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This article may be freely downloaded and reproduced in electronic and/or print format. Where reproduced it must be reproduced in its entirety and include an acknowledgement and a link to new-age-spirituality.com Self RealizationPage 1 of 2 | page 2 Self Concept, Self Awarenessbeware the man behind the mask, he hides the truth behind the mask It is said that a major purpose of life is to learn, and also that we never stop learning. In most human societies learning is institutionalized from a very early age in the form of compulsory schooling. In developed countries formal education can eat up the best part of two decades of an individual's life. Furthermore, we are constantly reminded that we live in the information age or knowledge economy. Multiple TV channels, cell phones, the Internet... These days we need to continue absorbing knowledge just to survive. One of the main rules of witchcraft is "know thyself", but for all the knowledge that surrounds us how many of us can claim to REALLY know ourselves? It might seem like a no-brainer; after all we ARE ourselves, so how can we not know what makes us tick? But very often human beings function on autopilot. Our decisions are conditioned by our upbringing, our peers, the expectations of others... It can be easier to get a university degree than to really study ourselves. There is something within us that resists being analyzed. That's why it's always more appealing to watch TV, go for a beer, paint the kitchen etc. than actually start digging into what makes us tick. And yet self realization is the most important knowledge of all. With it we can make sure we're making decisions that are right for us. Without it we almost certainly fail to fulfill our true potential or overlook pathways that will yield most satisfaction. Personality and CharacterIn the quest for self realization it is important to distinguish between personality and character. Character is the underlying, constant and true nature of our incarnate soul. It is little changed by experience. Personality is the face, or mask, we show to the world. It varies not only with time and experience, but also according to our circumstances. For example you adopt different personalities with your partner, your children, at work, with friends, etc. Given the complexity of modern life the number could be many. This shouldn’t mean we are shallow, or schizoid, rather each mask worn should be a different viewport to the same underlying character. IntrospectionIntrospection simply involves taking time out to consider, observe, and analyze ourselves and what makes us tick. Some "headings" to look at are our likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, introversion-extraversion etc. Introspection is best carried out when we are relaxed and at ease. Find a time and space where you will not be disturbed. Sit down with a pad of paper. Maybe put some soothing music on. It may be helpful to practice relaxation and/or meditation techniques prior to introspection. As mentioned above, the mind may resist introspection and try wandering off in every other direction. If this happens simply let the distractions go, and guide yourself gently but firmly back to the task in hand. Human beings are changeable creatures. We have good days, bad days, happy days, sad days, lively days, lazy days... It follows that what we learn from introspection on one day may differ from what would arise at another time. We therefore need to carry out the process a number of times under different circumstances. We will find that some themes recur whereas others cancel each other out. It is the recurring features that define us for the duration of our incarnation. Keeping a diary that records not only scheduled activities but also moods, feelings, brainwaves etc can be an invaluable tool in uncovering the true self. Psychometric testsPsychometric tests seek to measure the immeasurable, ie those various nebulous personality traits and characteristics that define “us”. So complex is Spirit incarnate that it cannot really be reduced to numbers on scales. However, taken alongside other methods of analysis it can provide an added dimension to self-understanding, either to provide starting points or themes for subjective introspection, or to confirm (or challenge) the findings of such introspection. Fortunately the Web spoils us for choice of free psychometric evaluations, here are just a few:
WARNING Don’t rely on psychometric tests alone in the acquisition of self-knowledge. Take several tests and compare results. Don’t blindly accept results; always assess them in the light of existing self-knowledge.
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