Self-enquiry or Self-Inquiry is the practice of asking yourself questions about your identity, your purpose, and your place in the world.
It is a way of getting to know yourself better and of understanding your true nature.
Self-enquiry is important because it can help you to:
- Gain clarity about your values and goals
- Develop self-awareness and self-acceptance
- Overcome negative thoughts and emotions
- Live a more authentic and fulfilling life
There is no right or wrong frequency for self-inquiry. Some people find it helpful to practice it every day, while others prefer to do it less often. The important thing is to find a frequency that works for you and to make it a regular part of your life.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself during self-inquiry:
- Who am I?
- What are my values?
- What are my goals?
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What are my fears and limitations?
- What is my purpose in life?
You can also ask yourself more specific questions about your thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, you might ask yourself:
- Why am I feeling this way?
- What am I thinking right now?
- What is the motivation behind my actions?
- What is the best course of action in this situation?
Self-enquiry can be a challenging practice, but it is also one of the most rewarding. It can help you to live a more conscious and intentional life. If you are looking for a way to improve your self-awareness and self-understanding, I encourage you to give self-inquiry a try.
Here are some tips for practicing self-enquiry:
- Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
- Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
- Focus on your breath and allow your mind to become still.
- Ask yourself a question about your identity, purpose, or values.
- Notice the thoughts and emotions that arise in response to your question.
- Do not judge your thoughts or emotions. Simply observe them without attachment.
- Continue to ask yourself questions and observe your thoughts and emotions for as long as you like.
You can also practice self-enquiry throughout the day by simply being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When you notice that you are caught up in negative thoughts or emotions, take a moment to ask yourself why you are feeling that way. This can help you to gain clarity and perspective on your situation.
Self-enquiry is a lifelong practice. The more you do it, the deeper your understanding of yourself will become. So be patient and persistent, and you will eventually reap the benefits of this powerful practice.
Image credit
User:Factoryjoe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons