Energy in Your Body: Energy and Social Awareness
What does the term social awareness mean to you?
Social awareness is defined as the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
The poet Mary T. Lathrap writes,
“Walk a mile in my shoes…
See what I see,
Hear what I hear,
Feel what I feel…
Then maybe you’ll understand
Why I do what I do…
Til then, do not judge me.”
Why is it so difficult for us to practice non-judgement regularly?
We often struggle to embody social awareness when we can’t put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. Have you ever thought your friend’s life is simple compared to yours? Or that their challenges pale in comparison?
How might our perspective change if we put our energy into practicing empathy, gratitude, appreciation, understanding, and compassion for others rather than judgment?
Mindfulness Activity of the Week
Self and Social Compassion Practice
How do you experience social settings? Is attending a party energy-giving or energy-draining for you?
How might you demonstrate empathy and compassion to someone showing signs of fear or social anxiety? What questions could you ask to understand their perspective and experience?
How can you show up for them and support them energetically, even when their experience and perspective differ from your own? Hint: what we put out, we attract.
If you were in their shoes, what steps could you take to flip the script to one of support and compassion for yourself?
Movement Activity of the Week
Community Hearts
There are many ways to unite in a community. This week, let’s practice with Community Hearts.
- Partner up with a friend. Stand next to your partner and position your legs hip-distance apart. Ensure that the side of your foot connects with your partner’s foot.
- Raise your left arm over your head in the shape of the letter C, lean to your right side, and drop your right arm at a 45-degree angle towards the floor.
- Ask your partner to raise their right arm over their head in the shape of a backward letter C, lean to their left side, and drop their left arm at a 45-degree angle towards the floor, interlacing their fingers with yours to form a supported, connected heart shape.
Nothing is more powerful than a group of people working together, and nothing is more empowering than being surrounded by people who understand, inspire, accept, and support you!
