Self-reflection as a natural tool for personal growth
Third step of our WAY OF HEALTH Model ™
If we are living beings by nature, the society we’ve built over time has made us ‘living doings’ instead. Our idea of happiness has become materialistic and venturing in the silent space of our emotional and physical sensations scares us. We forget that self-reflection is a natural gift, all thanks to our new brain! It enables us to sit back, look at our life from different perspectives, understand our motivations, emotions, thoughts and body sensations. As we consciously choose to face our pains and disappointments in life, we automatically let go of our emotional baggage and clear space for giving birth to a new us. Once we realise that self-reflection can help us understand who we really are, discovering our core identity and the ‘real us’ is only a few steps away.
Calming your nervous system with your breath allows your senses to actively listen to what your body mind has to say. You may feel some tension in your body, you may want to cry, you may notice this urge to move, or you may be disturbed by the noise around you. Any manifestations such as these are meaningful signals to your conscious self. Your body tells you a story, your true story!
Switching from the “doing” to the “being” mode by letting go of specific expectations. Social conventions require us to achieve to exist, but Nature doesn’t expect anything from you. Your purpose in life is already contained within you, like the North Star within the sky; bringing it to the light of consciousness will effortlessly influence your achievements.
Embracing change is accepting the chaos emerging from the meeting point between stillness and movement. Imagine a compost where you consciously dispose of useless thoughts, actions, possessions, or emotions. As they settle on the ground you create space for more helpful new ones. However, at this stage you still need to watch the decomposition of the disposed ones as they create the lessons learnt that you need, the fertile soil for the new ones to grow and mature.
Living each moment like the most precious time of your life. You don’t know the outcome but by allowing the present moment to guide you throughout your day, you take back control of your time and you create space in time. Have you noticed when this happens, it feels almost like you extend the length of your day; it is so empowering!
Self-reflection is an opportunity to readjust our own boundaries in relation to ourselves and our environment. As social animals by essence, we become more open and more engaging with others; we find inspiration in life by initiating exchange with the rest of the world. Our connections provide the power we need to ignite us.
Step 1 - Body movement is more than physical exercise
Step 2 - The key role of nourishment in long-lasting health and well-being
Step 4 - Connecting with the outside world ignites the power of the inner flame
Step 5 - Resting time is crucial for body-mind-spirit restoration
