An introspection

We are born with a potential to do something extraordinary in life but unfortunately end up otherwise. Mostly we think we have no talent, simply because we have never tried to explore them. Some have the capability to realize their talents and passion, directing them for worldly benefit ; but such people are negligible . There are also individuals with no great worry or anxiety, who  turn out outstanding by following their passion and living the life of their dream. 

At the root of this realization lies self-reflection. It is a way of assessing our self, our ways of working. It is a process by which we grow our understanding of ourselves, our values, thoughts and actions. We question, what we do and why we do it ; deciding whether there is a better, or more efficient, way of doing it in the future.

Why self reflect?

We all have our individual beliefs and their accompanying assumptions. However as we recognize new information and experiences, it disrupts our belief system thereby forcing us to reconstruct or reform it. We need to recognize and change these presumptions, and this can happen only with a change in our perspective. Fresh perspectives can be wrought through self reflection.
It is largely feared that societies worldwide will get gradually dominated by inhuman activities such as genocide, racism, homicide, suicide, mercy-killing, abortion, negligence towards old age, cyber-crime, corruption and terrorism. It requires critical self reflection to redefine our presumptions that will enable us address and adjust with the changing world.

 

Self reflection: impact on our lives

Self reflection helps us develop our skills and review their effectiveness. It allows us to gain perspective on what really matters and what can be ignored. It gives us greater clarity on our life events. We learn to respond more effectively, improving our self confidence. We attain increased wisdom.
When we fail to reflect on our lives, we lose perspective, get caught up in things that don’t matter, and often lose sight of the things that are most important. Socrates had rightly said- ‘the unexamined life is not worth living.’

 

How to practice reflection

Begin with breathing exercises. Steady the mind by connecting with your breath before reflecting. This can help us to think more clearly, openly and honestly. Breathing exercises are a great way to slow down, clear the mind and focus. Next, write out each of your question and answer in a journal. Putting pen to paper helps us to release our thoughts out in the open. Practicing meditation is also very useful.

 

How to handle today’s media crisis through self reflection

Today the media reflects the behaviour of society. It acts as a mirror to both the positive and negative sides of society. However, unfortunately it is mostly the dark side that gets reflected, adversely affecting people’s morale. It causes depression and anxiety; but ironically it also addicts people to keep returning to it. Cyber bullying is yet another associated evil outcome. We need to develop a healthy mind that can undertake sincere self reflection which can help him ward off such ill-effects on human life.

 

 

About the authors

The article has been contributed by the following students and teachers from Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Puthuppally, Kerala- Sailamma Joseph, Jinju Mary Mathew, Thushal S, Angel Sairah Mathew, Amitha Susan Raj and Sara Thomas.