Phenomenologically

[/ˌfɛ.nəˈmɒ.ləˈdʒɪ.kəl.i/] adverb

In a manner that relates to or is concerned with phenomena, particularly as experienced subjectively.

Blog

  • Self Awareness

    In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to operate on autopilot, and we might suddenly realize we hardly know how or why we’ve been doing what we do. This is a lack of self awareness

    This is the importance being able to step out of the whirlwind and observe ourselves and our actions with clarity and compassion.

    Most of us like to believe we are self-aware, yet true self-knowledge is surprisingly rare. Studies have found that while 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only about 10–15% actually are​

    In other words, you’re not alone if you feel self-aware but still discover blind spots in your understanding of yourself. This gap between perception and reality can lead to misunderstandings in our lives—unexplained emotions, regrettable decisions, or a sense of living out of alignment with who we really are. Bridging that gap is what the journey of self-awareness is all about.

    Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.


    – Lao Tzu​

    Braving a blizzard a lone Japanese officer reconnoitres enemy positions
    1895
    Taguchi Beisaku (1864–1903) – Japan

    Understanding Self-Awareness

    Let’s begin with a simple definition:

    self-awareness
    noun
    conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires​

    In essence, self-awareness is the ability to see yourself clearly, to understand why you feel what you feel and why you behave in certain ways.

    When you are self-aware, you can observe your own reactions and patterns as if from a slight distance, allowing for an objective look at “who I am.” It means recognizing the many facets of yourself, even the subtle beliefs that influence your choices.

    Self-awareness has both an internal and external facet. Internal self-awareness means being in touch with your inner world – your beliefs, inner narratives, and emotions. External self-awareness is understanding how you impact others or how your behavior is perceived​

    For example, you might realize that you get anxious in big social gatherings (internal awareness) and also notice that when you’re anxious you tend to withdraw, which friends might interpret as disinterest (external awareness). Both perspectives help complete the picture of you. By being aware of what’s happening inside and how it manifests outwardly, you gain a 360° understanding of yourself.

    Why Self-Awareness Matters

    Far from being a mere intellectual exercise, it has practical benefits that ripple through every aspect of our lives. Here are some of the key benefits of developing greater self-awareness:

    • Deeper Self-Understanding: With self-awareness, you begin to clearly recognize your own personality, values, and habits. You start to see patterns in your thoughts and emotions that were previously hidden, which is the first step toward positive change.
    • Emotional Balance: Self-awareness is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. By noticing emotions as they arise, you create a space to respond thoughtfully rather than react blindly. Over time, this habit leads to greater emotional stability and resilience.
    • Improved Relationships: Understanding yourself also helps you understand others. As you become aware of your own feelings and triggers, you grow more empathetic and communicate more openly. You’re also more mindful of how your behavior affects those around you, which builds trust in relationships​
    • Authenticity and Growth: When you truly know yourself, you can live more authentically. Self-awareness illuminates your core values and aspirations so you can align your life with them. This authenticity is deeply fulfilling and fuels continuous personal growth. In short, self-awareness is the foundation for living a deliberate, meaningful life.

    It obvious why people with higher self-awareness tend to perform better at work, make wiser decisions, and enjoy more satisfying personal lives​… They navigate life’s ups and downs with a steadier hand because they understand the “why” behind their feelings and actions.

    Cultivating Self-Awareness in Daily Life

    Becoming more self-aware is a practice, not a one-time epiphany. It’s often a gradual unfolding, like peeling back layers of an onion. At times it can be uncomfortable—after all, facing your own flaws or fears isn’t easy. It takes courage and honesty to look at yourself without rose-colored glasses. We live in a world full of distractions and comforts that make it tempting to avoid self-reflection. But if you’re willing to gently push past that discomfort, the reward is a richer and more conscious experience of life.

    Self-awareness isn’t something you either have or don’t have—think of it as a set of skills you can practice and improve over time. Here are some practical ways to cultivate greater self-awareness in your daily life:

