Chapter II

Self-Awareness and Values Development

Objectives:
1. To differentiate self-awareness and values development
2. To enhance self-awareness integrated with values development among the
youth
3. To deepen one’s personal values to become good citizens of the community

Lesson 2.1 The Concept of Self

“Know thyself and to thy own self be true” says Socrates. The noblest and
most intricate project of man is knowing himself or becoming aware of himself. Self-
awareness is defined as 8understanding what is important to you, understanding how
you experience things, knowing what you feel, and knowing how you come across to
others (Weisinger, 1998).

This simply means to become an observer of one’s own social relationships

and of one’s own individual desires, and attitudes, and emotions, and everything that
could possibly happen to a person. In knowing o0ne’s interest, motives, aspirations,
and likes and dislikes, we are able to discover what areas in one’s life needs reshaping
and transforming to become a better person. Knowing what he/she are opens
himself/herself to the horizons of values he/she need to become a better person. This
chapter presents the different concepts of self, which at times have been taken for
granted.

Definition of Self-Concept
Self-concept is the image of who and what a person is in relation to
himself/herself and to others. This refers to the attitudes, feelings, moods, and
behaviors one project in himself/herself vis-à-vis the world. It is the totality of what
and who a person is, including his/her strengths and limitations, abilities and
inabilities, and capabilities and incapabilities-the totality of what you are in place and
time.
One should find it easy to answer the following questions.
 How do I see myself?
 How do other people see me?
 What am I really without the judgment and labels attached to what I do
and failed to do?

Aspects of the Self

The world is composed of different human beings, each with unique qualities
and capabilities, which at times are hard to fathom and understand. Man is
mysterious. The more other people know about him, the more they cannot understand
him. People know so much about others, talk about others in relation to themselves
but the rest about others is hidden or foreign to them. In other words, people know
man only through relationship encounter, and observation.
A. Johari Window’s Aspect of the Self

1) The Hidden Self or Private Self

(I KNOW – OTHERS DON’T KNOW). This represents your own thoughts,
motives, interests, plans, ideas and activities reserved to the you alone and are
independent from the influences of others. Other people can predict one’s future
actions but no one can read what truly resides in your mind and what you can
actually do or is planning to do.

2) The Open Self or Social Self

(I KNOW – OTHERS KNOW). This represents all the information you
know about yourself and what other people know about you as you associate,
relate, and communicate with them. It includes your behavior, attitudes,
moods, feelings, desires, motivations and ideas which you are aware of and
others are aware as you communicate and associate with them. This is the
“easy-go-lucky” aspect of oneself where there are no strings attached to your
actions and relationship with other people.

3) The Blind Self or Public Self

(I DON’T KNOW – OTHERS KNOW). This represents your mannerisms or
unguarded moments visible to others which you are not aware of. These are
things you do which, because of some factors and circumstances you are not
aware and in control of. (A dead drunk person might not be aware or might
not know what he is saying but people around him are fully aware about it).

4) The Unknown Self

Mysterious Self (I DON’T KNOW, OTHERS DON’T KNOW). This represents
the things that will happen to you – things of the future. It also refers to your
potentials that have yet to be discovered. It refers to the things that happen
to you which you are not in control of in spite of your plans, preparation and
wariness. It is the aspect of life which refers to uncertainty and hopeful
longing for the future. You must have to be open with the grace of the
omnipotent God, who sees and knows beyond all things, including the future.

B. Eight Aspects of Man and their Corresponding Values

1) Man as Physical Being

Greek philosophy points to man as “psyche” (mind or soul) and “corpus”
(body/flesh). As a physical being, man is made of flesh, has form and
physique. His body needs nutrition and sustenance for growth and
preservation. Aside from self-preservation, man has to maintain his image and
dignity, thereby maintaining wholeness and self-esteem. The uniqueness and
individuality must be kept up through the value of integrity inherent in one’s
physical aspect. As a physical being man is clothed with the value of integrity.
Hence, in the pursuit of sustenance, growth and self-preservation one’s
integrity should always be kept in mind.

Values Identification: INTEGRITY – Wholeness and Self-Esteem: Man is

clothed with honor and dignity. Psalm 8: “What is man that you should be
mindful of him, mortal man that you care for him, you have made him little
less than a god, with honor and glory you crowned him putting all things
under his feet.” In the attainment and realization of man’s physical well-being
and to uphold this integrity it is important for man to be aware of his self-
esteem and his spirit of wholeness in relation with the rest of the world to
avoid selfishness and greediness.

