What is self-consciousness?

Self-consciousness refers to a heightened state of awareness that springs from perceiving oneself as the object of someone else's observation, and it is linked to the illusory nature of the self. When one becomes self-conscious, they experience a "contraction" or tightness, which is a psychological response to being observed by others. This feeling alters our perception, making us suddenly feel as if we are the focus or the center of attention; for instance, when someone in a public setting like a café suddenly looks at us. This shift from simply being in a space to being observed can change how we perceive our own presence and actions 1.

Furthermore, self-consciousness ties into the broader philosophical and psychological concept of the self being an illusion—a perspective often explored in meditation and mindfulness practices. The illusion here is the idea of a continuous, central subjective experience within us separate from the stream of conscious experiences we undergo. This conventional sense of self is seen not to align with the actual workings of our minds, where there is no fixed center of consciousness but rather a continuous flow of perceptions and experiences 2.

Both concepts underline the potential for personal growth and understanding through recognizing and overcoming the illusory aspects of self-consciousness and self.