The Beauty of Introspection
In this life, we spend our time trying to figure out who we are, what we want, and what our purpose is for our existence. Truly knowing yourself is rare; thinking you know someone else is even rarer. The idea of introspection is a Latin term I have come to learn and practice. The definition emanates from 2 Latin roots: “Intro,” meaning “within,” and “spection,” meaning “looking,” and coming together to mean “looking within.”
It is the examination and observance of one’s own mental and emotional processes. It is simple, but the epistemology and nature behind it can change the way you perceive yourself and your way of life. Becoming aware and mindful of your own behaviors, language, and disposition provides a clearer understanding of yourself.
The immensity of your values, what makes life meaningful, and exploring your needs is all about being introspective. We get so lost and confused in ourselves, and we have to give ourselves time to reflect on the importance of our purpose.
Introspection can be a dangerous route when really examining yourself and your own mentality. Uncovering your true self can be difficult, especially if you dig up parts that are hard to accept. What if we don't like what we see? It is more than normal to throw our darkest habits and insecurities in the back of our minds, but once you can truly recognize and understand yourself, you've already mastered the first steps, and there is only room for growth.
This elucidation of introspection lets you communicate more consciously and effectively, which can implement growth and stability in your own mind. Your words become more meaningful, and your responses become more true. When you are more attentive and mindful of yourself, you can use these tactics with the people around you. It can change how you interpret and perceive what is happening around you.
For example, have you ever been in a conversation where you feel the other person is listening, but they aren't actually taking in what you are saying? They are listening to reply rather than to understand.
A way to practice this kind of self-examination is in your next conversation. Silence yourself and your thoughts while the other person is talking. Don't interrupt with your own experience or your unnecessary comment, opinion, or argument, but really listen. This practice creates a space in your mind to truly hear and absorb another's thoughts.
We are so wrapped up in our own lives that we can't even acknowledge another person's ideology. We constantly compare everything to our own beliefs or experiences, not hearing from a different perspective. This doesn't mean to silence your thoughts, but let yourself see into another's mindset and try to understand why they think that way. Silence is underrated, and using it to let your thoughts crystallize, opinions to form, and emotions to process can bring out your truest character and impact the quality of your relationships and interactions.
William James, known to be the 'father' of American Psychology, who studied and taught the meaning of introspection, once said, "thoughts become perception, perception becomes reality. Alter your thoughts, alter your reality."
This terminology will help you balance the positives and the negatives and allow more self-control into your life. Practice repetition in self-reflection, give yourself time to control your peace, mind, and emotions, and see yourself transparently and adequately. Be introspective.
Strike Out,
Kaden Horn
Boca Raton
Kaden Horn is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. In her free time you can find her writing creative nonfictional and even fictional stories about every situation in her life. If you become acquainted with her, you might just end up being a character in her stories. She loves music, whether it’s making playlists or playing guitar. You can reach her by email at kaden.horn813@gmail.com, or her instagram @kadennhunter
