Turn Awareness Into Action

Strengthening our ability to be self-aware, self-actualized, and self-determined can help us co-create a better world together. Try this guided meditation for taking wise action. 1

BY MICHELLE MALDONADO

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and confused about how to engage with the world from a place of strength, groundedness, and calm.

Try this awareness practice to foster three key insights: clarity of intention; understanding of our power, presence, and impact; and opportunities for wise actiontaking. We don’t have to know all the answers. We are simply inviting in reflection and introspection to allow insights and awareness of body and mind to arise. Whatever arises, see if you can meet it with selfcompassion and curiosity.

First, let us bring our attention to our heart space by gently placing a hand over the heart, allowing it to simply rest there. Placing a hand over the heart can often bring us comfort when we explore difficult thoughts, emotions, or experiences. 2

Next, see what you notice: perhaps the weight of your palm against your chest, or a temperature difference in the space underneath your palm, or maybe even the sensation of each heartbeat as you expand your awareness. Take it all in with a gentle inhale and exhale.

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Over the next few moments, invite yourself to consider these three things: How did I show up in the world today? How did my privilege show up through me? What actions can I take, and what questions can I open to, to help become more aware of my privilege and its impact on others?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Maldonado is coauthor of A Bridge To Better: An Open Letter To Humanity & Resource Guide, and founder of Lucenscia. She is a former corporate attorney and a certified mindfulness and emotional intelligence teacher and practitioner.