I've pursued non-traditional studies since 1975. I consider what I do to be a body of work. A synthesis of all that I have learned and practiced over time. I draw from the following training and experience...
I had studied Fine Art in College but soon found that I could not commit to matriculation. I innately knew that I wanted the knowledge that you can't get in College. So, shortly after that, I began studying Self-Knowledge, Truth and Consciousness with Master Teacher, Prem Rawat. My connection with Prem is ongoing.
Unlike any other animal, the human animal is self-reflecting. The ability to recognize ourselves as individuals exists within us in striking contract to all other animals, simply because they are not capable of it. With the chimpanzee as the one exception that I know of, animals don’t recognize themselves personally, in the mirror. But the ape below seems to think he is encountering an enemy!
Self-Reflection...
an Instrument for Self-Knowledge
We will end up finding ourselves in self-reflecting, willingly or unwillingly, simply because it happens. And this will happen from time-to-time no matter what the reason. Things like comedy, drama or especially, an experience of personal tragedy can lead us into self-reflection. But, If you think about it, self-reflection holds a really positive potential … it represents an opportunity to learn, grow and adapt to change. Essential elements to living.
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I’ve noticed that my self-reflecting can definitely be either beneficial for me, or detrimental. It can be significant whether or not we pay conscious attention when it happens, because our attitude determines the outcome of that particular experiential event.
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Is self-reflection a detriment to our behavior, or is it a good thing? They may never agree. Matter of fact, they will never agree because it isn’t one or the other… it’s both. Whether people regard self-reflection as beneficial or not, our human ability to self-reflect is an indominable part of our being. We can look at it as a tool we have. And, if we see it that way, it can be a strong advantage for us, because if we pay attention we can use it for our personal growth, understanding and self-knowledge.
​On its down side we can ignore it, but then we've missed an opportunity to learn somethings about ourselves. .. our inner life. It can be either an instrument for our personal growth, or even a painful weapon causing us self-sabotage.
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We can definitely find ourselves at a disadvantage based upon what we come across in our mind in any situation. A common example of a reflective weapon would be if we compare ourselves to someone else and feel jealous,. We're reflecting negatively upon ourselves with self-criticism and self-doubt. Feeling that way can cause us to chip away at our self-esteem. Better to put the tool down and leave it alone,. Like any tool we have, we don’t really want to misused it, hurt ourselves (even unintentionally), nor do we want to hinder or limit our life. If we are going to use it, we should use it wisely.
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So, in closing with a positive note, I'd just like to say again that an awareness of our self-reflection carries incredible potential. Every time we experience it in our life is a blessing. Using it with awareness makes it possible to receive a blessing. We just need to simply allow ourselves to be aware of it and accept it as the gift that it can actually be.
So then, let’s talk about self-reflection which is beneficial… the kind that has to do with reflecting with an awareness of our Heart and Soul. The happiest people are those who learn, grow and adapt throughout their lives. So, we can practice giving those moments our attention and learn to use them as something that enhances our growth and development, which can be a valuable asset. When I came to realize this, I began to practice being attentive, and it definitely did deepen my understanding of whatever I was reflecting on in those times. If I caught myself letting it go without a closer look, I went back to it with an intention to see what was in it for me. It's paid off.
By Grace Karen Sweet