1) Man as a Psychological Being

Man is not only flesh; he is endowed with feelings, attitudes and emotions.
One of the basic needs of man for survival is affection. Man needs to be
complemented: a pat on the shoulder, a push and a feeling of self-worth to
inspire him and keep him going. The feeling of acceptance, that someone is with
worth and importance, is a “conditio sine qua non” for man to function efficiently
and effectively. We have to deal with man as a fragile ceramic pot that needs to
be treated with much care. Prudence and the practice of it should always be
manifested through moderation and sense of propriety. As a psychological being,
man is expected to safeguard the value of prudence and self-control. In his
desire to be accepted and to attain feelings of self-worth and self satisfaction,
man has to maintain the value of prudence and self-control.

Values Identification: PRUDENCE – The value of prudence is the sense

of propriety and moderation which can be achieved by practicing self-control
and self-discipline. As a psychological being, it is man’s duty and
responsibility to maintain balance and equilibrium in his relationship with
other people. Actions, motives and feelings that go extreme are dangerous. In
one’s desire to be accepted and become worthwhile as a human being, proper
decorum, decency and respectability must be imminent in a person’s
relationships and dealings with others.

3) Man as a Moral Being

Man, as the only being endowed with intellect and will knows what is
right and what is wrong and is required to do what is right at all times. As a
moral being, man has a sense of judgment in relationship to the goodness
and wrongness of his conduct through the aid of his conscience. Man’s action
must always correspond to and be guided by the following:
· Sense of right and wrong – a good action must be done and bad
action must be avoided
· Sense of guilt – a bad action done leaves a sense of remorse and
feeling of hardness.
· Conscience – an inner voice reminding us to do right action at all
times; avoid bad action as possibly as we can.
· A moral being must maintain the value of dignity.

Values Identification: DIGNITY – A moral being bears in mind his

dignity, self-worth and importance in dealing with other people. Man should
reflect God in every activity. To achieve this value, he has to project humility
and meekness and honesty bearing in mind that he is in equal footing with
other beings regardless of color, race, status and situation in life. Man’s
actions and conducts must uphold truthfulness, sincerity and openness as a
manifestation of his dignity.

4) Man as an Intellectual Being

What makes man different from the rest of creation is his rationality. As a
rational being, man is capable of knowing what is right and what is wrong;
what is normal and abnormal, what is sensible and insensible and what is
relevant and irrelevant. Man is geared towards the attainment of truth and
knowledge through creative and analytic thinking. An intellectual being
upholds the value of purity in motive, interest and action.

Values Identification: PURITY. An intellectual being maintains the

value of purity through the practice of wholesomeness, uprightness and
righteousness by being modest and decisive in his actions, thoughts and
motives.

5) Man as an Emotional Being

Man’s outward and inward reaction to the stimulus presented to him is
manifested in his facial expression. Such changes in attitude and behavior are
called emotion. Any stimulus presented to an individual generates a feeling of
like or dislike, agreement or disagreement in the person which determines his
mood or disposition, attitudes and behavior. Man as a moral being maintains the
value of maturity and temperance. Without such value, man’s life becomes a
problem.

Values Identification: MATURITY. A mature and temperate man is

always wary and cautious in his judgment, attitude and disposition towards
the world. The practice of tolerance and sensitivity coupled with self-
discipline and self-control is a must. A philosopher reminds us to “suspend
our judgment” until we are sure that truth prevails. To be sensitive, man
must have sympathy, compassion and understanding with forbearance. Such
manifests true maturity and temperance necessary to hone man’s emotion.

6) Man as a Social Being

No man is an island and no one lives alone. Man is a relational being,
meaning, he can only be happy if he is with other people. The word relational
comes from the Latin word: re – (again) laetare – (to be happy) – to be happy
only with others. Man’s relationship with others entails duties and
responsibilities. Men do not just relate and communicate with others but is
obliged to help one another in the attainment of progress and development. A
social being needs the value of responsibility in relating with his fellow
human beings.

Values Identification: RESPONSIBILITY When God asks Cain “where

is your brother?” his answer to the Lord’s query is: “Am I my
brother’s keeper?” The answer is devoid of responsibility, accountability and
answerability. St. Paul clearly states our duty and responsibillity when he
said, “We are responsible for each other, and we are gathered by God to be
united to him.” Social justice demands respect and responsibility; it demands
commitment and sense of responsibillity. Everything we do affects other
people, so we have to be responsible in our every conduct.

7) Man as an Economic Being

Money is evil but is a necessary evil. It is a fact that any activity and
program cannot be done without the financial aspect of it. On the other hand
we should be mindful of the words of St. Paul “he who does not work should
not eat. Man has to toil in order to live; maintain financial stability in order to
fulfill other concerns. At the same time, production and accumulation of
wealth should not be paramount as if it is the only concern we have. As an
economic being we should imbibe the value of contentment. We have to love
and be contented with what we have.

