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| Introspection II (2006) by Helen Burgess. Source |
Introspection means to look inward, look within
ourselves; it analyzes, assess ourselves, and knowing which part of our
personality becomes the weakness and strength. Also, introspection refer to the times when we define the surroundings with only our own
imagination and opinion. Introspection is often used as method of
self-improvement, to assess which part of our behavior that does
not follow certain teaching, principle, moral law, or our own conscience; then
we will try to fix it to form ourselves as the self-image we want to be.
For example, we meet a bright intelligent
student. His name is Harry. Harry has a target to become top 10 highest grades
among their class, he may analyze on what hinders his grade: studying method, friends, or learning environment. By discovering the
accurate details, Harry has clearer picture to improve and prepare becoming a better performing student.
Introspection on some level is quite good
for analyzing "my" behaviour. How about analyzing reality?
People build their worldview based on knowledge. Introspection only obtain knowledge within "my" understanding, which is limited. Therefore, when it comes to understand the world; on
seeking the meaning and purpose of life, or problems beyond our control,
introspection will turns to be dangerous and tragic. Introspection will
inflicts emptiness and loneliness, as it tries to seeking answer and meanings
in our own thinking; the mixture of feeling, logic, and psychology that's too complex.
Now, we meet Harry again. Harry has
flunked the final exam. He is shocked
and try responding his condition by blaming something: "It's because lack
of sleep, lack of reading enough materials. No, I must be study the wrong
materials that did not come for exam, or I just filling correct answers to the
wrong questions". Harry's friends and family know that he just lacking sleep and unfit, which affects errors . However, Harry responses by
introspecting himself, produces confusion and denial of reality.
The Need for Reflection
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| Image and Likeness of God (2013) by Therese Duran. Source |
The definition of introspection comes in
seeking answers within our own heart, our own conscience. Then, the writer
mentions heart to be divided in three spheres: thinking, experiencing, and
being. These three spheres operated in different functions, yet integrated to
define a meaningful connection with reality.
The Bible points to these functions of the heart as necessary for
engaging with what is real. Consider how Jesus teaches us about living in the
Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 [1][2]. He addresses our
rationality, to bring
us to a
right thinking about the
situation. At the
same time, he addresses our imagination, through the use of symbol and
metaphor, which allows us to experience,
taste and connect with what he is saying. And in his emphasis on action he addresses
the will, by which we should respond in obedience.
- Fellows (2008) -
Unfortunately, "introspection"
often only leads to thinking and doing, but we are blurred on who
we are, what our identity is in front of unstable world.
Why Harry become so self-absorbed in his flunked exam? Technically, Harry builds hid own identity based on his academic achievements (and he really strive on becoming the best). When he fails on his exam, in his own thinking, he does not worth alive anymore. He becomes stressed, and does not see himself as the beloved son of his family, a nice keeper of soccer team, a patient teacher for his friends, etc. If Harry keep thinking like this, he may consider suicide.
Fortunately, The Bible provide answers to
overcome this habit. One method is by doing self-reflection. Where is the
difference between introspection and self-reflection? The difference lies on
the source and the direction. Introspection understands reality from looking inward
to "myself", "my situation" and refer to "my"
knowledge/opinion/feeling as the source . Introspection calls us "to live on your own". Self-reflection understands reality from
looking outward situation, and refer to the "truth and love" that is
written and taught from The Bible. Self-reflection calls us "to love", participate in reality.
Reflection means resembled image of
ourselves. We can see our reflection when we look in front of mirror. The Bible
says that "humans are created in the image and likeness of God" [3].
Therefore, according to the Bible, we are reflections of God. Therefore, the real humanity, our real identity, lies on God. This will give light to "see" ourselves as it is, where to go, how to live.
However, who to turn to? What kind of God we talk about here? As
The Bible tells so, let The Bible provide the answer [4].
End Notes
[2] Further explanation of "Parable of The Sower" Houdmann, M. What is the meaning of Parable of The Sower?
[3] Genesis 1:26
So, which is further difference between
introspection and self-reflection? You are welcome to download the paper below.
Presented by L'Abri
Presented by L'Abri
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