check ourselves.

What we do and what we have not done also.
Have we or are we neglecting or ignoring something or someone?

Answer 3

It is possible for us to understand our true motivations for doing everything we do. The fact that it's readily apparent that we don't know, should make us suspicious that we lack integrity, and this is the case. In the absence of integrity, egoic motivations dominate our behavior and reactions are unpredictable. We become vulnerable to those who would expose our hidden motivations with any sort of truth/Truth at any level.

For a seeker of Truth, to live unconsciously is to live a lie, and the seeking will fail. Truth in all things. It begins within.

Answer 4

If we are truly seeking balance and peace in our lives, by doing this "self-inventory" we are made aware of certain "character defects" and certain negative cycles we tend to get trapped in. Once the awareness is there, it is then that we can work on letting go of the negative.
By seeking our responses and our true motivations, it allows us the opportunity to make changes in our lives, as well as develop a habit of taking responsibility for our actions, and reactions.

Blessings
)o(
Trinity

Answer 5

Such examination, such awareness gives insight into the nature of "self", such examination reveals that "it" is an "it" and the act of such examination is the key to Non Self as opposed to what such examination reveals.

It is in the examination act itself which reveals our true nature, it reveals where our proper stance should be, that of the Observer as opposed to the Participant and it reveals how impermanent and unworthy is the "self", how it is unworthy of consideration because of the many ways in which this "thing", this "self" causes so much pain both for ourselves when "it" picks up suffering and "owns it" and when its Unwise Actions cause so much unworthy consequence.

The author you mention is quite right. Her advice is to Observe "Pay close attention to" our motivations, her advice is very very wise, she suggests for us to become that which we should become, the Observer, she has struck a chord with Non Self, I find this of great worth....

I bow to and take heed of such advice, her wisdom is worthy, as is yours for such consideration, I am grateful for this wisdom and I accept it for such is my own that I lack what is required. My wisdom is so unworthy that I accept these words thus with humble thanks....

From a Buddhist.....

Answer 6

rofl Father K
now his day is well messed up !

now I am going to have to go tidy , because I really shouldnt be on here either lol
mmwaa
thanks digi !

Answer 7

You can learn things other people already know about you from observation. It can be daunting at times, but it is necessary.

Answer 8

Great quote! The answer to "why"? is obviously "escape".

Or, procrastination.

Hey! What the %^$# am I doing on Y!A!

Thanks for messing up my morning, Dig! ;-)

Answer 9

That some things are out of our power? THat's all i can think of.

Answer 10

This assumes that you know what reality is...

Most don't!
.

Answer 11

Honesty.... and progression. (You can't have one without the other.)