ABSTRACT
Increased self-awareness, which also includes increased somatic awareness, and part of what is now often being called mindfulness, are an essential part of the road to full recovery, better self-esteem, and healthy emotional self-regulation thereafter. People need to spend extra time "listening in" to their inner self and their body. Several ways are: progressive muscular relaxation, meditation, mindfulness practice, deep, regular breathing exercises, the Autogenic Technique, asking people various questions, and so on. These all require people to set aside some special time regularly for this purpose, and to give themselves some increased attention. The pattern of breathing is a wonderful gateway into one's subconscious. It is a vital component in increased self-awareness and somatic awareness. It helps one to rebalance them. There are several special techniques that have been mentioned at various times: Alexander Technique, Tai Chi or Chi Gong, Autogenic Technique, mindfulness, etc. All of these can contribute to increased self-awareness.
