One of the most difficult challenges of being mindful is to be aware of what is outside our realm of comprehension and sight. It is much easier to master what we see and know. It is much more difficult to master the unknown.

As I continue to evolve, I can look back on my past and recollect the moments that I felt I knew everything. I understood who I was, where I was headed, and what I was doing. Foolish kid I was. In time I was able to understand that I knew and now know very little.

So how can I turn this hindsight into foresight?

Many of us live in our comfortable fish bowls happily swimming about in circles. We become the king of our domain. We think we understand and see ourselves fully. We are quick to dismiss criticisms and perceptions of others, living on our high pedestals of self claimed perfection.

On conscious mind filters various bits of information and social cues to serve our fragile ego. Thus we live in a reality that is tinted with our fears, insecurities, pride, and love.

So how can we step from this bubbled bowl into the true universal world?

There is no one answer. However you may want to try these tips. They could assist you in seeing beyond what you are now capable of seeing.

1. Understand Yourself

I know this seems contradictory, but you must have some sense of self. You must know your weaknesses and your strengths. Obviously there will be things that you are not aware of. But that is no excuse to not master the things you are aware of. You must create a base foundation of your identity and ego. Do this so you cannot lose your sense of self as you explore the unknown. Have a stable personality to keep you safe and grounded.

2. Be Ready

Gain the appropriate level of confidence and power to face the unknown. The unknown can be a very scary thing. Horror movies have milked this principal addressing our fears off what cannot be seen or understood. Before jumping, address your fears and ready yourself to with all the necessary tools to keep you safe.

3. Be Humble

Know that you know nothing. Accept the fact that you have no idea what you will learn or uncover along this process. Outside your fishbowl is a whole new dimension and reality that has existed from the very beginning. You are just now choosing to see it. Clear your ego and be willing to accept new notions, harsh criticisms, judgments, and stinging truths. Don’t discount new information out of reaction and fear. Allow yourself to take in this new information without baggage or attachment.

4. Listen to Trusted Loved Ones

Our true friends and loving family members have our best interests. They have every intention of helping us along the way. But let’s be honest. They are often wrong and in a tiny fishbowl themselves. However they also can share with you their honest viewpoints. Take all of these not as absolute truths, but as tidbits to consider. The people in our lives see us in different perspectives. They often hold keys to help us explore outside our fishbowl through their own reality. If 80% of your friends think you are cocky and egotistical, you may want to consider how this may be possible.  In your mind you may not be… but to everyone else you may. What is the truth that needs to be seen?

5. Watch For Social Cues and Signs

Very similar to Tip No. 4, look at the social cues and signs throughout the day. Again don’t view these as absolute truth. Take in all the information from the various relationships and connections you forge throughout the day. Listen for the wisdoms that are shared constantly. Make time to understand why people react to you the way they do. Process and identify the reasons why the same cyclical maladaptive patterns occur through out your life. Why do you do the things you do, and why do others say the things they say regarding you?

There are lessons you are meant to master at this stage of your life. These lessons are disguised and presented in not so obvious ways. From gestures to gifts, these moments are meant to be discovered and paid attention to.

6. Educate and Learn

Learn as much as you can. Explore different theories and perspectives. You shall find that they open your mind and the realm of possibilities. As your mind opens, you shall see yourself in different light. Read. Attend spiritual retreats. Visit educational centers and places of worship. Allow yourself to open your world up. Try new things. Take a chance on a new food or new friend. Through these experiences you shall gain new insights into your own psyche and perhaps understand more as you evolve.

7. Let Go

Don’t run and hurry to find these answers. Let them come to you. Let go of all the self judgments, fears, and illusions of control. Clear your mind and allow your spirit to cleanse. Purify your intentions, energy and thoughts.

As you collect all this new information and perspectives, allow them to drift from your consciousness. Don’t worry yourself with the filtering process. As you mediate and clear your mind, the true issues and truth will arise.

By letting go, you will no longer see what is not possible. You will see that any and all is possible. All it takes in realization and understanding.

You have all the wisdom, knowledge and truth at your fingertips. All the biggest and brightest perspectives are found in your spirit. Just clear your mind and allow them to surface to your consciousness. It is simple and easy, if you allow it to be.

Give yourself time. Be patient.

This is a challenging venture for many people… to step bravely into the unknown.

What other tips can you think of to help break your own fishbowl?