Cogito, Ergo Sum
I think, therefore I am. Rene Descartes coined this term to validate our existence through thinking. Whether we are living in a simulation, some illusory purgatory, or dreaming, the fact that we think and doubt means that we alone can be sure of our existence at the least. This is often the last bastion of sanity, the anchor that holds us tightly to reality. When life goes wrong, I can always retreat into my mind where I exist alone.
Self-awareness can be a double-edged sword; on one hand, you gain a better understanding of yourself, on the other hand, you won't like what you find. Self-awareness can lead to obsession; once you find one crack in the wall, you follow it endlessly until you reach the end, but there is no end. There will always be flaws and more flaws to be found until all you see are flaws. You lose appreciation for the walls separating you from the dangerous world outside and inside yourself; ignorance is one such wall. Some aren't ready to accept themselves and reality; to do so would lead to catastrophic reactions akin to dying. It is not their fault, self-awareness can be safely achieved without risk of further damaging one's psyche by use of another skill, presence.
Presence is the skill of introspection while remaining grounded instead of being emotionally involved and criticizing. With presence, one can safely be aware without falling into despair and obsession. By disconnecting from ourselves, we can better sympathize and understand our emotions and actions, leading to a better connection to ourselves. As someone who struggles with self-worth, I find it easier to accept myself by treating myself like another person, temporarily separating the good and the bad, and treating the bad as a friend. Healing that side of yourself like family, until becoming one again.
Questions:
How do you cope and manage with troubling discoveries while introspecting?
When is too much introspection a bad thing for you?
Thank you
@incredibleGrace3758
I've been engaging in deep, honest introspection by myself and collaboratively with others in the interest of healing myself so that I may help others more.
It allowed me to discover I have ADHD. That insight alone ended a lifetime of depression. Not exactly sure why. Thus, I believe introspection has the power to heal and restore the self. It is worthwhile.
However, it's lead to some troubling discoveries. In trying to understand the self, one naturally starts thinking of how they relate to reality itself. It begs one to question the true nature of things so one can better navigate the environment.
It made me think that not only does humanity need healing, but reality feels inherently broken and needs healing too. How does one even process that?
I cope by reminding myself I do not have certain knowledge and regardless, some things are simply out of my control.
I believe introspection has limitless potential, but it must be used responsibly and mindfully. You cannot and should not spend all your time in reflection. Let it come to you naturally, do not force it. You cannot force understanding.
@incredibleGrace3758
This was beautifully written and honestly relatable in ways that hurt a little. Also, I accidentally read the first part in AM’s voice from I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream and it sent me into an existential spiral for a second loool. I have definitely fallen into the trap of overanalyzing myself to the point of emotional self-harm, so learning how to hold presence with compassion has been a game-changer. Now when I notice something painful, I try to treat it like a younger version of me that just wants to be understood, not punished.
@incredibleGrace3758
I’ve definitely found myself spiraling during periods of intense introspection, where what started as self-awareness turned into self-criticism. One way I’ve learned to cope with troubling discoveries is by practicing gentle witnessing—acknowledging what I uncover without trying to immediately fix or judge it. Sometimes, just naming the feeling or thought, and allowing it to exist without resistance, helps it lose some of its intensity. I
