How to Practice Ruthless Introspection So You Can Figure Out Who You Really Are.

Who am I?

That the question many of us ask ourselves when we get tired of short-term gratification, and looking to see how many followers we have on Instagram. I’m not judging or shaming here. I’m just saying what I thought you might need to hear.

Humans are complex creatures. We think in abstract terms while being driven by many different forces — some positive, some benign, and still others highly destructive. Add to this the fact that many of the instincts that drive human beings to think, speak, and act in certain ways may also conflict with community standards of what is considered right, moral, normal, or healthy. What may seem sane or normal to you may appear insane to others.

The essential element here is to contemplate and then ask yourself serious questions as you carefully observe how you answer these questions. Ruthless introspection is a combination of personal inquiry and dialogue where you explore and question the stories, legends, and myths that you have created or accepted, and which have come to define who you are. Ruthless introspection includes not only an evaluation and internal exploration of your physical, mental, and emotional needs, but also your desires, obsessions, emotional pain, and spiritual longings. It is not simply an intellectual inquiry but may include the study of kōans, important stories, and myths, journal writing, meditation, joining support groups, or creating or joining a…