HOW TO UNDERSTAND AND ALIGN WITH YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF

How to find direction, purpose and a clear path forward in life

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In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of stagnation or confusion. The remedy requires introspection, a journey that can be a transformative experience, providing clarity, purpose and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Soul searching, also referred to as self-reflection, is a powerful tool for gaining insight and direction in life. It is a path to uncovering your truth and happiness by questioning your thoughts, habits and motivations. It requires you to delve deep in search of your values, beliefs, desires and true nature. Soul searching provides a path to personal growth and creating more balance in your life. It is not a mystical pathway reserved only for a select few; instead, it’s a practical lifestyle approach to understanding and aligning with your authentic self.

WHY BOTHER WITH SOUL SEARCHING?
The benefits of soul searching extend beyond self-awareness. Psychiatrist and author Anna Yusim explains that your soul is the deepest part of yourself that can connect you to your spirit and the universe. “By connecting to your soul, you get answers to questions in your life and you get insights that neither your mind nor your heart can give you,” she explains. “It’s really about your path of destiny – and the voice of the soul is your intuition.” In a world that pulls us in multiple directions, soul searching is a compass to help us navigate life’s complexities with authenticity and purpose. To guide you on this path, here are five ways to unlock the hidden parts of your inner self.

1. TAKE TIME FOR YOU
Spending time by yourself allows you to quiet the external noise and focus inwards. Whether through meditation, journaling or spending time alone in nature, embracing solitude can encourage deep introspection. Spending time with your thoughts and blocking out distractions helps you evaluate your feelings and pinpoint what is important to you. Therapist LaQuista Erinna emphasises the importance of solitude in soul searching: “Taking a moment to put yourself first is not selfish — it actually allows you to replenish and be present in the moment for others.”

2. VISUALISE YOUR IDEAL SELF
Create a vision board or journal about it. Envision the person you want to be and actionable steps to achieve that vision. This might mean stepping out of your comfort zone into new experiences, whether trying a new hobby or a solo outing that feeds an interest. This will help you discover what you like or want to change about yourself. You should also ask yourself thought-provoking questions, like: “Who am I?” “What do I want in life?” Ask what truly brings you joy, whether your current path aligns with your authentic self, and why you hold certain beliefs. Look at significant events in your life and their impact on your beliefs and values. Understanding your past can illuminate patterns and guide your future choices.

3. SEEK GUIDANCE
Support from a therapist, life coach or counsellor is invaluable. Their expertise can provide insight and a structured approach to your soul-searching. “Connect with people who are on a similar path, who feel good to talk to and who inspire you,” says life coach and manifestation teacher Laina Caltagirone. If you have friends that you trust and admire, you can go to them for help. Your existing relationships can open your mind to the experiences of others. Hopefully, they can teach you a lesson or help you realise something you didn’t know about yourself.

4. SPEND TIME IN NATURE
This can be a powerful and rejuvenating tool for soul searching. Nature uniquely brings attention back to yourself, increases creativity and provides a sense of well-being, making it an ideal environment for introspection and self-discovery. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a stroll in the park, or simply bringing a touch of nature into your daily life, it can be a valuable and enriching component of your journey.

5. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Incorporating self-care is an essential aspect of soul searching. It involves nurturing mind, body and soul to create a supportive environment for introspection and self-discovery. Engage in small, manageable self-care activities such as mindful attention to your body, deep breathing or a good laugh. Incorporate meditation to clear mental clutter and create space for self-reflection. Prayer can also be a powerful tool for seeking clarity, wisdom and guidance during the soul-searching process. You should also write down thoughts, feelings and aspirations. Journal prompts such as “What do I truly desire?” and “How do I want to feel?” can help you delve deeper into your inner world and gain insights about your life’s purpose.

Text: Leah Dennis
Photo: Gallo/Getty images