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The Art of Introspection in a Self-Obsessed World, by Jennie Lee

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

There is no denying that we live in a time and a culture that is focused on self. "Selfies" have become a global phenomenon, and social media fosters a fixation on me, me, and more me. Posturing to appear as "all that" goes on incessantly and often drives people to a level of self-absorption that generates a contrary outcome to its intent, because although focused on self, we end up farther away from an authentic understanding of who we truly are. It is time to look in the mirror in a different way.

Self-reflection, or introspection, as a spiritual practice has been around for thousands of years. It is a core tenent of the ancient yogic teachings found in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, called Swadhyaya in Sanskrit. Introspection encompasses a study of one's self from the personality level to the soul level, as well as a study of the unified field of consciousness, or Ultimate Self, that is embodied in each one of us in a unique way.

Stop Hiding Behind the Mask of False Self
Rather than giving time and energy to appearing as someone valuable, loveable, and necessary, actually become that person through the art of introspection. Take a break from external validation-seeking. Instead of sending images of self out into the world with the hope of gaining "likes" and "comments," open to the inner experience of your authentic self and develop a life according to your highest aspirations.

Some prompts in three categories—body, mind, and spirit—will get you underway.

1. Body
   • Do I get enough exercise and sunlight daily for optimal health?
   • Do I eat nourishing foods and drink enough water for my body's vital functioning?
   • Do I create balance in my day for work, rest, play, etc.?
   • Do I use free time constructively, creatively, and in service to my family, friends, and community?
2. Mind
   • Do I perform my duties with enthusiasm, good will, and efficiency?
   • Am I kind and thoughtful toward colleagues, family, friends, and strangers alike?
   • Am I truthful and positive, avoiding criticism and gossip?
   • Do I strive to hold a positive, loving attitude in all circumstances?
   • Do I cater to my moods, or practice evenmindedness?
3. Spirit
   • Am I consistent with my chosen spiritual practice (church, meditation, prayer, etc.)?
   • Do I practice silence regularly to allow my senses to turn inward rather than always outward?
   • Do I embody soul qualities such as generosity, patience, enthusiasm, empathy, devotion, self-control, integrity, loyalty, and peace?
   • Do I give attention to that which I believe to be a Higher Power than my self?

Create an Ongoing Practice
By considering the predominant nature of your thoughts, actions, and intentions, you start to see a clear reflection of your inner self. Are you living according to the highest principles you know? What is your life producing? Are you repressing any part of yourself? Do you like what you are becoming?

Analyze these questions neutrally, without judgment. They are not meant to create an inferiority, nor a superiority, complex. And do not expect perfection. Just offer a continuous effort and results of greater clarity and peace will naturally follow.

"Truly scrutinize your life. Find out what it really amounts to; then takes steps to make it all it ought to be. Change your consciousness; that is what is really necessary," writes Paramahansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi.

Next, contemplate your greatest aspirations and dreams. Stop blaming anyone else for your circumstances. Accept what is and be accountable for any change that needs to occur. You get clearer and stronger as a result of tests. So, be grateful for them instead of resentful. Self-confidence is nourished when you tackle a difficulty and see that in fact you are capable of deep personal growth and change. Don't expect to be challenge-free! Trials are a part of life, showing us what lies within us that needs to be brought to a higher level of consciousness.

Consider any negative habits or character flaws you would like to overcome, such as being weak-willed, self-absorbed, or pessimistic. Then make a list of the qualities needed to counteract these shortcomings. For instance, if you notice that you are driven by unhealthy habits and have difficulty employing willpower, you will need to cultivate self-control. Choose just one quality to practice for a month and integrate it in every aspect of your life—in diet, in relationships, in speech, in exercise. Search for quotations that support this quality and keep them handy to inspire you. Write your own affirmations about being in the desired state of self-control now. Become a careful witness of your repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. Keep a log of the times you succeed in being self-controlled to foster a positive example of success. And practice compassion and patience in the times you fall short of your goal.

A wonderful time to practice daily introspection is in the evening before sleeping. Take a few deep breaths to quiet the mind and relax the body. Then review the day mentally.

