Self-Awareness: knowing Your Emotions

Everyone possesses a concealed universe within. This internal universe contains emotions, thoughts, and invisible energies. Therefore, feeling emotions is not a luxury; it is truly a necessity for your peace, equilibrium, and spiritual evolution.

Self-Awareness as Inner Cosmology

“The Qur’an states: ‘And in yourselves, then will you not see?’ (51:21). This ayah (or message) encourages your awareness inward. Just as galaxies conceal mysteries, the human mind has secrets as well. Self-awareness is essentially a telescope for the soul. So, it allows you, with its lens, to perceive stars shining at the seat of your heart.

The Importance of Feelings

Emotions are more influential than logic in human decisions. Their influence is invisible, but it affects relationships, health, and destiny. Contemporary psychology reveals that positively or negatively felt emotions lead to unprocessed emotions that become stress and anxiety. Conversely, emotional awareness creates fortitude and equilibrium in the event of negative feelings. So, emotional awareness turns ‘storms of pain’ into strength and wisdom.

Scientific Inquiry and Emotions

Neuroscience indicates emotions function as signals for the brain and body. The amygdala dictates how a person feels fear, joy, or anger. The prefrontal cortex follows, regulating pre-existing emotions. Research out of Harvard University indicates that awareness reduces the activity of stress hormones. Also, emotional consciousness strengthens the immune system, enables creativity, and helps individuals to make more helpful decisions.

Are You Aware?

Space journeyers frequently describe experiencing the “overview effect.” When they view the Earth from space, the observer may feel an internal shift in emotions. The phenomena are that the observer is witnessing collective oneness beyond geographical boundaries, and they do not feel their typical self-interest. So, this is similar to the state of emotional awareness, when an individual perceives that they are no longer contained by feelings of self-interest and that the space becomes large and interconnected.

Read more: Explore The Multiverse Of Your Mind

Qur’anic Point of View

The Qur’an reminds: “Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28). This verse indicates that distress is tethered to the heart, as is much of our experience. Lack of awareness of emotions is like hardening of the heart, and awareness softens the heart. Hence, through remembrance, emotions can transmute into wisdom, mercy, a luminosity of light.

Feelings and the Universe

Feelings travel across space like a wave of cosmic frequencies. Physics tells us that every particle vibrates with energy. Every feeling carries energy and transfers its energy in connections. Also, heavy feelings spread dark energy. Positive feelings sparkle like stars, illuminating both hearts and community.

Contemporary Evidence of Awareness

A study conducted by Yale University indicated that mindfulness alters the circuits of the brain. Brain scans demonstrated better control over the brain’s responses to fear. Other studies indicate that reflective practices among students not only improved grades but also improved the relationships of the students. There is no question that one needs self-awareness for success, not weakness.

Did you know?

Did you know that the heart contains many of its own neurons? The heart can feel, remember, and even decide on its own. These neurons are what scientists are dubbing the “heart-brain”. So, long before science documented this evidence, Islam was illustrating this concept. Hence, awareness of feelings is awareness of the divine center of the heart.

The Qur’an and Emotional Regulation

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: “A strong person does not defeat the other in a wrestling match, but the strong person is the one who controls himself when angry.” This saying has a profound meaning for psychologists today since the awareness of your feelings can promote regulation prior to displaying anger in potentially destructive ways. Islam has emphasized regulating feelings prudently. A good case study is Yusuf’s (AS) father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS). The moment Yaqoob lost Yusuf (AS), grief saturated his heart. However, he turned to Allah and showcased his grief. “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah” (12:86). This means that he was aware of his feelings, but he found a divine way to trust.

A Psychological Lens on Healing

Studies demonstrate that labeling emotions reduces their power. Psychologists call this “affect labeling.” So when an individual says, “I’m sad,” their brain quiets when they signal it to another person. The amygdala relaxes, and homeostasis returns. The Qur’an is calling you to express your feelings in the same essence.

Did You Know?

Did you know that cosmic rays are going through you every moment of each day? These energy sources are from galaxies distances away from the planet you inhabit. Like rays of cosmic energy, emotions you cannot see are going through your brain each day. If you ignore those emotions, you will leave scars from emotions similar to radiation. Understanding your own feelings gives you an advantage over this silent damage.

Approaching Self-Awareness

First, take a moment to pause before reacting to feelings. Second, pay attention to your breath as feelings come up. Third, write down feelings without judgment. Fourth, spend time reflecting on Qur’anic verses that mention matters of the heart. Finally, if you are comfortable, share feelings with friends or family that you trust, or share with Allah if you prefer.

The Cosmology of the Self

The universe is vast, and so is our inner universe. The galaxies are ever expanding, and so are our feelings. Each feeling is a star cluster asking to be seen and witnessed. Self-awareness is a way of navigating the cosmos. What happens without self-awareness? In this case, it would be like drifting aimlessly in space, lost in your feelings.

Psychological Stats

The American Psychological Association states that more than half of all people, 58%, have struggled with the regulation of stress. However, people who are emotionally aware reported having well-being rates that are 32% higher than those who are emotionally unaware. They are more resilient to challenges and have healthier relationships with themselves and others. Clearly, self-awareness is part not only of the mind, but our destiny as well.

Conclusion

The process of increasing self-awareness of your emotional state is not merely a psychological process. It is a science, a divine cosmic truth. You may find that increasing your awareness and understanding of your emotional state will provide clarity, healing, and a deeper sense of faith. Awareness creates strength from within and a compassionate presence on the outside. Above all, it creates a feeling of closeness to Allah. Explore your inner self, discover your own cosmos, and revive the light within.