Values Identification: CONTENTMENT. The value of contentment is

based on the idea of self-satisfaction and self-gratification; that man cannot
have everything he wanted. It means loving and being satisfied with what you
have not desiring more than what you need.
 Story: A businessman saw a man lying under a tree said. “Why don’t you go
out fishing instead of just lying and doing nothing”? “I have already caught
enough fish”, the fisherman replied. The businessman said, “If you go out
fishing you catch more fish and if you catch more fish you can sell more, if
you sell more you can buy a bigger banca and catch more fish. Then you will
be rich and you will be contented”. The fisherman replied, “What do you think
I am doing”. Contentment is not having more but being satisfied with what
you have. The value of contentment can be achieved through the practice of
hardwork, thriftiness and avoidance of too much expectation.

8) Man as a Spiritual Being

Man does not live by bread alone. Man’s highest concern is to be one
with the Supreme Being – God who created him. Every aspiration and activity
of man, his attitude and behavior, is based on someone higher than himself.
Man must acknowledge the presence of someone who is the source of every
good thing. Man’s life is dependent on a Supreme Being – God who is totally
other; all holy and perfect. The value of faith or total dependence and trust in
God should be the center and culmination of man’s activity.
Values Identification: FAITH. The value of faith is founded in one’s belief
and confidence in the presence of God. Such faith is deepened by the practice of
one’s religion and charity. As spiritual beings, our hope and confidence in God’s
immeasurable love should be manifested in our activities and in our
relationship with our fellow human beings. St.James is so bold and honest in
saying that “faith without works is nothing”, and you can have “faith to move
mountains but if you have no charity” your faith is nothing. Faith must then be
nurtured by our practice of religion and charity.

Lesson 2.2: Values Development

A. Definition of Values

Values are standards by which people assess desirability, goodness, and

beauty which serve as broad guidelines for social living. A value refers to things,
ideas or experiences that a person prizes, cherishes, esteems. Thomas Andres
identifies three basic kinds of values, namely:
a.Idea - beliefs, opinions, ways of saying things, Example are religious,
moral, and political ideas
b.Things – material objects, people places. Examples are money friends,
loved ones, cars etc.
c.Experiences – activities, events, actions and happenings, Examples playing
sports, listening to music, feelings, beliefs or attitudes.

“A value is something that is freely chosen from alternatives

and is acted upon which the individual celebrates as being part
of his creative integration in his development as a person.
 B. Principles of Valuing Process
a. Choosing – Cognitive aspect
1) Choosing freely – the choice must be made by the person with his own free will and volition.
2) Choosing from alternatives – a choice must be selected from several options
3) Choosing after due and reflective consideration of consequences
b.Prizing – Affective aspect
1) Cherishing – appreciating, treasuring and attaching importance to one’s choice.
2) Affirming publicly – one’s choice should be manifested in life; that such choice should be the
source of inspiration and joy.
3) Prizing – a choice to be prized must be esteemed and highly desired; given worth and
significance to one’s endeavors.

After buying something from a bargain sale, and as you reached home, you realized that you don’t
need it – that would leave you frustrated and dismayed. “A thing is of value if we strongly feel happy,
contented and satisfied about it which is reason for us to consider things reflectively and with due
consideration before making a choice.”
c. Acting – Behavioral Patterns
1) Acting upon it – affirming one’s choice is apparent and visible through an active pursuit of its
realization.
2) Affirming it publicly - the things, ideas, experiences valued are mirrored by one’s
lifestyle.
The significance of choosing is paramount to value identification, formation and clarification as
direction and goal setter. If not, they will remain as value indicator. A thorough review of the advantages
and disadvantages of the many alternatives before making the final choice is an indispensable aspect of
value formation. When our CHOICES is CONSISTENT WITH OUR FEELINGS AND ACTIONS, we are
said to be integrated by the value we hold.

Individual Virtues and Good Habits of Living

The concept of man can also be seen in the light of his duty and responsibility and relationship with
his Creator, his fellow human beings, his nation and the environment he ought to protect to assure the
perpetuation of his race. Man by nature is religious and his religiosity is the foundation of his hope; and
gives meaning to all his activities. By himself man cannot survive; he needs to forge himself with other
human beings to make life wholesome and worthwhile. The following are distinct Filipino virtues and good
habit:

a. Maka-Diyos – development of one’s spiritual prowess and deepening of one’s faith in the god one
believes in. For faith to be manifested in daily life, one has to live in accordance with his beliefs. It has to
help the individual accept with much hope and confidence the trials and challenges that come his way.

b. Maka-Tao – man as the center and epitome of creation must be given preference and attention
by every human being at all times and in every activity and human endeavor. Progress and development
must center on his total human enhancement, deepening of relationship and respect for dignity
acknowledging that human beings are created equal. John Powell intelligently points out, “We should
learn to love people and use things, not to love things and use people.”

