The new year is right here; many see it as an opportunity for self-improvement and setting yearly goals.
Most people’s goals include making more money or losing weight, which is completely fine. However, we invite you to include goals related to self-knowledge and inner growth.
In this article, you will find some tips on how to start your self-discovery journey this new year with a holistic approach.
Let’s jump right in!
Understand the need for change
The first step for self-discovery is to acknowledge your faults. You can’t become a better person without modifying some aspects of yourself.
For example, you may be a very nice person most of the time, but you tend to explode and yell hurtful things when upset.
Or you may be very lazy, which may get you in trouble with other people or stop you from achieving your highest potential.
Be honest with yourself and recognize what needs to change. Any behaviors, negative thoughts, emotions, or ingrained patterns that no longer serve you. Work on letting them go.
Write them in a journal if that helps. Here is a writing prompt: 3 things I did today that I could have done better.
Practice daily self-reflection
We are so busy in modern life that we never have time to be with ourselves, which hinders our inner growth. Learn to sit silently without doing anything, even for only five minutes.
The goal is not mental chatter. The goal is to be with yourself when you can be your true self: When no one else is watching.
You can do this while contemplating nature or anything that inspires you. This way, your needs, fears, and deepest desires will arise. You can get in contact with your inner wisdom. Like ancient Greeks used to say, “know thyself, and you will know the universe and the gods.”
Meditate
Meditation is the best way to get in touch with the most elevated parts of yourself. You can achieve higher states of consciousness.
This ancient practice is easier than you think. You only need to sit comfortably in a quiet place, relax, and focus on your breath.
Make sure you are fully relaxed before you start: you can practice yoga, stretch, drink an herbal infusion, or do anything that works for you.
Be patient. Don’t try to fight your thoughts. Merely observe them, as you would with fishes in a lake.
Start with five minutes and gradually increase. Once you are more comfortable, try to meditate for prolonged periods. If you think you are really busy, schedule 15 minutes per day, and once a week, try to meditate for 30 minutes to an hour.
Tune into your body
You may think of yourself as a soul, essence, spirit, or anything like that, and that’s okay. However, you should not fly too high without starting to care about your physical body.
Tuning into your body includes things like eating nourishing, organic food, visiting natural places, and exercising. But it is mostly about increasing your mindfulness and bodily awareness.
For example, here are some ideas to start tuning into your body:
Get enrolled in yoga, tai chi, qigong classes, or anything that involves conscious movement.
Practice mindfulness meditation and other mindful activities like mindful eating. Apply it to anything you do: driving, exercise, gardening, cooking, etc.
Spend time in nature. Practice earthing, hug trees, and have a bath in a river.
Do any sport you love.
Tuning into your body helps you become aware of it and its needs. What is your body asking you to change? How can you improve your relationship with your body?
Step away from the routine
Do different things! Even changing the route to work, walking instead of driving, or eating somewhere new can make a difference. If possible, go on a vacation and travel to a new place.
Stepping out of your comfort zone challenges your beliefs about yourself. Try it!
Final thoughts
Today, we shared some tips on how to start your self-discovery journey in 2024 because there is no self-growth without knowing your starting point: yourself. Embrace constant change and make the most of the next twelve months.
Happy New Year!
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