Why Self-Understanding?

Self-Understanding is a major part of knowing yourself. When we begin to look within and question everything in a non-judgmental and unbiased way then we are blessed with a new understanding of ourselves. It is then with this new understanding, that one approaches life’s situations and problems with more constructive, appropriate and empowered responses. One’s perspectives in life shifts and there are numerous transformations that one undergoes. 

Why is Self-Understanding Absolutely Necessary?

Self-Understanding brings light into our inner dark world. It is the foundation for building strong mental muscles. Furthermore, following points make Self-Understanding irresistible:

• It facilitates self-growth in every walk of life. 
• Reduces human-suffering to a great extent. 
• It reduces every type of dependency and makes you more confident in yourself.
• You will be much more in control of yourself. 
• It makes you wiser. 
• You will emerge out to be a much more healed and powerful person. 
• You will be able to live life on your own terms and with inner freedom. 

What Exactly Do We Need to Understand?

Mind – We use it or it uses us? We control it or it controls us? The answer to this question is directly proportional to the quality or kind of life we are living, have lived and are going to live. Hence, it becomes indispensable to understand our mind and know how it works or functions.

Self-Understanding develops when you start understanding your mind, questioning its components and gaining knowledge about how they function. For example, observing and questioning your behaviours, patterns, reactions, emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc. both positive and negative. Yes, we need to know the Positive ones as well, as we need to know and understand ourselves in totality. Our brains being negatively biased tend to ignore the positive patterns, reactions, traits, behaviours, tendencies, habits, emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc.

Basically, if we keep looking deeper, we will see each layer unfolding into a new layer of understanding which empowers and enlightens us. It gives us more clarity and makes us feel lighter.

How Is It Practically Applied?

If we Distance or Detach ourselves from what we are currently feeling or thinking and question what it is and how it works – there is HOPE. Let us take “Blame” for instance, just to know out of Curiosity ask “What is Blame?”. Do it when you are Not triggered or are Stable emotionally. The definition on the internet says “Blame is the act of assigning responsibility for something that went wrong, often with an emotional charge attached to it.” Is it more than pointing out fingers unnecessarily? Does it have a purpose? When and Why do we self-blame? Can blame add to my self-growth? Does Self-blame lead me anywhere or will keep me stuck in guilt? Is that guilt Self-Sabotaging or a chance to rectify my mistake if I made one? Does it give me peace? Does it give me freedom from any type of slavery or bondages or it makes me one?

It is when you reflect on such existential questions that you begin to gain an understanding about yourself regarding what you do, how you do and why you do. This also helps in identifying unhelpful thoughts and reframing them into healthier alternative thoughts. For example, “I don’t deserve a good treatment in life” is an unhelpful and unhealthy thought which can be reframed into a healthier alternative thought like “I deserve Respect “OR “I don’t matter” can be reframed as “My needs matter”.

The more you reflect, the more you witness those intense heavy emotions, feelings, hurt, pain, etc. losing their grip over you and that is your First Step towards your Freedom from slavery and dependencies. Hence, it can be aptly said that Self-Understanding is a Super Power!

What is the Role of Self-Understanding in Women Empowerment?

Self-Understanding plays a very critical role in Empowering Women. Specifically if you have lived your life as a victim and are looking to live a life of dignity, freedom and liberty.

It is often observed that after the overwhelming tragic incident, the victim mindset is carried forward. The mindset comprises unhelpful and unhealthy thoughts such as “Why does this always happen to me?”, “Nothing I do will make a difference.”, leading to no solution to the given life challenges or problems. We don’t want to see ourselves – victimized, complaining and weak but due to a lack of understanding of a victimized mind, we remain in  the same state. We experience life from a victim’s lens all the time while feeling helpless and powerless to change anything.

This happens because the victim goes through intense feelings of shame, guilt, depression and self-blame for over a long period and tend to internalize them, leading to despair and hopelessness. Along with this, there are other complex psychological issues that can be dealt with patience, perseverance, consistency and Self-Understanding in order to heal.

Beauty of Self-Understanding

The beauty of Self-Understanding is that no matter at what point or situation you are in your life, you can begin your self-understanding journey NOW or at any time of your life. It is an inner phenomenon that is very much practical and possible as it leads to freedom from all sorts of inner slaveries and bondages. Self-Understanding gives us clarity, makes us more self-reliant and emotionally and mentally independent. The most wonderful part is it is Free and accessible to All.