c. Maka-Bayan – patriotism and nationalism is a sign of loyalty, dependence, and adherence to the
sovereignty of one’s own government. These values are manifested by our respect and loyalty to the
Philippine flag, the symbol of our liberty and integrity as Filipinos and by the spirit of nationalism
evident in our preference for and taking pride of the Filipino products.

d. Maka-Kalikasan – the song “Kapaligiran” is a wake up call and reminder of the significance and
importance of ecological balance and our duty and responsibility to care for Mother Nature. Man’s duty and
sense of responsibility to mother earth is supreme in the agenda of every development knowing that what
we do with our environment will greatly affect the next generation. The continuous destruction of the
ecology poses a dangerous threat to the environment and eventually to the people. Experience and history
reminds us of the wrath and fury of nature when abused and misused. Responsibility compels us to
safeguard and protect nature.

Social Values is a complex segment of knowledge, attitudes and abilities which contribute to the
development of sound moral character, a sense of community and responding to the social and cultural aspects
of life.

a. Integrity - sense of wholeness and self esteem, to live with pride and confidence in the midst of
other people knowing that all men were created equal and were created with honor and dignity.

b. Social Responsibility – refers to the prime obligation of a person towards others. Contrary to
Cain’s answer to God’s query, man should be
its brother’s keeper because as St. Paul urged his
fellow believers “we have an enormous duty and responsibility for one another.” Such responsibility is
emulated in the value of Pakikisama, Pakikisalamuha, Pakikipagkapwa, Pakikibagay at Pakikiisa.

c. Respect – refers to one’s obligation to regard other people as coequal and having the same
dignity. Each person is endowed with dignity that flows from the dignity of God. People are equal in the
face of the Almighty regardless of race, nationality and status hence we should give due accord to our
fellow human beings. “Amor con amor se paga – LOVE AND LOVE PAY ITS OTHER” is a Spanish adage
which reflects human relationship and the foundation of other famous sayings. It follows too that
respect begets respect, thus “we must do unto others what we want others do to us.”

d. Cooperativism – it is the act where people of different walks of life unite their forces, resources,
talents and ideas in the achievement of a common goal and for the betterment of their community –
thus making life easier. Truly, in union there is strength; united we stand and divided we fall. No
matter how heavy the yoke is, it becomes lighter and easier when carried by people in unison. Two
heads are better than one, so people say. This has given way to the establishment of credit
cooperatives, multipurpose cooperatives bayanihan, etc.

e. Hospitality – is a Filipino custom characterized by wholehearted manifestation of generosity,

kindness and goodness in treating visitors. This custom and tradition is shown by Filipinos during
different occasions and festivities where their prime concern is to make visitors happy and satisfied. This
custom reflects the kindheartedness of Filipinos.

f. Social Acceptance (human solidarity) – refers to the dedication and ability to accept and regard a
person as member of a group regardless of his situation in life. This value is the beginning of camaraderie
and friendship among people; the starting point of openness and better working relationship.

g. Credibility and Transparency – is a manifestation of an honest life and trust from other people.
The absence of credibility and transparency jeopardizes openness of action, activity and other
undertakings that eventually lead to people’s disbelief and skepticism in one’s leadership and bearing.

g. Consistency – is the ability to act, judge and weigh things from

the same point of view regardless of the situation in making a firm and unyielding decision. It is the
ability to work, act and see things without discrimination, and with impartiality and equality so that
one’s action and behavior will always be stable.

Internalization and Integration of Values

Internalization and integration of values is an act of refocusing, revitalizing, and rekindling one’s
social values. It is the process of owning, living and actualizing social values according to their hierarchical
order, importance and significance in the attainment of the common good. Communal value, having deeper
meaning and significance, should be given preference over personal value. Internalization and integration of
values is the method of making such values alive by imbibing them and making them workable and
eventually leading them in achievement of a deeper understanding of the self. When a value is practiced and
mirrors one’s activity and transactions, they are being internalized and integrated.
 Self-Awareness and Values Development

Name: _____________________ Course & Year: _________

1. How do you see yourself as a

a. student

b. friend

c. daughter/ son

d. Filipino citizen

2. Assess yourself as a

a. Physical Being

b. Psychological Being

c. Moral Being

d. Intellectual Being

e. Emotional Being
 f. Social Being

g. Economic Being

h. Spiritual Being

3. Make a list of the things that you hate about yourself and the things that you hate

about others.

Yourself Others

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

4. List down at least 5 of your desirable traits and another 5 of your undesirable traits. Explain briefly
why you consider such traits to be good or bad.

Desirable Traits Undesirable Traits

5. Explain “values are taught, not caught”.

6. As a student, how can you demonstrate the following. Cite Examples.

a. Maka- Diyos

b. Maka -Tao
 c. Maka- Bayan

d. Maka-Kalikasan

7. What do you value most in your life?