By: Angela Espinoza

The Essence of Introspection

Introspection occurs when we take the act of courage to step into the meanings of our thoughts and emotions. It can be an act of self-love, self-preservation, and self-discovery. During difficult times, introspection can allow us to overcome negative and limiting beliefs about ourselves and the world around us. It can help us to unshed that which no longer serves us, and at the same time, be a guide towards making choices that align with who we are and how we want to show up in the world.

To be introspective, requires intent, desire for improvement and/or enhancement, and trust. Introspection asks us to be intentional with what we do with the information we gather about our thought and emotional processes. At times, the quality and content of our thoughts may not be what we need them to be. Additionally, through the process of introspection, we may discover that our emotional processes are rooted in trauma, survival, and inadequacy. With the information acquired through introspection, we can be more intentional about our actions towards healing.

Through becoming more intentional, we outgrow habits and patterns that we do not need anymore. Perhaps, at different moments in time, they protected us and kept us safe from perceived dangers. Introspection is a tool that can help us gather enough evidence to understand that it is okay to break free from those old protective parts of ourselves. It is okay to seek new habits and patterns for improvement and enhancement.

At the same time, introspection requires trust in ourselves. As we use introspection as a tool for learning about our thought and emotional processes, the information gathered and reflected upon can be difficult to come to terms with. We may learn hard truths about ourselves; truths that relate to the relationship that we have with ourselves, the quality and nature of romantic and platonic relationships, our attachment pattern/s, our coping mechanisms, the role that we have played in our own suffering, etc.

Introspection can also lead to uncovering or revisiting parts of us that we don’t relate to anymore or those versions of us that we thought had been healed. What we do with all of this information, requires that we trust ourselves to move forward with acceptance and love.

Introspection and Inner Child Work

As we continue to look inward, old versions of ourselves or our inner child may surface and contribute to what we gather from our emotion and thought processes. Our introspection can lead us to different moments in time that are a reflection of present situations. These moments in time may be moments in time from our childhood and essential development stages.

We may use introspection to find a deeper connection with our younger self in such a way that permits us to continue to heal from emotional baggage. Different tools relating to inner child work, can help us discover what is within us to overcome the challenges in the present.

Introspection through inner child work can be difficult and a process that brings out fear in us. For some, this process may seem like opening a Pandora’s Box. We might believe that the more that we refrain from getting in touch with our inner child, the better off we might be so that we don’t remember or reexperience unwanted memories and the emotions that they carry.

This process is one to be taken gently. Patience, nurturance, and compassion are roots that help us feel grounded through inner child processing.

Let Your Introspection Be A Gift

When navigating life gets challenging, let your introspection serve as a safe space for you to gently tap into your inner world. Let it be a confidential space in the sense that no matter what information comes and goes, you will be okay knowing that you have what you need to find what you are looking for in healing. As there are many tools for healing and self-discovery, let yourself rest and settle in the embrace of your own ability to keep yourself moving ahead, especially when faced with difficult times.

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Begin Therapy in Austin, TX!

Looking to learn more about how to better understand introspection and how to navigate different emotional processes? Safe Space Healing Collective can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Austin, TX follow these three steps:

• Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information.
• Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists.
• Start feeling more seen, heard, and understood!

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