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Developing Introspection

woman practices introspection

For people struggling with mental health and addiction, learning to practice introspection can be a helpful strategy for working through emotional issues and finding the power to transform your life.  Introspection refers to the ability to dig deep down into the root of who you are and discover what it is you want to accomplish and what brings you joy. Knowing yourself can give you the ability to see the big picture and let go of aspects of your life that have been holding you back from personal growth, especially if you have spent too much time being blinded by substance abuse.  

Manifesting Your Desires

There are several ways to begin to develop introspection.  You can start by giving yourself a bit of time each day to be alone with your thoughts.  Find or create a quiet and relaxing space to spend ten or fifteen minutes each day uninterrupted.  Allow your thoughts during this time to be intentional and focused. Try exploring what it is you want most from life, and what passions you would most like to cultivate.  You may also want to think about what aspects of your personality you like most about yourself and determine how best to encourage growth in those areas.  

Be Kind to Yourself

While you are practicing introspection, you may find that you encounter thoughts and emotions that you aren’t proud of or that don’t represent the person you would like to become.  It is important to observe the parts of yourself you find undesirable without judgment, and resist negative self-talk. We are all a combination of positive and negative traits, and by focusing your energy on that which you would like to see grow and evolve, and non-judgmentally allowing the negative thoughts and feelings to pass you by, you are fine-tuning your mentality to fall in line with the best version of yourself.

Therapy techniques used to treat addiction and mental illness often encourage the practice of introspection, along with many other strategies for self-development.  If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms.  The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan.  We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 844-413-2690.