Introspection: How To Protect Your Mind and Soul Daily 

I often beat myself up about not doing things differently to achieve a particular outcome, or not working hard enough to accomplish a goal I had initially set my sights on. Similarly, I have observed many people who do the same daily without realizing that circumstances differ and that the outcomes in each situation will never be the same. The process of introspection is one that myself, along with many others, rely upon heavily to get through situations in which we feel like we just can’t go any farther.

The concept of introspection is like a reflection in many ways, and the terms are often used interchangeably to refer to people’s observation and contemplation of their own thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This kind of observation and contemplation inevitably leads to an improvement in one’s concept of self.

I attempt each day to do a little introspection in each moment I find myself conflicted with any internal or external issue that may arise. Perhaps my stance on the idea of self-reflection for my greater mental good is related to my own personal beliefs about universal order and karmic rules. The process has significantly improved my mental health by allowing me the opportunity to be more mindful of my actions and more accepting of the outcomes I expect and receive. based on my thoughts, manifestations, and actions.

One Day At A Time

We’d probably all like to believe that somewhere deep inside us there is infinite good guided by a moral compass of sorts. We tend to quickly condemn others for the things we would do and change about ourselves after we noticed it was not in line with that which we deemed “for the greater good”. Introspection has undoubtedly changed my views on the approach I take to external misgivings as it relates to others in comparison to how I would analyze the situation if I were in the same position.

As a millennial in a society like this, it is understandable that we won’t all constantly introspect each aspect of our lives or each issue as they arise. In my opinion, something is always going wrong. However, I find myself more appreciative of the ability to manage and analyze my thoughts and actions as I experience them, consequently achieving more favorable outcomes in future instances of similar situations. Taking life one moment at a time, while giving ourselves the chance to acknowledge what we have done and that which we could do in any given moment, helps us to breathe easier when problems come along and give us the push needed to actualize and envision positive outcomes from every situation.

The Connection Between Mental and Emotional Health and Introspection

The concept of maintaining mental wellness is not one widely accepted and practiced in the Caribbean, and despite the evident need for individuals to learn more about mental health, many still tend to confuse maintaining mental health with trying to “help a mad person”.

Introspection, as per my own experiences and research, is perhaps one of the most beneficial methods taken towards helping an individual who suffers from chronic anxiety and depression and is not to be confused with overthinking and reprimanding ourselves, which many of us tend to do when trouble heads our way. The term “self-concept” ties into our introspective journeys and is used to refer to how someone thinks about, evaluates, and/or perceives themselves. To be aware of one’s self is to have a concept of our being and how we approach life. But how exactly does this fit into being aware of our mental state and the need to take it easy on ourselves for the sake of our sanity?

Research suggests the negativity elicited from our awareness of a discrepancy between our current state and our goal is critical to spurring self-improvement. Introspection takes a more in-depth internal approach to the concept of that self-awareness and creates avenues for one to realize and actualize this positive change for themselves and for those around them.  The psychological study of self-awareness can be first traced back to 1972 when Psychologists Shelley Duval and Robert Wicklund’s developed the theory of self-awareness. They proposed that:

Subsequently, introspection provides us with an opportunity to grow and to enhance our inner self-awareness thereby increasing self-knowledge and a life worth living and loving.

Mirror, Mirror

After only a few months of practicing daily self-reflection, I am still constantly surprised at how well I am able to cope with and uplift myself in certain situations, some of which I often yell at the universe for sending my way. The art of introspection can be closely compared to looking at your reflection in the mirror. Whenever we want to feel beautiful and reassured of our outward beauty, we look at ourselves and affirm we are indeed beautiful. We smile at our reflections and name all the things about us that we love, the things we don’t, and the things we want to change. It could be our eyebrows, our acne, our hair, etc.

The concept of introspection, as I have practiced it, involves me staring at myself and my actions in my spiritual/mental mirror and analyzing the ways in which I could grow and change, tweaking the things which do not align with my vision of mental and spiritual stability. On hard days I choose to look into myself and give myself props for trying and pointers for being an even happier, better me.

My journey has taught me that in all things, positive reassurance and manifestation can go a long way. It’s important to look in and attract the things we want to change and create with conviction. The way we should approach self-reflection is to think of it as a  process used to begin healing in moments that seem unfixable and one that helps us to love ourselves for who we are and who we will become in those moments we feel unloved.

Fi Di Mind And Soul

As per the aforementioned definition, I have come up with a definition of my own for introspection. Introspection is a process that allows one to analyze and create solutions for a given situation based on an internal “court of law” for spiritual, emotional and mental turbulence that may cause one to question their own capabilities and strengths.

Introspection:

• Helps us to face our fears: Once we give ourselves the room to admit these fears, conquering them becomes much easier.

• Stops us from worrying about things beyond our control: We aren’t always able to fix things. We are infinite beings capable of much but we all have our “sky”. Take a break from worrying. 🙂

• Allows us to notice negative patterns and practices: We are all guilty of habits we know we need to drop. Introspection helps us to see these habits, analyze the effects they may have on our lives, and find the most efficient way to kick them to the curb

• Helps us to actualize and define our own happiness: After looking at our internal reflections many of us can identify what particularly fulfills us spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. What makes you smile inside and out? Create a space where only happy things, thoughts, and actions can flourish.

My experiences have allowed me to gain insight into the art of being at peace with my mind by allowing my inner mirror to teach me how to love myself and others in abundance, how to radiate joy. and how to accept peace when it calls my name. Introspection is not to be considered tedious, lengthy, or too much to process but as the act of helping you to get through the thought and actions that may overwhelm and overshadow your true intentions. Introspection is that avenue that we take on days when we need self-love to replace the doubt, calm to coax our anxiety, and joy to ease our depression. So how’s your mirror looking?

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