At the Tsawa Foundation, we promote the mental health of individuals, groups, and communities by creating opportunities and providing tools to improve their levels of awareness, which is the first fundamental step to enhancing emotional, psychological, and relational health.
Awareness is the process by which we become aware of our experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Our internal reality is shaped by our levels of awareness of these elements and the way we identify with them, and this determines our experience and perception of what happens to us and the world around us.
A good example of the relationship between perception and internal reality are cognitive distortions: irrational or biased thought patterns (such as catastrophic thinking or overgeneralization) that distort our perception of reality. These distortions can have a negative impact on mental health. If a person is not sufficiently aware of these thought patterns, they can become trapped in a cycle of anxiety or depression. Working to increase awareness of these thoughts can help correct them and reduce their destructive effects.
On the other hand, self-awareness (the ability to observe and reflect on oneself) is a key skill for emotional management, as it allows us to identify and understand what we feel, why we feel it, and how we can respond appropriately. People with good self-awareness are able to regulate their emotions more effectively, thus contributing to better mental health. For example, someone who feels anxious can identify the root of that anxiety, allowing them to seek solutions or coping strategies. Conversely, insufficient awareness can lead to impulsive reactions or negative thinking patterns that affect psychological well-being. Increasing the level of awareness is key to introducing a perspective that breaks the chain of automatic reactions in front of our narrative.
The level of awareness is also key to stress management. People who are aware of the stressors in their lives and how stress reactions unfold are more likely to seek active and healthy solutions (such as exercising or using relaxation techniques), while those with less awareness can be overcome by stress and anxiety, which can trigger mental disorders.
Research shows that mindfulness (the full, nonjudgmental awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations) helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, fosters greater emotional balance, and can be used as a therapeutic tool to treat various mental health conditions. Cultivating mindfulness, therefore, is the foundation of the consciousness development work we promote, in which we bring together insights from ancient contemplative traditions and scientific research on the brain and mind.
Furthermore, developing a state of mindfulness in individuals and groups also implies the development of innate qualities such as love, equanimity, and kindness. Through these qualities, a network of support can be built among people within communities, fostering resilience and counteracting social isolation and unwanted loneliness. The sense of interdependence and responsibility toward others, as well as coexistence and good neighborliness, are essential in our world.
Finally, working with consciousness becomes especially relevant for professionals who support people in areas of helping relationships, such as education, healthcare, or social services, as a key tool for caring for the caregiver and supporting their own discomfort.