Introspection

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Introspection: "The Greatest Art of Progress" - Part 1





https://yogananda.org/blog/introspection-the-greatest-art-of-progress

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Our lives so often feel like we’re on a treadmill: it is too easy to get caught up in the constant demands of our work, our family, our many activities, and lose sight of our ideals. Without regular introspection, we may go through an entire lifetime without realizing our full potential and repeat the same old mistakes again and again — becoming what Paramahansaji refers to as “psychological antiques.” Remember, you don’t have to be who you have always been; you can be a “new” you, a reflection of the Divine. Every day you can shed your old skin and see yourself becoming who you’ve always wanted to be: peaceful, wise, joyful, loving, and loved.

~ by Sister Usha

[Jitendra Hydonus]

The Four steps Yogananda puts in place for improving introspection;

This process can be divided into four stages:

1. first you observe the negative quality or behavior you want to change;

2. then you resolve how you are going to change, identifying the positive quality or behavior you are going to adopt;

3. then you let go of the negative trait or habit — and any associated feelings of guilt and regret for mistakes you have made — viewing them as something belonging to the past;

4. and lastly you affirm the opposite, positive quality to supplant the negative trait you are freeing yourself from, going forward in the consciousness of your new freedom and changed being.

Though it’s not always easy to put these steps into perfect practice, with repeated efforts you are sure to succeed in creating positive patterns in your life — and you’ll find this process is a very freeing experience.