Utilize Introspection
March 30, 2021
“People will do anything, no matter how absurd, in order to avoid facing their own souls. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
Amid the typical mindset of the collective, it isn't uncommon to find the notion that among the greatest entities one often fears is the same one in which they know best; themselves. What's rather much more noteworthy is the understanding that the fear of self is hidden, rooted deep in the subconscious vicinity. Failure to acknowledge, let alone consciously dissect, this notion will result in a state of living primarily revolved around one of diversion, conditioning, and distraction. Even the most subtle of attentiveness directed to self will spark one of two instances: habitual desire to shun the darkness within, or a conscious, persistent, and eternal pursuit of understanding of self.
The subconscious mind is often underlyingly perceived as too wicked for attentiveness. But, enlightenment never ensued through abiding life without taking time to sit with one's thoughts. The practice of introspection, brought about by William Wundt, is merely the inward analysis of one's thoughts in an effort to better understand the person in the mirror and voices between the ears. Every considerably insignificant thought will inevitably pile upon a heap of more thoughts, irrespective of whether it's warranted to remain in the mind. Taking the time and consciousness to reflect upon and dissect this heap will not only help alleviate the potential mental torment that follows but also strengthen one's mind to consume thoughts more consciously and absent of the inevitable clutter.
Although practices of meditation are indefinitely most potent in sparking introspection and reflection, it doesn't necessarily take sitting in a quiet room with your eyes closed to achieve an introspective state. The question is not one of what must be added to the state of mind, but rather, what must be withdrawn in order to submerge oneself in introspection. Everything required to experience effective and moving introspection already exists within the walls of the mind; removing the accumulated mental intrusion is where the task lies.
The accumulation will either aid or impede oneself from finding clarity of mind. Even practices one would deem as most obviously unhindering to clarity of mind can work in building a collective distraction from introspection and coming to terms with self. There are more compulsive habits such as chronic device monitoring, outreach when at loss for emotional support, or digitally sharing every fragment of our lives in search of attention. What follows these habits are practices that we're simply not aware of, and even less aware of how they impede our discovery of self. These practices may consist of unceasing contemplation of outside events, continual desire to be around others, or acting upon the idea that all of life and the events it holds must be that of bliss. It's not to say that one who is restless to surround themselves with those they love is doing so based on an unknown soul illness, but it with no doubt has the capacity to be so. Leaving your emotional and psychological backbone in the hands of friends and family is merely a disguised notion for, "I have yet come to terms with understanding and taming my darkness."
Taking the time to indulge in introspection and introspective practices will eliminate the fear of spending time with one's mind. There are no benefits to reap from avoiding the intrinsically complex, uncomfortable thoughts we all carry and unknowingly fuel. Breaking the habits that hinder introspective enlightenment and cloud the intrinsic connection between the ego and the subconscious will only bring one closer to understanding not only what exists within the mind, but why. Devote time and invest consciousness into this unceasing practice; the reward will astound you.