In this next series, I will be taking a deep dive into introspection, the basis of the six question generators, how to use it, and leave you with a list of questions to take your self-love and self-discovery to the next level. Today, I will share what you can expect over the next few weeks.
What is Introspection?
The observation, or examination, of one’s own mental and emotional process.
Another way to think of introspection is the discovery of one’s cognitive process. I use the word discovery because I do not think nearly observing nor examining is enough. To discover something, one must be curious to look around the corner, poke and prod, asking questions you may not want the answer to, but know it is important to find out. Also, I change the mental and emotional process to cognitive because one’s cognition also adds the senses to the process.
The Six Question Generators
At first, this may seem silly, or at least it did for me. However, you will get the hang of it, if you practice, and asking these questions will be like second nature. The good news is, you learned these questions in 2nd or 3rd grade!
Who
Where
When
What
How
Why
Yup, those are the question generators that we all know and will soon come to re-love.
How to use introspection?
Introspection is a tool and a muscle, but it can also create anxiety. The good news is, once you learn how to use your tool, you will be able to see recognize the anxiety building habits and address them.
In the most simple way, introspection is about giving yourself permission to set aside your emotions, for a brief moment, and objectively ask six questions. These six questions will help you observe your mental and emotional process, so you can begin taking the next steps you need to take.
To start, below is the most basic flow:
The event which triggers a mental or emotional habit
Remove yourself from the scenario
In a space you are alone and safe ask yourself:
Who was I with? Who was I not with? Who did I want to be with?
Where was I? Where did I want to be?
When did this happen? When did I want it to happen?
What was my emotional response?
How do I want to respond in the future?
Why was my reaction different than how I want to react in the future?
Conclusion
I look forward to taking a deep dive into each of the following sections over the next few weeks. Also, my goal is to help others be able to understand their process, so they can choose to pursue their own path in life. Have a wonderful day and, as always, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out!