    1. Practice Mindful Pauses: Make it a habit to pause for a minute or two throughout the day and turn your attention inward. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now? What thoughts are running through my mind? By regularly taking these mindful pauses, you train yourself to catch your mind in the act. For example, if you’re stuck in traffic and feel stress rising, notice the tension in your body and the impatience in your mind. Simply observing your reaction can turn a stressful moment into an opportunity for awareness.
    2. Journaling and Self-Reflection: Set aside time to write about your thoughts and experiences. Don’t worry about style or grammar—this journal is for your eyes only. Even a few sentences about your day can help. Write about what made you happy or upset and reflect on why you felt that way. By putting feelings into words, you’ll start to notice patterns and gain insights. For instance, journaling about a disagreement might reveal that what upset you wasn’t just the words said, but feeling unappreciated. Over time, these reflections help you understand your emotional triggers and needs. The key is consistency: even writing once or twice a week can deepen your self-awareness.
    3. Meditation or Quiet Contemplation: Similar to mindful pauses, a regular meditation practice can deepen self-awareness even further. Just 5–10 minutes of quiet sitting each day—focusing on your breath, for example—helps you observe thoughts and feelings as they come and go. The goal isn’t to stop your thoughts, but to notice them without getting swept away. Over time, meditation trains you to witness your mental and emotional processes with clarity. You may start recognizing recurring thought patterns (like anxious predictions or harsh self-criticisms) as they arise. This awareness will gradually carry over into daily life. You might catch yourself engaging in negative self-talk and realize, “I don’t have to believe every thought that passes through my mind.” In essence, meditation strengthens the part of you that can observe your experience impartially.
    4. Seek Feedback and Listen: Recognize that we all have blind spots we can’t see on our own. One way to find them is to ask for feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors. Invite their perspective on your behaviors and habits—you might learn that you appear calmer (or more impatient) than you realize, or discover a quirk you weren’t aware of. The key is to listen without defensiveness. Use their observations as helpful information for your self-awareness journey. You might be surprised by how liberating it is to uncover a hidden aspect of yourself. Even if you don’t agree with someone’s perception, simply hearing it can make you more aware of the gap between how you intend to come across and how you actually come across.

    By practicing these steps, you’ll gradually sharpen your self-awareness. It’s like training a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

    Be patient and compassionate with yourself in the process. Some days you’ll feel very in tune with your inner self; other days you might feel utterly lost or blind to it. That’s normal. The path of self-awareness isn’t a straight line, but a winding road with new discoveries at each turn.

    Final Thoughts

    Embarking on the path of self-awareness is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. It’s a journey within, one that doesn’t require travel to far-off places but rather a courageous exploration of the landscape of your own mind and heart. As you grow more self-aware, decisions become easier because you know what truly matters to you. Your relationships grow richer because you bring your authentic self.

    Even challenges start to become opportunities to learn, rather than obstacles to overcome.

    Keep in mind that self-awareness is a lifelong practice. We are always evolving, and so our understanding of ourselves must evolve too. There will always be new aspects to notice and old patterns to gently release. At times you might uncover something uncomfortable—a flaw, a fear, or a dream you’ve been avoiding—but remember that simply seeing it is a victory in itself. You can’t change or embrace what you don’t acknowledge. With each insight, you reclaim a bit more agency over your life.

    In cultivating self-awareness, you are ultimately learning to live more deliberately. Instead of being pushed and pulled by unseen currents, you become the mindful navigator of your own experience. You make choices with intention, guided by a clear understanding of your feelings and values, rather than by habit or external noise. This doesn’t mean you’ll always get it right—no one is perfectly self-aware or wise.

    When you know yourself, you stand on solid ground. You can celebrate your strengths, work gently on your weaknesses, and approach others with a fuller heart. Self-awareness brings a kind of freedom: the freedom to be fully you and to shape your life in alignment with that truth. And as Lao Tzu’s wisdom reminds us, mastering yourself is a form of true power—the quiet, inner power that guides you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

  • Emotional Detachment – Identity outside emotion

    Emotions are an inseparable part of our existence, yet they neither define who we truly are nor should they control our actions. Left unchecked, they can pull us in countless directions, influencing our actions in ways we may not even realize.

    The practice of stepping back from this automatic pull is something I like to call emotional detachment —the art of observing our emotions without being swept away by them. By cultivating this stance, we create space for awareness and choice, allowing us to respond with clarity rather than react impulsively.

    Two Women on the Shore (1898) by Edvard Munch. Original from The Art Institute of Chicago.

    A man likes to believe that he is the master of his soul.
    But as long as he is unable to control his moods and emotions, or to be conscious of the myriad secret ways in which unconscious factors insinuate themselves into his arrangements and decisions, he is certainly not his own master.

    – Carl Jung – Man and his symbols

    Two Women on the Shore
    1898
    Edvard Munch -Norwegian, 1863-1944

    My emotions don’t control me!

    Many people believe they are intimately familiar with their own emotions. Of course, I know what I’m feeling—I am the one who is feeling!. But in reality, a lot of us spend a great deal of time avoiding them without even realizing it.

    This avoidance takes many forms: doomscrolling, compulsive entertainment, addictive behaviors—anything to keep the mind and body occupied.

