Introspection, the process of observing one’s own life, can help you understand your motives, psychology and self-image, which effectively allows you to also change them. If you want to understand how something works, you study it. Introspection is just that - a sort of research we are doing on ourselves. Through meditating and envisioning our actions throughout the day, we learn more about who we are, which allows us to change things we don’t like and improve on things about ourselves that we do.
Looking inside of myself like this, has resulted in a greater peace in life for me. By looking at how I have acted through the day, I have become more aware and feel like a happier person. It feels good understanding myself, making it not so painful after all to take responsibility for my weaknesses and failures.
Although facing your weaknesses does make you stronger, this practice is not about dwelling on the past and your shortcomings. When you come across something about yourself that you don’t like, it becomes much easier to just change it and avoid it in the future. Introspection allows you to react to situations in more controlled and predictable way and makes it less confusing to talk about your feelings with other people.
Studying your own life can also be a great way to discover and focus on an interest or skill, which could lead to all sorts of new and positive experiences and behavior. The self-confidence of introspection gives you the power to act on things you discover that you enjoy.
Practicing Introspection
The more you understand about yourself and the world, the more you will be able to get out of it. If you want to start practicing introspection and open up new possibilities for yourself, start by setting aside 10 minutes of the day for yourself.
Once you are seated comfortably in a quiet place, close your eyes and take a few deeps breaths to relax. Start replaying your day in your head as it happened, envisioning everything you did in as much detail as you can recall.
It should flow like a movie, complete with details, like what was playing on the radio and in what sequence, exactly what you wore, the exact words you used, etc. Skip things you get caught up on and try and visualize your day as if you were an outsider looking in.
Each week you can add new techniques to your practice, including:
- Stopping the film when you notice you do something you don’t like. Tell yourself you want to do less of that.
- Stopping the film when you do something you like. Tell yourself you want to do more of that.
- Ask yourself questions, such as why you act certain ways.
- Substitute new behaviors for old ones – embed a new clip altogether or replace one you want to leave on the cutting room floor.