Swollen with Pride
Last month I introduced the 5-steps to Personal Growth: Readiness; Self-awareness; Detachment; Choice; Step-in. This month I want to share just one technique you can use for building your Self-awareness. There are many.
Swollen with pride. It’s an interesting expression and doesn’t generate a very attractive image. It is not a term I think I have ever used. Yet a few weeks ago I found myself thinking about it as I hiked the foothills of Mt Kosciuszko with my 20-year old son.
It’s been a while since we last hiked together and, my how things have changed. Largely, I think due to the months he spent working in Alaska, traveling through Europe and the UK in his gap year and then living independently whilst studying in Melbourne last year.
Here he now was taking the lead, striding out, noticing the world around him AND no complaints and whining.
He pointed out interesting facts about the native grasses, hollows in the trees (did you know they begin with a bacteria and can take many decades to become large enough for native wildlife to call ‘home’) and the landscape. I noticed how he was expanded to his full 6’7”, chest out and a look of deep connection with himself and what he was doing. A rare and lovely sight!
Pride is about a deep connection with self
This woman is from the region of Mustang, bordering China and the Tibetan plateau. Its harsh winter forces many to migrate to the lower regions of Nepal, which is where I met her. I wondered if she minded me taking a photo of her and when my guide asked on my behalf, she took a few moments to proudly adjust and assemble her clothing, her hair, and her possessions.
Finally, she wrapped her traditional cloth around her waist and quietly turned toward the camera. I was struck by her gentle strength, the deep connection she had with who she was as she eye-balled me, and my lens.
Know and explore your strengths
Self-study doesn’t always have to be about noticing what you don’t like about yourself or dwelling on your weaknesses. Whilst it is important to be aware of what brings you unstuck and minimise the associated dysfunctionality. It is the knowledge of your strengths and how to maximise them that will highlight your potential.
When was the last time you felt that deep connection with who you are and what you are doing? Not that bloated, puff your chest out “fake it ‘til you make it” kind of pride. Or pride that manifests as arrogance. I mean that whole mind and body flow that comes when you are engaged in something that you are good at or is deeply connected to who you are.
When have you noticed it in your children and helped them explore and understand it?
Next time you are expanded with pride, take the time to truly explore all the reasons for experiencing this. Develop an understanding of the causes so you can create more moments of feeling strong, connected and true to who you are.