An incredibly useful tool in narcissistic abuse recognition and recovery is self-awareness.
Self-awareness allows us to be in touch with how we are feeling mentally, emotionally and physically. In order for it to be effective, honesty is imperative.
So, self-awareness in the context of both narcissistic abuse recognition and recovery entails paying attention to our mental, emotional and physical states in response to certain stimuli ie.) interactions with a narcissistic individual. For example, what is my overall sentiment after this individual did/said something unpleasant – angry, upset, hurt, confused, stressed, etc.? Is my mind overwhelmed, shutting down, or am I feeling discombulated? And how is my body reacting – tensing up, increase in pulse rate or blood pressure, furrowed brows, feeling overly warm, etc.? Checking in with ourselves regularly is also a great form of self-care.
This exercise in self-care should also initially leave out the “why” in terms of the other person’s intention. It should be a basic, “How do I feel right now?” And if you regularly find yourself feeling a lot of negative and stressful reactions to a particular person and their behaviour towards you, it may then be worth delving into at that point.
At the very root of interactions with other people, particularly narcissistic ones, asking the simple questions, “How do I feel about what was just said or done to me?” or “How do my interactions with this person make me feel?”, and then assessing your three levels of feelings (mental, emotional, physical) in a truthful manner, will help you to decide how to respond both now and in the future. Listen to that inner voice and honor its authenticity.
Until next time,
Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ www.naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter