“It seems to me that before we set out on a journey to find reality, to find God, before we can act, before we can have a relationship with another….it is essential that we begin to understand ourselves first.” Krishnamurti.
The above quote seems to sum up the importance of self-knowledge as the very core of personal, spiritual and leadership development.

Sometimes, life “happens” and forces us into a deep connection with ourselves and which is often a life changing occurrence. However, there are other ways to regularly tune into ourselves and build a practice of self-awareness.

Reflection

Giving regular thought to what has happened, what worked and why. What didn’t work and what would have been a different way of handling things. Noticing feelings, both emotional and physical. Keeping a journal is a great way to keep focusing on what is important.

Interrogating values and beliefs

Understanding our world view and what values are important to us, helps us in defining what we want out of life. This will lead to focus on our goals and keeps us in alignment, questioning whether any action, relationship is in line with our own belief system.

Mindful Awareness

Building awareness of what is happening in the moment is an important practice. Developing the capacity to pause and notice our feelings and our relationship with others and with the planet. Building quiet times to meditate or just “be”.

The Enneagram

There are many different profiling techniques to develop understanding of ourselves. My preference is for the enneagram, which delves beneath the surface of our behavioural patterns and helps us understand what motivates us and what practices will help each of us develop to our full potential.

In summary, I love this quote from Lao Tzu: “He who knows others is learned. He who knows himself is wise.”