Why 'WOKE' is the Wrong word.

Why "WOKE" is the wrong word.

This term can mean different things to different people, but for the purpose of this story, let me set the scene.

Picture this:

Two young "woke" girls are chatting in the street. They are discussing their knowledge of racial wars, meditation techniques, the latest self-help book, their reading, and comparing notes on all the other evils that corrupt the world.

They drink their latte frappes and scroll through their Instagram feeds, often barely acknowledging each other.

Across the street, an old lady is struggling to get her groceries into her car.

A woman walks out of the store and observes the scene. She takes a slow, deep breath and walks towards the older woman struggling with her bags.

The old lady looks up and greets her in a weak, tired voice. The woman smiles softly and offers her a hand to help put her groceries away.

The old lady smiles and stumbles over her words in gratitude. "Oh, yes please, dear."

The two girls nearby have put down their phones and are watching with curious expressions. The kind woman smiles at them as she places the old lady's bags in her car before going on her own merry way.

This scenario summarises the key differences between being "woke" and being consciously awake.

The woman represents how a conscious or awake person would likely behave in certain scenarios. The two friends represent the mainstream idea of being "woke," but not really doing anything with that knowledge.

"True awareness is not just about opening our eyes, but also opening our hearts and minds to the beauty, depth, and interconnectedness of all that exists."

I've always believed in cultivating self-love and self-awareness instead of following what's popular or trendy. My goal is to help people truly understand themselves and feel empowered by their own self-discovery.

Sometimes, people talk a lot about what's wrong in the world or the conspiracy theories they believe in, thinking they know better than others. But being truly aware and loving means looking inward, understanding ourselves better, and healing our own struggles. When we do that, we naturally start to act in more positive and helpful ways towards others.

Just being "woke," on the other hand, can sometimes lead to indifference or not taking action. People who are "woke" often prefer debating and discussing issues rather than actually going out and making a positive difference in the world.

"Awarness, when coupled with action, has the power to ignite a positive ripple effect that transforms lives, uplifts communities, and brings light to the world."

However, when we awaken to the idea that we are all connected and part of a larger whole, it moves us to take action and help those around us. In the story I shared, the woman didn't talk much, but she helped others when they needed it. Often, when we are caught up trying to be trendy and cool, we accomplish less good than if we just took the time to look inward and see what is truly needed.

So, I say in a world where it seems like a lot of things are going wrong, it's comforting to know that we can contribute to what's right by empowering ourselves and awakening to our true potential to do what's right.

"Waking up to yourself is an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, where you unveil the layers of your being, embrace your authentic truth, and awaken the dormant power within."

So how do we wake up?

Well, first What is awake?…

Being "awake" or "being awake" is a metaphorical concept that refers to a state of heightened awareness, consciousness, and understanding. It implies being fully present, engaged, and perceptive in one's experiences and interactions with the world. It goes beyond the physical act of being awake and encompasses a deeper level of awareness and mindfulness.

To me its all about awareness..

So what is awareness? …
Awareness refers to the state of being conscious, alert, of oneself, one's surroundings, and the events or experiences happening in the present moment. It involves having knowledge, perception, or recognition of something.

"In a world of noise and distractions, let awareness be your guiding compass, leading you back to the essence of who you truly are."

So how do we being?…

Start small.

Sometimes it takes stopping to pay attention to the little things to really truly appreciate the world again.

Engage your senses: Take a moment to fully engage your senses and observe your environment. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. Pay attention to the details that often go unnoticed, such as the colours, patterns, or subtle sounds. By actively engaging your senses, you can bring yourself into the present moment and heighten your awareness of your surroundings.

Practice mindful observation: Practice mindful observation by intentionally focusing on what is happening in the present moment. Observe without judgment or attachment to your thoughts or emotions. Notice the people around you, the architecture, the nature, or any other elements in your environment. Allow yourself to be fully present and absorbed in the experience of observing.

Cultivate curiosity: Develop a sense of curiosity about your surroundings. Approach your environment with a childlike wonder, as if you are seeing things for the first time. Ask questions and seek to understand the intricacies of the world around you. Curiosity can help you notice new things, expand your awareness, and deepen your connection to your environment.

Cultivate your relationship with the world: When we empower the people around us, we empower ourselves.