    But what happens when we avoid these emotions for too long? Anger issues, anxiety, depression, and resentment (this is a big one) often emerge as byproducts of this neglect. I believe these states of mind are not just conditions but outlets of pressurized, ignored emotion—an adult tantrum of sorts, an emotional explosion that can not be contained.

    In the end, we fear confronting our emotions because we believe they define us. When we feel anxious, we think, I am an anxious person. If dark emotions like envy or hate roam through our hearts, we worry they reveal something intrinsic about who we are. Rather than risk facing these uncomfortable truths and spiraling into self-hate, we numb ourselves with constant stimulation, mistaking suppression for control.

    But the paradox is that avoidance only strengthens their grip and builds up pressure.

    Emotional Detachment is separating You and Your emotions

    Detachment does not mean suppression. It is not an effort to ignore emotions but rather an invitation to witness them without attachment. When we detach, we acknowledge our emotions without letting them dictate our identity.

    When we position ourselves as separate from our feelings, we create space between the “self” and the “emotional self.” This allows us to witness our emotions without feeling compelled to act on every impulse they present.

    A beautiful white cloud on a clear blue sky. Shows a tree in the forefront. This is an analogy for emotional detachment, the sky being the self and the cloud being the fleeting emotion.

    Picture a strong wind sweeping across the sky, carrying clouds with it. The clouds are our emotions, sometime white and fluffy, sometimes dark and evil… ever shifting and changing with the weather of our experiences.

    But we are not the clouds—we are the sky itself, vast and unaffected, watching as emotions come and go.

    By realizing this, we can embrace that we are not defined by the weather of our minds, but by the awareness that watches it all.

    How to practice emotional detachment

    There are small, practical steps to integrate this mindset into daily life:

    1. Pause Before Reacting – When faced with a strong emotion, take a deep breath before responding. Allow space for awareness.
    2. Name the Emotion – Instead of saying, I am anxious, try saying, I feel anxiety right now. This slight shift reinforces that emotions are passing experiences, not core identities.
    3. Observe Without Judgment – Resist the urge to label emotions as good or bad. Simply acknowledge them as they are.
    4. Practice Mindfulness – Engage in moments of quiet reflection, meditation, or journaling to strengthen your ability to observe thoughts without attachment. Specially when you acted on them against your will.
    5. Limit Distractions – Notice when you use entertainment or social media as an escape. Set intentional limits to create space for awareness.

    Final Thoughts: A Sky Unmoved by the Clouds

    You are not your emotions. You are the awareness behind them.

    Instead of resisting emotions, we should learn to allow them to pass naturally. Anxiety does not have to be fought; anger does not have to be feared. They are simply experiences, not verdicts on our character.

    Let the wind blow, let the clouds spit thunder, but know that beneath it all, you remain untouched.

  • The Elusive Now

    Time moves with an unsettling rhythm: fast enough to make memories blur, slow enough to make us ache with longing late at night. In the absence of mindfulness, we wake up, carry out our routines, push through, and suddenly find ourselves looking back, wondering how months—or years—have slipped through our grasp.

    The struggle to be present often feels like swimming against this current. Even as we try to hold onto the moment, our minds drift—to tasks undone, to futures unwritten, or to pasts we wish we could revisit.

    It’s as if the present moment resists being noticed, always vanishing the second we attempt to grasp it.

    A view of the sky from the Eiffel Tower, where the tower is visible but not the focal point. The image emphasizes mindfulness and the practice of being present in the moment, focusing on the expansive sky instead of the landmark.A view of the sky from the Eiffel Tower, where the tower is visible but not the focal point. The image emphasizes mindfulness and the practice of being present in the moment, focusing on the expansive sky instead of the landmark.

    Lately, I’ve started taking pictures of the sky. Not of the landmarks, not the crowds, not even the people around me—just the sky.

    There’s something liberating about it. Unlike the typical photograph, which tries to freeze time and hold onto a fleeting moment, these pictures of the sky feel like the opposite.

    They don’t attempt to capture the present—they remind me that I don’t need to.

    Mindfulness tip: It’s not about the sky

    Although it is often beautiful, the sky isn’t the focus in these photos. It’s about what it represents to me, what they make me feel.

    While looking at them, I’m not transported back to a perfect moment or a well-composed scene. Instead, I’m reminded of a time when I was able to let go, a moment in which i was no longer trying to hold on.

    The pictures brings me back to a feeling—not of the moment itself, but of the presence I allowed myself to have in that moment.

    It’s strange, but these sky photos feel, to me, more honest than the ones where I’ve tried to capture every detail. Definetly more honest than those times I took hundreds (literally) of pictures, just to never open them again.

