Self-Consciousness Explained to Kids
- myNachiketa
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Self-consciousness is a feeling many children experience when they start worrying too much about what others think of them. It can happen when they ask themselves, “How do I look?” “What if I make a mistake?” or “Will people laugh at me?” This makes them very aware of their outer self: their appearance, their actions, and how people react to them. But when we ask ourselves, “Who am I?” Not just your name, or your class, or what games you like… but who you truly are inside. When we begin to notice our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we embark on a beautiful journey called self-awareness.
myNachiketa presents Self-Consciousness Explained to Kids
What is Self-Consciousness?
Self-consciousness is the awareness of yourself and how you appear to others. It helps us understand our thoughts and emotions. Sometimes, this feeling can be a little uncomfortable, especially when we think everyone is watching us. But it can also help us grow! When we know what makes us happy or sad, it shows us who we are deep inside.
The Vedas and Upanishads teach that there are two parts of us: the “outside self,” which others can see, and the “inside self,” which only we can feel. The outside self includes our body, clothes, and talents, while the inside self includes kindness, honesty, courage, love, and our true nature. The scriptures explain that both are important, but the inner self is the most valuable.
The ancient texts like the Vedas and Upanishads teach us about self-awareness. Vidya (knowledge) helps us understand our true nature, while Avidya (ignorance) keeps us lost in worries and distractions. The Isha Upanishad says:
विद्या च अविद्या च यस्तद्वेद उभयं सह ।
अविद्यया मृत्युं तीर्त्वा विद्यया अमृतम् अश्नुते ॥
Vidya cha Avidya cha yastad veda ubhayam saha
Avidyaya mrityum tirtva Vidyaya amritam ashnute
This means that truly wise people understand both knowledge and ignorance. With outer knowledge (Avidya), we overcome difficulties in life, and with inner knowledge (Vidya), we discover eternal peace and happiness.
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The Four States of Consciousness
The Upanishads say that our mind works in four different states:
Waking state (Jagrat): When we are awake, playing, studying, talking, using our senses.
Dreaming state(Swapna): When we sleep and dream, our mind creates stories.
Deep sleep state (Sushupti): A peaceful sleep where there are no dreams, and complete rest.
The Inner Awareness state (Turiya): A calm and silent state beyond thought, where we feel connected to our true Self (Atman). This is the highest state of self-consciousness.
How Can Kids Practice Self-Consciousness?
You can practice self-consciousness easily in your day-to-day life. Here are some interesting ways:
Talk to Yourself: When you think about your feelings, it helps you understand them better. Try saying out loud how you feel about something, like winning a game or missing a friend.
Journaling: Write down things that make you happy or sad. This helps you see your thoughts more clearly, just like drawing helps express your creativity!
Mindful Breathing: When you feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply and let it out slowly. This brings you back to the present moment.
Play Fun Games: Role-playing with friends can help you understand different perspectives. Pretend to be someone else and think about how they feel in various situations.
The Importance of Self-Discovery
Self-consciousness leads to self-discovery. As you become more aware of yourself, you learn what you truly like and how to deal with challenges. Whether it’s talking to new friends or trying a new sport, understanding yourself helps you be more confident!
Conclusion: Knowing Who You Are
Remember, feeling self-conscious is a normal part of growing up! As you learn and know who you are, you will find happiness in your uniqueness. So, dear children, practice being aware of yourself every day. Acknowledge your feelings, enjoy your thoughts, and allow yourself to grow. By learning more about yourself, you will not only feel happy but also help others feel the same.
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