Diving
Diving. Deep.
As deep as explorers eager to discover what lies within. Within the deep seas, those that impress and scare by their outstanding calmness. Or is it that their movement is so vast that it is unnoticeable to the explorer that ventures in their midst.
Diving.
To discover or be uncovered in front of this giant, Self. Uncovered, yet undercover, where the mind becomes a refuge. The magnificence of the black moving yet unmoved reality that lies within. Or is it a foundation. Abysmal lifeform, dwelling as deep as the deepest oceanic trench. Almost 11,000 meters below the surface, the Mariana Trench reminds us that, just like our mind, what one could consider a hostile environment can prove a fertile soil for particular lifeform.
Diving.
Acknowledging and naming the assumptions that are yet to be understood, and thus giving them a life. Where fears, doubts, anxieties, become part of a known reality and cease to have their mystical handle on our reality. By becoming real to us, their weakness makes them become a simple nightmare, and their strength make them seem like a dream, only powerful if we allow its grip to remain.
Confined, locked down or teleworking, all great opportunities to engage in such a dive.
No need for a diving suit nor oxygen. As an apprentice diver you will most probably enjoy the surfacing thoughts, the ones you remember very well, parked not so long ago and easily retrievable. But as you go deeper you will also meet the old souvenirs, neatly stored in a closed cupboard in the last room of your mind, the ones you almost forgot. But as any diving, there are risks if performed in the wrong way.
How can you introspect the wrong way you ask? Well, using the words of Buddhist scholar Thartang Tuku, “when we introspect, our response is similar to a hungry cat watching mice. We eagerly pounce on whatever “insights” we find without questioning their validity or value.” According to studies from Anthony Grant, Tasha Eurich and others, self-reflection can prove ineffective and detrimental if we question the Why of our behaviors/beliefs/actions, rather than the What.
As Tasha Eurich puts it, “When it comes to developing internal self-awareness, I like to use a simple tool that I call What Not Why. Why questions can draw us to our limitations; what questions help us see our potential. Why questions stir up negative emotions; what questions keep us curious. Why questions trap us in our past; what questions help us create a better future. In addition to helping us gain insight, asking what instead of why can be used to help us better understand and manage our emotions.”
Asking What will enable you to name your emotions and will facilitate the process of going back to the surface, ready to take action, go towards building a better future. Because through an active and positive introspection, you will learn that divers can really thrive when they keep an eye on where they are heading, open to discover anything that they may find on their paths but still connected to the reality on the surface, and committed to contribute to its enhancement.
Sometimes a painful need, but a need nevertheless.
As deep as explorers eager to discover what lies within. Within the deep seas, those that impress and scare by their outstanding calmness. Or is it that their movement is so vast that it is unnoticeable to the explorer that ventures in their midst.
Diving.
To discover or be uncovered in front of this giant, Self. Uncovered, yet undercover, where the mind becomes a refuge. The magnificence of the black moving yet unmoved reality that lies within. Or is it a foundation. Abysmal lifeform, dwelling as deep as the deepest oceanic trench. Almost 11,000 meters below the surface, the Mariana Trench reminds us that, just like our mind, what one could consider a hostile environment can prove a fertile soil for particular lifeform.
Diving.
Acknowledging and naming the assumptions that are yet to be understood, and thus giving them a life. Where fears, doubts, anxieties, become part of a known reality and cease to have their mystical handle on our reality. By becoming real to us, their weakness makes them become a simple nightmare, and their strength make them seem like a dream, only powerful if we allow its grip to remain.
Confined, locked down or teleworking, all great opportunities to engage in such a dive.
No need for a diving suit nor oxygen. As an apprentice diver you will most probably enjoy the surfacing thoughts, the ones you remember very well, parked not so long ago and easily retrievable. But as you go deeper you will also meet the old souvenirs, neatly stored in a closed cupboard in the last room of your mind, the ones you almost forgot. But as any diving, there are risks if performed in the wrong way.
How can you introspect the wrong way you ask? Well, using the words of Buddhist scholar Thartang Tuku, “when we introspect, our response is similar to a hungry cat watching mice. We eagerly pounce on whatever “insights” we find without questioning their validity or value.” According to studies from Anthony Grant, Tasha Eurich and others, self-reflection can prove ineffective and detrimental if we question the Why of our behaviors/beliefs/actions, rather than the What.
As Tasha Eurich puts it, “When it comes to developing internal self-awareness, I like to use a simple tool that I call What Not Why. Why questions can draw us to our limitations; what questions help us see our potential. Why questions stir up negative emotions; what questions keep us curious. Why questions trap us in our past; what questions help us create a better future. In addition to helping us gain insight, asking what instead of why can be used to help us better understand and manage our emotions.”
Asking What will enable you to name your emotions and will facilitate the process of going back to the surface, ready to take action, go towards building a better future. Because through an active and positive introspection, you will learn that divers can really thrive when they keep an eye on where they are heading, open to discover anything that they may find on their paths but still connected to the reality on the surface, and committed to contribute to its enhancement.
Sometimes a painful need, but a need nevertheless.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBeen doing some introspection during testing time and a lot of deep searching questions arose and I am still yet to find the answers. Currently reading a book called Switch On your brain by Melanie. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Hope you find answers, but also enjoy the journey! I will check it out definitely!
Delete