The Power of Introspection: How Reflecting on Our Judgements Can Help Us Heal

Have you ever felt like your mind is constantly making judgements about everything and everyone around you? Perhaps you have caught yourself thinking, "Why did they do that?" or "Why do they dress like that?"

These judgements may be more than just surface-level opinions; they can serve as powerful indicators of what is happening internally.

The good news is that introspection - the practice of examining our own thoughts and emotions - can help us uncover the root of these judgements and use them to fuel personal growth and positive change in our mental health. In this post, I want to share my personal journey of introspection and how it has helped me heal by becoming aware of behaviours that were holding me back.

It's easy to blame external circumstances or other people for our problems, but true self-awareness requires us to turn our attention inwards. By doing so, we can identify deep-seated insecurities, fears, and emotional imbalances that may be influencing our thoughts and behaviours.

For me, the practice of introspection has been truly transformative. It has allowed me to take responsibility for my own thoughts and emotions, rather than projecting them onto others. One tool I have found particularly useful is paying attention to my judgement.

When we judge others, we are often seeing a reflection of our own internal struggles. For example, if I find myself judging someone for being too successful, it may be because I am feeling envious or inadequate in my own life. By examining these judgements and asking ourselves why we are making them, we can gain insight into our own inner world.

This practice requires us to slow down and be honest with ourselves, which can be uncomfortable at first. But with time and practice, it becomes easier. Here are some steps that have helped me when reflecting on my judgements:

• Notice when you are making a judgement

• Take a deep breath to pause and ground yourself

• Ask yourself why you are making that judgement

• Listen for the answer and be honest with yourself

• Look for patterns or recurring themes

By practising introspection, we can experience many benefits, including increased self-awareness, improved relationships, greater inner peace, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved decision-making abilities.

In addition to reflection and introspection, there are many other tools we can use to support our mental health journey. Meditation, journaling, seeking out a trauma-informed therapist or counsellor, and surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals are just a few examples. Check out our other blog posts for lots of tools and techniques to support you in your own recovery.

Healing is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and patience, but by practising introspection and other self-care practices, we can show up more authentically for ourselves and in our external lives.

Approach these resources with an open mind and take what resonates with you. You have the power to cultivate a more positive and compassionate relationship with yourself, and ultimately, to create positive change in the world around you.