Something about self-reflection: time for introspection

In the process of introspection, we look at our own feelings, fears and desires. We observe our behavior, analyze experiences, try to find answers to the questions “why” and “for what purpose”. Thanks to this reflective practice, we are able to reach the underlying cause, which is often behind our motivations, and the existence of which we are not aware of. Introspection, as a form of self-psychoanalysis, helps to draw conclusions, systematize them and analyze them. Self-reflection also requires distance from oneself and accepting often some painful conclusions. Introspection is a great tool for getting to know ourselves, although the truth that we discover during it will not always be in line with our expectations.Lets look at introspective psychology for a little bit here… Introspection proposed by Wilhelm Wundt was initially considered a valuable psychological tool, but in the following years this technique lost its importance. Scientific circles criticized introspection primarily for its subjective character and rejected such methods in cognitive psychology. Introspection, however, turned out to be useful in psychotherapy (thanks for that! ). Thanks to introspection, we are able to get to know and analyze our thoughts and emotions, look at the decisions we make, understand our fears and needs, as well as our relationships with other people. Introspection allows us to analyze our behavior and, with the therapist’s help, change our thinking and work on specific problems.You can also introspect yourself. Self-reflection takes time, it is worth doing it regularly. Some people need peace and quiet for it, others prefer to use introspection during a walk or yoga session. Introspection does not have to be limited to thinking, additional tools may be helpful in organizing the stream of thoughts. Some suggestions:- you can write down your thoughts in the form of a classic diary or a virtual blog;- using a mind map;- talking to yourself;- take part in group therapy;- appropriate literature may also be helpful in introspection, as well as films in which the characters grapple with problems similar to ours. Here are also some questions we can ask ourselves while practicing self-reflection:- Am I using my time wisely?- Do I take anything for granted?- Do I have a healthy perspective?- Do I have a positive attitude to the world when I wake up in the morning?- Do I have negative thoughts before going to bed?- What am I most worried about when I think about the future?- Do I put enough effort into my relationships?- Do I take care of myself physically?- Do I live in harmony with myself and others?- Am I achieving the goals I have set for myself?- Have I done anything worth remembering lately?- When was the last time I pushed my limits of my comfort zone?- What do I want/need to change in myself/life?- Who has influenced my life the most and how?- What is the only thing I would like others to remember me for?- Does it really matter what others think of me?- If I could talk to my teens-self, all I would say would be…- What am I afraid of?By answering these sample questions, you can better understand your own emotions, fears, prejudices, and desires. For me, time for self-reflection is very important. So, every day I dedicate at least a few minutes on this valuable internal exploration process. Maybe you would also like to try? “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” (C.G. Jung)“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” (Aristotle)