To Know Thyself...

Next action: To complete the book “Who Are You?”

I just signed up to do a class titled “Discovery of Self,” offered by the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC. Definitely applies to this goal – I hope it’s going to be fun, too. :)

When I look back at my life, I can see that this is something I have always worked towards. I’m the sort who will take any “personality” quiz that comes along, in the hopes that the result will reveal something important. For a time, I almost thought this was a weakness (why was I so DRIVEN to do this, or maybe it was just narcissism), but recently, in my Rosicrucian studies, it has become clear that “Know Thyself” is one of the most important things we can do. The ancients knew this, and it’s no less relevant today. Because only through genuine self-knowledge can we expose our weaknesses and unhelpful patterns, and work towards true enlightenment. I had an experience of this recently. For years, I’ve believed myself to be an extravert (as described by the MBTI). Well, that’s not quite accurate; for years, type indicators have always placed me in the extravert category. But in really thinking about myself, and the way I respond in social situations, and with other people, I’ve finally accepted that this just isn’t true. I’ve often lived my life as an extravert, because I thought I should, but when it comes right down to it, I truly am introverted. And wow, it’s interesting to look at my life through this new filter. Lots of things that used to bother me make perfect sense now, and I feel freer for not having to live up to a label that really doesn’t fit me (even if all this “living up” was mostly in my own mind).

So, I decided to list this as a goal, with no intention of ever checking it off as completed. I’ll always be learning about myself. I’m hoping, though, that this goal will help me remain conscious about it, and actively seek out self-knowledge, instead of just stumbling upon it by accident.