    They’re imperfect, incomplete, sometimes even unremarkable. And that’s what makes them deeply meaningful to me.

    They remind me that life isn’t about locking every detail into a frame. It’s about living the moment as it happens, without trying to make it permanent. Life is all about its own passage.

    These photos aren’t mementos of the sky itself. They’re reminders of the times I looked up and simply was. They don’t try to capture; they let go. And that’s why, paradoxically, they feel so full to me.

    They don’t pull me into nostalgia or make me long for what’s gone. Instead, they remind me to trust the fleeting nature of now.

    Maybe mindfulness is less about what we hold onto and more about what we’re willing to let pass. A fleeting breath, the feel of sunlight on your face, or the quiet act of pointing your camera at the sky—not to capture, but to let go. Maybe that’s enough.

  • What Is Introspection? A begginers guide to self reflection

    In a world that never seems to stop, taking a moment to pause and reflect can feel like a luxury—or even a waste of time. But introspection is anything but that. It’s one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to understand yourself and improve your life.

    Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything. . . . It is the presence of time, undisturbed. It can be felt within the chest.

    Silence nurtures our nature, our human nature, and lets us know who we are. Left with a more receptive mind and a more attuned ear, we become better listeners not only to nature but to each other.

    Silence can be carried like embers from a fire. Silence can be found, and silence can find you.

    Silence can be lost and also recovered. But silence cannot be imagined, although most people think so. To experience the soul-swelling wonder of silence, you must hear it.

    – Gordon Hempton

    Irises
    1889
    Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853 – 1890)

    Understanding Introspection

    Let’s start by the literal definition:

    introspection

    /ˌɪntrə(ʊ)ˈspɛkʃn/ noun

    1. the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.

    Introspection is the act of looking inward—examining your thoughts, emotions, and experiences to better understand yourself. It’s like hitting the pause button on the outside world and turning your attention to what’s happening within.

    At its core, introspection is about self-reflection. It’s not just about replaying the day’s events or analyzing every decision you’ve ever made; it’s about creating space to connect with your inner world, finding your silence.

    This can mean noticing how certain situations make you feel, questioning why you react in certain ways, or simply sitting with your thoughts without judgment.

    The benefits of introspection

    Think of it as a conversation with yourself. When you take time for introspection, you give yourself a chance to uncover patterns, identify what’s truly important, and make sense of the way you navigate life.

    You are nurturing a relationship with yourself, and the benefits of this are life changing.

    • Self-Understanding: Introspection deepens your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping you uncover patterns and motivations that shape your actions.
    • Self-Compassion: Reflecting on your struggles and imperfections nurtures kindness and empathy toward yourself, reducing self-criticism.
    • Emotional Regulation: By identifying and processing your emotions, you gain the tools to respond to situations more calmly and with greater control.
    • Defining Identity: Through introspection, you can connect with your core values and beliefs, helping you understand who you are at your essence.
    • Finding Purpose: Self-reflection illuminates what truly matters to you, guiding you toward meaningful goals and a life aligned with your passions.
    • Forgiveness: Introspection helps you understand both yourself and others, enabling you to let go of resentment and embrace forgiveness for inner peace.
    • Healing Trauma: Reflecting on past experiences allows you to process unresolved pain, fostering emotional release and paving the way for healing and growth.

    Introspection vs. Rumination: A Kind Conversation with Yourself

    Introspection often gets confused with rumination, but the two couldn’t be more different. While introspection is a healthy, curious exploration of your inner world, rumination is like getting stuck in a loop of self-criticism and negativity.

    The key difference lies in the tone and purpose. Where rumination fixates on problems and fuels anxiety, introspection seeks understanding and growth with a sense of compassion.

    You should be your best friend

    Think of introspection as having a heartfelt conversation with a close friend. If your friend opened up about their struggles, you wouldn’t judge them harshly or pick apart their flaws. You’d listen, offer support, and maybe ask gentle questions to help them see things more clearly. This is exactly how you should approach yourself during moments of introspection—with kindness and curiosity, not criticism.

    When you’re looking inside, the goal isn’t to beat yourself up over mistakes or dwell on what’s wrong. It’s about creating a safe space for yourself to reflect and learn. Ask yourself open-ended questions, like, “Why do I feel this way?” or “What can I learn from this experience?” Allow your thoughts and emotions to surface without judgment, just as you would let a friend share their feelings without jumping to conclusions or offering harsh advice.

    By treating yourself with the same compassion you’d extend to someone you care about, introspection becomes a tool for growth rather than a trap. It helps you process emotions, gain clarity, and move forward with a greater sense of peace.

