6-10-15 Post: Self Examination

Question/Comment: I think self examination is a very important part of life and could be a part of everyday life. To me it is like an automatic self improvement program. 

Response: Yes, observation of our feelings, motivation, reactions, desires, thoughts and mental associations can be very informative. We do need to be certain that this type of mental reflection does not become an obstacle to taking practical action or decision making. It is best to let this self observation process go on in the back ground of our every day life. Then self observation can become our primary focus when we take time to meditate. 

This self observation process is most productive when it is allowed to take place without criticism. If we can just observe and take note without judging, we can make the most use of the information. Just begin noticing yourself impartially like you would notice a stranger in a public setting. Notice you demeanor, your posture, your hand gestures, the look on your face, what you say and who you say it to. Notice how you feel in your body and your emotions and which triggers which. Notice your breathing and how it changes with circumstances and thoughts or feelings.

As the song says, “Let it be.” Just notice the flow of one moment into the next. A desire for a change may gradually arise in your awareness. If it does notice what you would like the new thought, feeling or behavior to be and allow it to begin to take shape. Let this all happen without judgement. Then decide if such a change would be in your best interest. Fear may begin to arise, if it does, do not push yourself. Take the time to gently move toward the change with small, tolerable steps.

Many people feel like a failure if they decide a change is needed in some aspect of their personality.  This is the ego feeling that it must be perfect at every moment in every way and must never admit lack of perfection. If the process of self observation and change can be done lovingly and gently with positive expectation, the ego will not be so staunch in its resistance. As always treat yourself with love and the same gentleness and patience you would show to a young child.