Self-reflection

Develop self-awareness, and look within before looking at others.

What keeps you from remembering that our experiences are often shared, that we all experience others' experiences to a greater or lesser extent? How can we remind ourselves to constantly look within for the source of our discomfort? How can we reveal our vulnerability and also protect ourselves, or is that possible, or is it necessary? How can we make self-reflection a habit?

Perspectives

Inmate Correspondence, between a prisoner and Gabe, Volunteer with the Human Kindness Foundation

"You got to remember, they’ve heard all our lies and promises before, and just because this time really is different for us, it’s not to them. The best thing is to show them and prove it, instead of trying to tell them, and that takes time… maybe years."

Hard Times Require Furious Dancing, by Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

"It struck me one day, while dancing, that the marvelous moves African Americans are famous for on the dance floor came about because the dancers, especially in the old days, were contorting away various knots of stress."

Feel Free To Set A Better Example, by Ryan Holiday, businessman

"What kind of person are we going to be? What are we going to do with our freedoms? Are our decisions negatively impacting other people? Are we really as free as we like to think we are?"

Citations about self-reflection from religious texts

Action

Reveal your vulnerability and connect.

As you go through the day, listen to yourself for criticism or judgements of others. Ask yourself to what extent that criticism or judgement applies to you. Respond to that person in a way that connects around that weakness.

You could say something or do something to make the connection. If neither of these are possible, create an energy connection by speaking to someone associated with that person or by writing down your intention.