Welcome to the Nectar Yoga Retreat wellness blog, where we delve into practices such as spending time in meditation and nature to nurture the journey of holistic well-being and expanded consciousness. Situated amidst the tranquil landscapes of Bowen Island, British Columbia, Nectar Yoga Retreat offers more than just BC getaways—it’s a haven for reflection, connection, and inner growth. Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and New York Times, our yoga and meditation retreats are thoughtfully designed to harmonize mind, body, and spirit through seasonal living, mindfulness practices, and intentional community.
As we transition into March, we turn our focus inward to the concept of self-awareness—the cornerstone of personal growth and developing emotional intelligence. This article invites us to explore the nuances of our mind’s thoughts and emotions, providing tools to connect with ourselves, and others, more deeply.
why self-awareness matters
Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund have formulated this definition of self awareness, "Self-awareness is the ability to focus on yourself and how your actions, thoughts, or emotions do or don't align with your internal standards. If you're highly self-aware, you can objectively evaluate yourself, manage your emotions, align your behavior with your values, and understand correctly how others perceive you."
In other words, self-awareness allows us to see our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours objectively. It’s the mirror through which we understand how our inner world interacts with the outer world, and cultivating self-awareness is important because it allows us to evaluate and change course as needed. Neuroscientist Stephen Fleming, author of Know Thyself: The Science of Self-Awareness, highlights how this skill helps us recognise the limits of our knowledge, refine our decision-making, and strengthen our relationships.
Though most of us believe we are self-aware, an emotional quotient study published through Harvard Business Review revealed that only 10-15% of the people the study worked with actually fit the criteria of possessing self-awareness.
That said, self-awareness is not static, and can be developed as a dynamic, personal growth practice. It involves not only knowing ourselves in the present but also reflecting on the past and envisioning how we wish to grow into the future. This is where mindfulness practices, like yoga and meditation, become indispensable tools; they provide the space and structure to explore and developing eq, including self-awareness.
yoga practices for self-awareness
Yoga offers a beautiful framework for developing self-awareness, as it weaves together physical movement, breath, and mental focus. These poses, when practiced regularly, can help you attune to your body, emotions, and thoughts, encouraging a deeper understanding of your inner landscape.
We’ve curated a soothing yoga playlist to complement your practice.
Forward Fold (Uttanasana)
This yoga posture encourages introspection and surrender. By folding inward, you are invited to turn your focus toward your inner world, creating space for self-reflection. If you practice this asana regularly, you will also have the ability to compare your body’s capacity on a daily / weekly basis.
How to Practice:
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.
Exhale and fold forward from your hips, allowing your head to hang heavy.
Soften your knees slightly and rest your hands on the ground, shins, or a block.
Breathe deeply, noticing sensations in your hamstrings and lower back.
Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana Variation)
A heart-opening yoga pose that invites emotional release and self-compassion, Supported Fish Pose gently expands the chest, encouraging openness to your thoughts and feelings.
How to Practice:
Place a bolster or two rolled-up blankets lengthwise behind you.
Sit with your knees bent, lower yourself onto the bolster, and allow your arms to rest at your sides.
Let your chest open and your shoulders relax, breathing deeply into your heart space.
Additional Practices for Self-Awareness
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
This technique connects you with your physical body, helping you identify areas of tension. By systematically tensing and relaxing each muscle group, you deepen your awareness of the mind-body connection.
How to Practice:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
Start at your feet, tensing the muscles for 5–10 seconds before releasing.
Move upwards through your body—calves, thighs, abdomen, and so on—ending with your facial muscles.
Notice the sense of relaxation and clarity that follows.
Mindful Journaling
Journaling (we carry some beautiful ones at Nectar’s onsite and e-shop) offers an opportunity to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Write without judgement, exploring questions like:
What emotions am I feeling today?
What patterns do I notice in my reactions?
How do my thoughts align with my values?
Discovering self-awareness at Nectar on bowen
We invite you to explore self-awareness through our thoughtfully curated programs and retreats. Whether it’s through silent retreats, meditation retreats, restorative yoga classes, or sound bowl healing, or spiritual retreats, Nectar Yoga Retreat provides a space to deepen your connection with yourself and the natural world.
Here are some highlights of some upcoming offerings:
As an inheritor of Gongfu tea traditions, spirit medium and teacher of witchcraft, Mimi Young, offers daily tea rituals in her annual retreats held at Nectar on Bowen. This year’s spiritual retreat, held from November 17-21, 2025, will be about increasing creativity and making occult and magical supplies and potions.
Soul Nourishment Retreat with Wildly Well from May 21-25, 2025
Summer Solstice Yin Sound Bath with Andrea Clark on June 22, 2025
Movement + Stillness Retreat with Edi Spanier from June 23, 2025 – Jun 25, 2025
And for more spiritual and meditation retreats, click here.
About Nectar Yoga Retreat on Bowen Island
Nestled in the heart of Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island), Nectar Yoga Retreat is a premier destination for wellness seekers from British Columbia, Washington State, and beyond. Celebrated by The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler as one of North America's top island retreats, Nectar offers a signature two-night getaway and a variety of wellness, spiritual programs, and some of the globe’s best meditation rereats designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
Works Cited
https://hbr.org/2018/01/what-self-awareness-really-is-and-how-to-cultivate-it
https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-self-awareness
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/392636/how-to-meditate-time-yoga-sitting-long-movement
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/392634/how-meditation-works-new-science-consciousness
https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/P_Silvia_Self-Awareness_2013.pdf
https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2003_BrownRyan.pdf
Fleming, Stephen. Know Thyself: The Science of Self-Awareness. Basic Books, 2021.
Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books, 1995.
Disclaimer: The practices shared in this blog are intended for informational purposes only and are not a replacement for professional advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine, particularly if you have health concerns, are pregnant, or have physical limitations. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk. The authors and publishers are not liable for any injuries or adverse effects resulting from the use of these practices.
