Self-reflection involves a kind of inner journey.
Self-reflection is the conscious process that an individual carries out with the intention of understanding their thoughts and learning from their experiences . It is an act of introspection that aims at internal recognition .
It is usually considered that self-reflection contributes to personal growth since it promotes mental clarity and allows you to find yourself. That inner focus can be helpful for personal recalibration or reaffirming your life purpose.
Before moving forward with the definition, it is important to highlight that self-reflection is a concept that is formed with the prefix auto- (which refers to what is done by oneself or that is one's own) and the noun reflection (the action and the result of reflect: think about something carefully or attentively). The term must be written with two R's since, as explained by the Urgent Spanish Foundation ( fundéuRAE ), when the first element of a compound word ends in a vowel and the second component begins with R, the R in question needs to be doubled to preserve its sound.
Self-reflection and awareness
Self-reflection is linked to consciousness : the knowledge that the individual has of himself and his actions. The idea of consciousness also refers to the faculty of recognizing reality and the psychological aptitude by which a human being develops the perception of himself.
It can be said that self-reflection is an exclusive capacity of our species . Through it, people inquire about their nature and even about the human condition.
It is also possible to relate self-reflection to conscience , which refers to ethics and the discernment of good and evil. Self-observation can lead to existential questioning and a review of values, comparing actions with internal or social norms.
A life review is possible thanks to self-reflection.
The techniques
There are different self-reflection techniques. Through these practices and processes, self-discovery advances:
- Full consciousness ( mindfulness ) : It is based on concentrating attention on the present, observing emotions and ideas without making judgments. It is important to control your breathing and wait for thoughts and sensations to emerge.
- Meditation : Allows you to relax, provides serenity and helps self-knowledge .
- Personal diary : Capturing feelings, emotions and thoughts in written words is very valuable. This type of introspective experience contributes to the revelation of behavioral patterns and to clarify the individual perspective. It must be taken into account that in this exercise spelling and grammar rules are not relevant.
- Solitary reflection : It consists of self-questioning, establishing an internal dialogue for the exploration of the psyche.
- Personal retreat in contact with nature : Walking alone through a park, a forest, a beach or a mountain enables a connection with the natural environment and with oneself.
Self-reflection can help increase empathy towards oneself.
Examples of self-reflection
Let's take the case of someone who every day, after dinner and before going to bed, writes in a diary a summary of what their day was like . There he lists his activities, including the sensations and emotions that each of them generated in him. To close each note, take stock and set goals to achieve in the following day. This is an example of a self-reflection exercise that can help in the discovery of individual essence.
Let's now think about an individual who lives in a coastal city and chooses to walk two kilometers on the beach whenever he has the opportunity. Take those walks in solitude, listening to the noise of the sea and focusing on inner immersion. For this subject, self-reflection on these walks is a way of reconnecting with oneself.
Another example of self-reflection can be carried out by the woman who meditates three times a week at home . To do this, turn off your phone, put on comfortable clothes, and listen to relaxing music. This exercise serves for your self-enlightenment.
The benefits
The benefits of self-reflection are numerous, as we have already indicated throughout this article. Self-exploration is always a beneficial tool for self-development and personal transformation .
Thanks to self-reflection it is possible to discover the motivations that underlie one's actions. You can also question what is initially taken for granted, promoting the adaptations or changes necessary to achieve or increase well-being .
Another contribution of self-reflection is that, by knowing and understanding the reasons for actions, personal assessment usually improves and self-confidence also increases. This issue is also reflected in a better understanding of others, which increases empathy.
Achieving emotional balance and strengthening resilience are also positive effects of self-reflection. That is why it can be said that incorporating the techniques and practices that help self-inquiry is very important in everyone's life.