It’s time to Know Thyself
The Ancient Greek aphorism “know thyself” inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi inspires humanity to look into the core of what really matters.
With all life events impacting us on a global scale, we must have a place to shelter the deepest part of our soul. This sheltering place is for many of us called “home”, the home within. As Confucius said “Remember, no matter where you go, there you are”, so stay with what is and will always be a constant, yourself!
The most traumatic abandonment is the abandonment of oneself. To live fully our potential, we must first shelter our fears, insecurities, acknowledge strengths and dreams. This endeavor is part of the process of knowing ourself. Let yourself be moved by the inner movements of the psyche that reveals itself directly or indirectly. The psyche is always speaking to us.
What would it take to fully know yourself?
Nelson Mandela stated: “There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”. Here, Mandela is calling us to awaken to the courageous relationship with ourself and bring forth the gifts of our talents to the world. This world can be our immediate world.
Our immediate world encompasses the landscape of relationships with our loved ones and close community, and hopefully we grow into a state of interconnectedness with the outer world. The integration of our inner and outer worlds, recovers our deeper sense of humanity.
Ultimately, by knowing yourself, and healing from the wounds of separation and otherness, you’ll find more ease, creativity and resilience to express your truth.
Your Self in relationship with your core and the world from within and the world that surrounds you.
Joseph Campbell said: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek”.
If fear seems to be an impediment for growth, you may visit the “cave”. The metaphor of “cave” refers to the parts of ourself that may be enclosed, hidden, incognito, perhaps incubating an important aspect of one self that will ignite change, and ultimately transformation. In this process, “the treasure you seek” will find you.
This treasure is undeniably the “holy grail”, the actualization of the Self. In this domain of learning to “know thyself” psychotherapy can be extremely helpful.
In which ways can psychotherapy help you?
The psychotherapist is a witness to one’s process of self-inquiry.
Through an empathic relationship with your process of becoming, the psychotherapist can help you find the thread, identify your feelings, and hold space to welcome insights about yourself. A skillful psychotherapist accompanies your experience of following the thread once you find it. Ultimately, by knowing yourself, and healing from the wounds of separation and otherness, you’ll find more ease, creativity and resilience to express your truth.
Nadia Thalji, Ph.D.
