Introspection

“Our culture made a virtue of living only as extroverts. We discouraged the inner journey, the quest for the centre. So we lost our centre and have to find it again” (Anais Nin).

 As I read this quote I thought about Introspection.

in·tro·spec·tion

Webster’s dictionary defines it as an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings: a reflective looking inward.

As I gain more life experience I realize that many people are unaware of who they are, and may have no idea that they are unaware of who they are. Some of us turn to magazines and self-help books seeking self-identity. We yearn for a sense of direction and purpose; hoping to fit into a mold and also hoping be more accepted by our peers and loved ones.

But who are we really?

I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching, trying to understand myself more as a young woman but most importantly, as a Christian. I believe that knowing oneself is a gift and is the beginning of wisdom. Understanding our hearts, our bodies, our pasts, our mistakes, and our life decisions can help us know ourselves and help us become who we want to be.  Carl Jung once said  “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”

Are you awake today?

Have you taken the time to really examine your heart and who you are? You may be beautiful, have the nicest body, have perfectly white teeth, and beautiful thick hair but what about the inside? The exterior deteriorates over time and we are only left with what lies within. Our hearts are really the key to the rest of our lives, and life beyond.

We have the power to change ourselves and to change our lives. We have a mighty savior who fights for our hearts daily and wants a better life for us, but we have to take that first step. “The only journey is the one within” (Rainer Maria Rilke). Our inner journeys are vital to our beings and our growth. It is a necessary component of our lives.

2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether we are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

Love,
Lauren Alyssa