    Remember, self-reflection should always come from a place of understanding and care, not self-punishment. After all, you deserve the same kindness you so freely give to others.

    How to Practice Introspection

    Introspection isn’t always easy. Sitting with yourself, truly looking inward, can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming. It requires vulnerability—the willingness to confront your thoughts and emotions, even the ones you’d rather ignore. For many, this can be a daunting task. We’re often our own harshest critics, and the fear of facing what we might uncover keeps us from diving deep. Yet, the truth is, we can’t grow or understand ourselves without that initial step into discomfort.

    Being vulnerable with yourself means admitting things you’d rather deny: fears, regrets, or behaviors you’re not proud of. It’s not about self-blame or judgment but about allowing those feelings to exist without running from them. This level of honesty takes courage and patience, and it’s a skill that develops over time. Introspection isn’t about forcing revelations or answers; it’s about gently exploring your inner world with kindness and curiosity.

    But before you can go deep, your mind needs calm. Introspection requires mental clarity—a space free from distractions or emotional turbulence. It’s hard to reflect when your mind is racing with to-do lists, anxieties, or lingering frustrations.

    Preparing for introspection

    A calm mind is like a still lake, allowing you to see your reflections clearly, rather than being distorted by ripples of stress or distraction.

    Preparing yourself emotionally and mentally for introspection is as important as the process itself. The following are some tools that you can use to help you get into the correct mindset:

    1. Set Aside Quiet Time: Find a calm environment free from distractions. This could be during a morning routine, before bed, or during a break in your day.
    2. Get comfortable: Slip into your coziest pajamas, make a warm cup of cocoa, or run a relaxing bath. If you prefer the outdoors, take a walk through the woods or find a quiet spot under the sky. Whatever brings you calm, let it be your starting point.
    3. Star by defining questions to ask yourself: there’s no need to answer them right away. Take it slow and don’t feel pressured to dive too deep at first. Be gentle with yourself; this is simply a step toward understanding and getting to know yourself better. For example:
      • What truly brings me joy, and why?
      • Are there recurring patterns in my relationships or behavior?
      • Who am I when no one else is around?
      • What emotions have I been avoiding, and why?
      • How do I feel about my current situation?
      • What values guide my decisions?
      • What is unacceptable to me, and why?
      • See: Essential Questions to Reflect On

    The stage is set, lets start the habit

    This is where the work begins; by journaling.

    1. Start keeping a structured Journal: Building the habit of journaling is less about perfection and more about creating a consistent practice that helps you tune into your inner self. Here are a few questions for you to use a template for your journaling:
      • What emotion would generally describe this day?
      • Did I remain true to myself today?
      • List 3 good things that happened today.
      • Did I feel any negative emotions today?
      • What caused those negative emotions, and how did I respond?
      • Feel free to add any other questions or details in your journals.
    2. Be consistent: No need to journal every day, but its important for you practice in a regular basis. The more you do it hte easier it ill be and the better you will feel afterwards.

    While it might sound abstract or even overwhelming, introspection doesn’t have to be complicated. Over time, this framework becomes second nature, allowing for a more natural conversation with yourself.

    Journaling is only one of the tools you can use to improve your introspection habit, but I truly belive its the most straight forward way for a begginner to start with.

    Final Thoughts

    Introspection is a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal development. By taking the time to understand your inner world, you can live a more intentional, fulfilled, and authentic life. Start small, be consistent, and watch as this practice transforms your perspective.

    Living a deliberate life means making choices with intention, rather than simply going through the motions or following the paths laid out by others. It’s about pausing to ask yourself what truly matters—what aligns with your values, passions, and purpose—and then shaping your actions around those answers.

    A deliberate life isn’t always about big, dramatic changes; it’s in the small, everyday decisions that reflect who you are and what you stand for.

    It requires self-awareness, courage, and sometimes the willingness to step away from convenience or convention. But in doing so, you create a life that feels authentic and deeply fulfilling, because it’s one you’ve consciously chosen.

    The following is a beatiful video of Gordon Hempton and his quest to preserve silence in the world. He has found his silence and I sincerely hope you do to.

    Check out out our latest posts…

    …and the art that inspired them.

    The painting 'Not Guilty,' portraying a courtroom scene where privacy, justice, and emotion converge in a vivid display
    Henri Matisse's Dance, a vibrant painting of five figures holding hands in a circular dance against a bold blue and green background, symbolizing movement, unity, and joy.
    The painting 'Irises' by Vincent van Gogh, featuring vibrant blue irises set against a calming green and earth-toned background, evoking a sense of introspection
    Go to Gallery