Self-reflection helps us to become better humans. As we self-improve we are a positive influence to others and we focus less on getting "liked." We draw closer to the expression of our true nature as an essential part of the Universe, and lasting happiness follows.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2016. All rights reserved.

In the last year I have felt like something negative is following me around. In fact, I have had several accidents, such as falling down stairs or falling in the garden. Each time I felt like I was being pushed, and in one instance, an observer said it looked like you were pushed down the stairs. I also sometimes feel like someone/thing is poking at me. Is it possible that I have attracted something negative to me or that someone who wishes me ill has sent something negative my way?

J.

Astrea:

Many homes and businesses in my area of South Texas are haunted by beings that every so often attach themselves to living people and shadow them. At times they come and go, but for the most part, once this begins, the feeling is constant until the spirit moves on or until it becomes bored and transfers to a different living person, goes into the Light, or fades into Perpetual Darkness.

Negative energy can certainly take its toll on anyone. It may consist only of other people's thoughts and feelings, or be some leftover buzz from an earthbound or lost soul that has refused to let go of their last existence. On occasion the energy can be dark and even dangerous, but that is very rare.

If a person is sensitive to those who have crossed over, it's important to avoid excess in all things, especially drugs and alcohol, for both substances are known to be magnets for negative beings. Sensitive people need to avoid negative LIVING people because they draw that energy too. If the person who is pulling that energy towards you is not spiritually aware, chances are that entity will land (and stay) with you.

When you feel you're being followed, mentally surround yourself with bright White Light, and then surround that with mirrors to reflect the negativity and danger you feel away from you and back to its source. It may take a few weeks, but if this entity's energy is dark in nature, then the entity is LAZY. Dark entities become fatigued quickly when dealing with spiritual people, so they get burned out and move on.

Recently, at the celebration of the Summer Solstice held at Stonehenge, the relentless rain caused a mass negative feeling to attack the energy of the crowd there. Most of the people present said that they went home without the usual feeling of being happy and uplifted on The Long Day.

This is an example of how negative energy can follow people home from a group that holds even the very best intentions. This time the door was opened by the rain and the bad feelings of some of the celebrants there. While I wasn't glad to hear about it, I was glad to be ABLE to hear what happened. Things like this are so much better accepted now - this story was actually reported on one of the major national news networks!

*****

Susyn:

It's quite possible that these events are being caused by an outside source. You don't mention if these events only happen in your home or if this is something that can occur anywhere and at any time.

More than likely, you've awakened or drawn a spirit into your home, and need to have it removed. This is a much more likely scenario than the idea that someone who wishes you ill is sending negative energy your way.

As you go about your home, take note of any cold spots you encounter, as there could be a portal in your home through which this spirit travels. It would be helpful to sit down and write out a log of when, where and how these incidents occurred so you can determine patterns or pinpoint areas of your home or garden where these attacks seem to take place. Once you do, you may be able to determine if they are becoming more frequent or stronger as well.

Once you've gotten things down on paper, it's time to find a Spiritualist or psychic who is willing to come to your home and evaluate what is happening. The psychic or medium will be able to pinpoint the problem, and may be able to identify the spirit or at least determine whether it is the ghost of someone who once lived in the house or a negative entity that attached itself to you at some point.

These professionals will initially try to clear the spirit out of the house or away from you through certain cleansing rituals. Though one can often perform these rituals on one's own, at this point it sounds like outside help will be more effective.

If the spirit or entity is stronger than the mediums who try to clear your house, the activity could increase. If this happens, you will need to contact an exorcist or paranormal team to rid you of these problems. Because this phenomenon is becoming more and more common, there are many paranormal professionals out there who handle such things. Try searching Google or contact the owner of a local metaphysical store for referrals.

It's best to nip this in the bud before it gets worse or physical harm comes your way. In the meantime, pick up some lapis lazuli, turquoise and quartz crystal stones to generate an extra layer of protection around you. Place them around your house, especially in spots where these activities have been most prevalent.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.