Self Understanding (Part Two)

Self Understanding Is More Than Self Help

For years self-proclaimed gurus, personalities and self-help industry leaders have been trying to encourage people to change their minds and mental mindsets through "attitude adjustments" and "positive thinking." 

The foundation the self-help movement in the latter years of the 20th Century were these words from the 19th Century American psychologist William James: "The most important discovery of my generation is people can change their lives by changing their minds."

The past three decades have seen a litany of self-help books, tapes, videos, CDs, DVDs, webinars, and live programs produced. In fact, the entire self-help industry went from start-up phase to maturity in less than 40 years. 

Unfortunately, the majority of them failed to educate their followers that you first must have a firm understanding of yourself before implementing their programs and advice, so that your mind and your spirit are not in continual conflict.

This is because the journey of self awareness and self understanding is a difficult and long one. As Miguel de Cervantes wrote, "Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world."

The various writers, speakers and products of the self-help industry all have one theme in common ── every person can take responsibility for changing and building their lives. That's a great start, but what most of the strategies and ideas proffered have lacked has been guidance in helping practitioners and readers come to grips with their true inner selves.

These self help programs have been great at helping people improve their self images, build stronger egos, identify ways to motivate themselves, and design strategies for personal goal attainment. But what they usually did not provide were tools and strategies for developing a better rapport with, and deeper understanding of, one's spiritual self. 

As Dr. David Simon, co-founder of the Chopra Center, wrote, "The self-image or ego is what we hold to be true about ourselves and what we want others to believe about us. Most people believe they are their self-image and, therefore, diligently strive to protect it. In defense of our image, we imprison our spirit."  

As we wrote in the previous post on self understanding: self understanding enables you to plumb the depths of your own inner spirit, and to seek out amazing discoveries about yourself.

It is worth quoting the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu again: "He who knows others is learned; He who knows himself is wise."  

This weekend provides an ideal time for some self reflection and contemplation. Spend some time getting to know yourself better. As Lao-Tzu points out, doing so will make you a wiser person come Monday.

This article is partially excerpted from the book Project You: Living A Determined Life which is available in paperback and Kindle formats at Amazon.