Random acts of kindness: Show compassion to strangers by engaging in random acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to help or brighten someone's day, whether it's holding the door open, offering a smile, or giving a sincere compliment. Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others and create a ripple effect of positivity in the world.

Practice empathy: Try to understand and relate to the experiences and feelings of others. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine how they might be feeling in a particular situation. Practice empathy by actively listening, expressing genuine concern, and offering support when appropriate. Cultivating empathy can strengthen your connection to others and foster a more compassionate and understanding mindset.

Non-judgmental observation: When observing your environment or interacting with strangers, aim to suspend judgment and preconceived notions. Instead, approach situations with an open mind and an attitude of acceptance. Recognize that everyone has their own unique experiences, perspectives, and struggles. By observing without judgment, you can cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and understanding for others.

Wake yourself up: Self-reflection and evaluation are fundamental for self-awareness.

Reflect on your values and beliefs: Take time to reflect on your core values and beliefs. Consider what matters most to you in life and what principles guide your decisions and actions. Understanding your values and beliefs can provide insight into your motivations and behaviors, allowing you to align your life with what is truly important to you.

Journaling: Start a journaling practice to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Write about your day, your dreams, your aspirations, and your challenges. Regularly reflecting on your journal entries can help you identify patterns, gain clarity, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Seek feedback from others: Ask trusted friends, family members, or mentors for honest feedback about yourself. Others may have perspectives and insights about you that you may not be aware of. Listen to their observations and reflections with an open mind, and use the feedback constructively to gain new insights about yourself.

Explore your strengths and weaknesses: Engage in self-assessment exercises to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on your skills, talents, and areas where you excel, as well as areas where you feel you could improve. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can help you make better choices, set realistic goals, and leverage your strengths to overcome challenges.

Pay attention to your emotions: Tune in to your emotions and learn to recognise them. Emotions provide valuable information about your inner state and can guide your decision-making process. Practice labeling and acknowledging your emotions without judgment, and consider how they influence your thoughts and actions.

Engage in self-reflection: Dedicate regular time for self-reflection. Set aside moments of solitude and silence to contemplate your life, goals, and experiences. Ask yourself meaningful questions, such as "Who am I?" or "What do I want to achieve?" Reflecting on these questions can help you gain deeper insights into your identity and purpose.

That all being said, how are you going to wake up?

Try this game out…

Lets call it The Consciousness Quest

Objective: Awaken your senses, cultivate empathy, and deepen self-awareness to unlock your true potential and make a positive impact on the world.

Sensory Explorer (Duration: 7 days)

Challenge: Engage your senses and observe the world around you.

Rules:

Each day, choose one sense to focus on (sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch).

Throughout the day, actively seek out experiences that stimulate that sense.

Document your observations and reflections in a journal or digital platform.

Bonus Points: Share your most intriguing sensory experience on social media with the hashtag #ConsciousnessQuest.

Empathy Expedition (Duration: 7 days)

Challenge: Practice empathy and cultivate understanding towards others.

Rules:

Each day, choose one person in your life or a stranger to empathize with.

Put yourself in their shoes and imagine their feelings and experiences.

Engage in an act of kindness or support for that person.

Bonus Points: Share your empathy journey with me, documenting your insights and the positive impact you've made.

Self-Reflection Quest (Duration: 14 days)

Challenge: Deepen self-awareness through introspection and reflection.

Rules:

Set aside 10 minutes each day for self-reflection.

Use journal prompts or guided questions to explore your values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses.

Experiment with different mindfulness or meditation practices to enhance self-awareness.

Bonus Points: Create a visual representation of your self-reflection journey, such as a vision board or collage, and share it with others.

Level up Challenge (Duration: 30 days)

Challenge: Harness your newfound self-awareness and take meaningful action.

Rules:

Identify a cause or issue that aligns with your values and interests.

Plan and execute a project or initiative that contributes positively to that cause.

Engage others in your community or online to join your efforts.

Bonus Points: Share the progress and impact of your Level up challenge on social media, inspiring others to take action too.

Throughout the games, set personal goals and reward yourself with small treats or incentives as you reach milestones. Encourage friends or family members to join the game and turn it into a friendly competition, supporting each other's growth.

Remember, the purpose of all this is to make the journey of awakening and self-discovery enjoyable and motivating. Let the spirit of curiosity, playfulness, and personal growth guide you as you embark on your consciousness quest.

Good luck and have fun!

Much love,

Eliza Jane