Do you know the feeling of being sad? Often, we don't know how to escape, and it's not uncommon for us to feel so bad that we'd rather escape from everything. We often even blame external factors for our feelings. Of course, circumstances trigger all of these things within us—but the responsibility lies with each individual to find joy within themselves. In this context, self-reflection is an important tool for finding more happiness. You'll find all the important information in this article.
What is self-reflection?
First, we'd like to explain the term "reflection." Wikipedia, for example, defines it as a comparative and simultaneously critical reflection on one's own behavior. Self-reflection is therefore a method that helps you sort through, recognize, and perceive your thoughts. In the best case, you can even eliminate or change negative thoughts. This creates the opportunity to change your behavior.
Finding happiness within ourselves: Why is this important?
The saying of Nicolas Chamfort, a French writer : "It is difficult to find happiness within ourselves, and it is quite impossible to find it elsewhere."
This saying sums it up. Even though we've all been conditioned to believe that external factors must make us happy, that's not the case. We find everything within ourselves. Of course, this may seem impossible to some – but those who have already embarked on the path to greater awareness and integrated meditation into their daily lives are increasingly coming to the realization that everything lies within us.
Let's look at the topic from a different perspective. Assuming we could only or primarily find happiness externally would mean that we are completely dependent on external factors. Now, seriously: How does that feel for you? You would have to rely on others. If someone doesn't behave according to your wishes, you would be bound to feel sad or hurt.
However, if you recognize your competence and your strength here, you will realize that your own actions are crucial to how you feel.
In summary: It's extremely important that you realize that you are responsible for your own life and your own thoughts. Therefore, your happiness lies 100% within you and not outside. Of course, external factors can support or influence you positively. Ultimately, however, you make the right decisions to be happy.
How can you integrate self-reflection into your everyday life?
The path to greater self-knowledge lies in one's own experiences. Those who have many negative experiences either feel like victims of their circumstances or take action. With the following tips, we would like to support all those who finally want to take action and those who have realized that they themselves are responsible for their own situation.
a) Change mindset: In my life I am always capable of action
Once you understand that you are responsible for your own success, you can take appropriate steps. This will make achieving your goal much easier. It's important to understand that in every situation (no matter how bad it may seem), you always have the potential to take action.
b) Writing down your own thoughts for a fulfilling life
Create a pleasant place for yourself and take time every day to write down your thoughts and feelings. You can do this exercise daily.
The best thing to do is buy a nice notebook to jot down all your notes in. Writing makes you happy and balances your mind.
The following questions will help you when writing:
- How are you today?
- What was nice about your day today?
- What emotions were present?
- Do you already know these from the past?
- What positive things can you take from this?
- What do you wish for in such situations?
An example of conscious reflection would be:
- Today I am very emotional and have often cried. Thoughts came into my head that made me feel small. I felt trapped in the past. I remember feeling just as helpless and small as a child. I could never please my parents, and the exact same thing happened today with my colleague at work. She simply couldn't understand me and wouldn't let me or my opinion stand. Unfortunately, I couldn't really put it into words. I didn't dare say what I thought in person. But I was aware that the rejecting and arrogant behavior bothered me so much. Precisely because it triggered this feeling of being small.
This example will help you better understand what is important when reflecting and writing.
Remember: It's not about trying to imitate this example as closely as possible. You have to find a way for yourself how best to put your feelings down on paper. This is the basis for self-reflection. The ability to write down all your feelings comes with time and a lot of practice. Everyone has the ability to reflect; never forget that. You can learn it—don't stress if it doesn't work right away. Over time, you'll discover that other people aren't to blame for your feelings.
c) Focus on the positive things
Another important point is to focus on the positive and beautiful things in your life. Self-reflection is primarily about noticing all your feelings and thoughts. Once you've written everything down, you can then focus on the beautiful things in life. A gratitude journal, in which you write down three things you're grateful for every day, could be helpful.
Regularly practicing mindfulness is essential
Those who manage to be in the moment and repeatedly bring their own feelings to mind will automatically be happier. Over time, this process will become easier and easier. At first, mindfulness and self-reflection require a bit of work. Especially those who are under a lot of stress at work or with their children should take the time every day to be mindful.
- Mindful cooking
- Mindful showering
- Mindful reading
- Mindful walking
- Mindful breathing exercises on the meditation cushion
- Mindful eating
- Mindful treatment of yourself and your body
If you manage to be mindful of yourself every day and write down your thoughts and feelings, it will soon become a routine you won't want to miss. After about 30 days, we'll have become accustomed to something, making it easier to implement in our daily lives.
What helps you best to be more mindful and self-reflective?
