In a room of approximately 20 people of all ages from 17 to 68, on May 10th, we have analyzed this topic from many different angles and by using many perspectives. First, the facilitator, Ms. Huyen, went over some of the key points from previous meeting, which was also relevant to the same topic. For example, the symptoms or signs* for lack of self-awareness are (1) lack of direction, (2) lack of solidity, (3) aimlessness, and (4) indecisiveness.

The possession of these symptoms is hazardous. However, individuals are not blamable for the possessions of the symptoms, because society, in part, is the culprit. Men and women are the products of their social environment. Social group forces them to behave in abnormal ways. In addition, circumstance leads them astray from their path to the discovery of the self. For instance, in Vietnam, many young women are prostitutes not because they chose that profession but because they are forced into that profession due to their financial need and/or family problems.

Self-awareness and discovery is a process. Like the current of a moving river, this process is always moving and wavering. As a result, these young women are not deprived of the chance to find their identity and individuality. However, their process of self-discovery could be prolonged because they have taken the longer path to self- discovery. There are two paths. One is longer than the other is because it is based upon worldly values such as money, success, and power. Conversely, the other path is based upon the satisfaction of the soul and the mind. These two conflicting paths can be misleading. However, if they understand the basic foundation of an individual's disposition or character, their path to self-awareness is expedited.

The formulation of an individual's character is similar to the structure of a tree. There are three basic components. First, we have the branches and the leaves, then the trunk and lastly, the roots. The leaves and the branches are the consciousness. The trunk is the sub-consciousness, and the roots are the store of consciousness. Like a tree, the store of consciousness feeds the sub-consciousness and consciousness. The formulation of the tree is dependent on the soil just as the formulation of the self is dependent on the store of consciousness.

Even with a rigid structure, a tree cannot last without the enrichments from the soil. Even with a solid understanding of the formulation of the self, individuals cannot simply discover the true meaning of the self. They need to communicate with others, to forgive their enemies, to love others, and to actively engage in the presence as supposed to the past or the future.

And lastly, the process of self-discovery is a journey and not a destination.

Uyên Trương
Photo by Hân Phan