The process of finding yourself and your place in the universe is a lifelong journey for most people. Those who grew up in Western cultures tend to emphasize rational thinking and neglect the emotional and spiritual aspects of self. This tendency leaves much of their potential unlocked. Without a true understanding of oneself, it’s impossible to understand the mysteries of human beings.
The process of self-discovery can be intimidating, especially for those who are just starting the journey, but there are some relatively easy strategies to help you begin self-discovery.
- Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective techniques for self-discovery. In the modern age, most adults struggle with information overload. Learning to meditate gives you the ability to clear your mind and focus on whatever you wish. Initially, meditation can help you achieve a sense of calm and lower your stress. When you incorporate it into your daily routine, these feelings begin to carry over throughout your day, allowing you to embrace your confidence and be at peace despite the never ending turmoil of life.
Most people identify themselves with their thought, “this is who I am”, but who is having these thoughts?
- Journaling
Another way to understand yourself better is by keeping journals of important daily events and dreams. You can take stock of your current feelings and make a note of any physical pain or discomfort. The journal provides a record for you to identify patterns. When repetitive patterns of physical, emotional or mental difficulties repeat and you do not know how to solve them, ask Jesus Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit for assistance.
Keeping a journal throughout the day can be incredibly helpful too. When you engage in the conscious decision to write something down, you allow yourself to spend time alone with your thoughts. And by acknowledging these thoughts and pondering on them, you increase your self-awareness.
- Identify Your Chakras
Each person’s spiritual being is made up of chakras. They are spiritual energy centers. Seven of these chakras address specific areas of your physical, emotional, and mental self, and clearing these chakras can heal emotional distress and physical ailments. The chakras serve as gatekeepers of the spiritual energy, or chi, you direct to different parts of your body. They can become blocked. Cleansing these chakras and modifying behavior can ensure that the spiritual energy flows freely and helps you prevent having physical illness.
It is not easy to identify your chakras. After you have been able to quiet your mind for 30 to 60 seconds you may begin to feel subtle pressure in different areas of your body up and down your torso and head. These are chakras, focus on each one in turn when you can in conjunction with a breathing exercise.
- Set Goals and Make Conscious Decisions to Reach Them
Goals are important. Your external goals such as in their career, in relationships, or concerning material possessions are you life, but they need to be balanced with moral and spiritual action. Virtues such as faith, humility, patience, and charity, among others, are the key to living a fulfilling life, respecting yourself and respecting others. As you begin to develop these virtues, you will feel better about who you are.
- Release Negative Emotions
We all have powerful emotions, some of which we consciously acknowledge, and others found deeper in our subconscious. Yet, most humans are conditioned to allow emotional protective mechanisms to dull their pain by burying feelings deep inside. Emotional trauma can come from physical beatings, sexual abuse, being shamed by other people, being manipulated by other people, etc. Emotional flow meditation can help you to begin releasing some of the built-up feelings. Releasing these emotions may involve forgiving those who have hurt you, which can be incredibly difficult. In these instances, a medical professional can be of assistance throughout the process.
Want to learn more on how to discover other sides of yourself, pick up the book here today!