Self-Inquiry
Self-inquiry, or self-investigation, is the introspective practice of self-reflection that allows us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves & how we show up to the table of life
It involves asking yourself the right questions to gain insight into your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and motivations.
The primary goal of self-inquiry is to uncover the true essence of who you are beyond societal roles,
expectations, and conditioned responses
It allows you see what you may have been previously overlooking, what you may be avoiding
or what you should celebrate more
Benefits of self-enquiry include:
Increased self-awareness: becoming more aware of our thoughts, emotions & behaviors allows us to identify patterns & tendencies that may be hindering our personal growth
Clarity of mind: gain clarity about your values, priorities & goals, helping you make more informed decisions while living a more purposeful life that better aligns with who you are at the core, regardless of present circumstances or obstacles
Emotional Intelligence: exploring & understand your emotions leads to better emotional regulation & more meaningful relationships (with both yourself & others)
Self-Compassion: As you begin to understand that you are not defined by your mistakes, setbacks or flaws, you’re able to treat yourself with more kindness & understanding
Problem Solving: By examining your thought patterns & beliefs, you can find creative solutions to problems or find entirely new approaches for lasting + more effective change
Authenticity: empowering you to live a life that aligns with your true self, rather than conforming to societal expectations or people-pleasing
Personal growth & development: By gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can identify areas for personal growth & work towards becoming our best selves
Self-enquiry can be practiced in several ways, including:
Meditation: through this practice we observe our thoughts & emotions without judgment, helping us gain insight into our true nature
Journaling: Writing down our thoughts & reflections helps us gain clarity & insight into ourselves
Self-reflection: Taking time to reflect on our experiences & behaviors helps us gain a deeper understanding of our motivations & greater compassion for ourselves
Contemplation: Reflecting on philosophical or spiritual teachings can help us gain insight into the nature of reality & our place in it
