The Magical Power of Real Self-Knowledge

Written By:

Written By:

the magical power of real self knowledge 1

”Tell me, what you think about me, what is your opinion about me?” we have asked other people this question a number of times. We were, however, not interested in the opinion of just anyone; we only wanted to know the opinion of others who have been close to us: our family members, teachers and friends. All through our life, we have collected these opinions, we have been staring at the mirror. In the view of what we see in the mirror, we make efforts to find an answer to the most important question of our life: Who am I?

What we have gathered from the opinions received from others, we forged an image of ourselves, who we are and what our mission in life is. We have gradually identified with the image, we believed that the image is really us; we have pinned it up on the wall of our room, and proudly show it to any coming our way: look, that is me.

On the other hand, the image in the mirror has also caused us a lot of worry, since there is always a doubt in us: does that image really meet the expectations of others, do we appear good, decent, religious enough in the eyes of others?

As a consequence, we spend our whole life polishing and improving the image in order to make it look better and better for others. We tend to believe that the best strategy in this process is copying, imitating others. This is a strategy that we use from our babyhood onward, that is how we learn our native language, and that is how we acquire the elements of our culture. Later, when we are older, we continue copying others, since if we follow the ways of those who lead a decent and good life, we cannot be wrong.

Another characteristic feature of our image in the mirror is that it is contradictory by nature. We receive almost as many opinions as many friends and acquaintances we have. Some may consider as clever, whereas others do not find that the most important feature of ours. It generates a permanent state of uncertainty in connection with the image, that is, in connection with ourselves.

This uncertainty in connection with ourselves shall serve as a basis for our desire to convince other people that the image in the mirror is true, and we really are the way other people see us. If our identification is worth the image in the mirror, generated from the opinions of others, is strong, it keeps us in a virtually hypnotic state, and we live our whole life under the spell of that image.

It is, however, a gross mistake to believe that we see our real face in the mirror of opinions. No opinion is able to reflect our real self, our real, inner existence, and it is impossible to project our real, inner self onto any mirror.

If we intend to really know our self, we have to be able to turn away from the mirror of opinions. We should no longer deal with what others think about us; instead, we need to concentrate on who we really are. For example, the real issue for us is not whether others see us as happy, but whether we are really happy.

The mirror of opinions will not release its victim very easily, though. It has been so deeply incorporated into our personality that it is in fact a real part of our personality. Whenever we attempt to turn away from the mirror of opinions, an inner voice, the voice of our consciousness will, speak to us: what are my parents going to say? What would my wife think about it? This inner voice is very often quite effective, and we are again under the hypnotic spell of the image in the mirror.

For breaking out of the spell, we need to understand that the only way of knowing ourselves is through direct experience, our own experience, and not through the opinion of others. We are only able to receive direct experience if we are alert. So as to be alert, we need to focus our attention to the Here and Now.

If, in an alert state of mind, we submerge into the present moment, we shall experience a miracle. The mirror of opinions blurs, and our wholesome Self, the pleasure of Existence shall be revealed.

About the author:

Frank M. Wanderer Ph.D is a professor of psychology, a consciousness researcher and writer. Frank is the author of the books EGO – ALERTNESS – CONSCIOUSNESS: 3 Stages in the Evolution of the Human Spirit ”,

You can also follow his blog HERE

 

— Share —

Published On:

Last updated on:

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

6 Things Controlling Partners Do (That You Should Never Ignore)

Things Controlling Partners Do (That You Should Never Ignore)

Controlling partners often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize. Are you also in a relationship with someone who makes you feel loved at one point then in another constantly dictates your actions, thoughts, or even emotions?

These are classic signs of controlling partners. They often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize.

So if you want to identify these signs then below are what controlling partners do to you.

Up Next

Rewriting Your Story: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones for Personal Growth

Personal Growth

Life is like a movie with no script

Sometimes things go off track.

A lost job.A broken heart.A dream that falls apart.

These tough spots may seem like bad chapters.But what if they are the start of your best tale?

They show hidden strengths.They have clues for your growth.Resilience means bending without breaking.

Your story is not done yet.You hold the pen.You can change the plot.

1. The Power of Perspective: Your Pain Isn’t the Whole Story

When life knocks you dow

Up Next

Mindful Mornings: Crafting a Daily Routine That Sets the Tone for Success

Mindful Mornings

Your morning is more than the start of your day.

It sets the stage for everything that follows.

How you begin fills you with energy.

It clears your mind and makes you feel calm.

A good morning is not about strict rules.It is not a secret hack or magic trick.It is about giving yourself a little hug.A moment just for you before the world shouts for your time.

Think of your morning like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.It wakes you up with a smile.It helps you get ready to take on the day.

Ready to build a morning that feels right for you?Let us talk about making your morning magic.

Up Next

Marriage of Convenience or True Love? 8 Signs You’re Just Settling

Marriage of Convenience or True Love? Signs You’re Settling

If you think you are in a marriage of convenience, you will know that it doesn’t feel like a fairy tale, rather it’s about maintaining the status quo. Maybe you are staying in this marriage because everything is “okay” and “stable”.

All the bills are getting paid on time, the house is comfortable, and the kids are happy to have both their parents under the same roof. Moreover, you don’t want to deal with the hassle that comes with filing for a divorce, so you just…stay.

Does this sound familiar? The unfortunate truth is that many married couples stay in a loveless marriage because dealing with the alternate option is scary. They’re together, but they’re not really together. They function more like roommates, business partners, or co-parents rather than lovers.

So, if you have ever thought, “A

Up Next

How To Set Boundaries Like A Pro: 5 Tips And Tricks

How To Set Boundaries Like A Pro Tips And Tricks

Knowing how to set boundaries is a game-changer—it’s how you protect your time, energy, and sanity without feeling guilty. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, setting boundaries helps you avoid burnout and unnecessary drama. Let’s talk about how to do it like a pro.

KEY POINTS

Upholding our boundaries means sometimes saying “no” when others wish we would say “yes.”

Setting boundaries can create conflict, even when our behavior is healthy and we act with kindness.

It’s normal to feel uneasy or even guilty after people react badly to our boundaries.

Up Next

February 2025 Monthly Horoscope: Predictions For Each Zodiac Sign

Accurate Monthly Horoscope For Zodiac Signs

Here’s your monthly horoscope for February 2025!

The month starts with Aquarius season in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to march to the beat of your own drum and forget about what anyone else thinks. The beginning of the month also brings a dreamy and almost magical energy between Venus, Neptune, and the North Node in Pisces. This is the vibe for deep, fated connections and romantic moments that feel straight out of a fantasy. Trust your gut—love is in the air, and it’s looking pretty rosy.

On February 4, Jupiter ends its retrograde in Gemini, meaning the floodgates to abundance are about to swing wide open. That same day, Venus moves into fiery Aries, giving love and pleasure a boost of passion. Get ready to make bold moves and go after what you want. Then, on February 9, Mercury has a moment of brilliance in Aquarius

Up Next

Here’s What First New Moon Of The Year Means For Each Zodiac Sign

What the New Moon in Aquarius Means for All Zodiac Signs

The new moon in Aquarius is here to kick off a fresh lunar cycle! This powerful new moon, which happens on January 29 at 7:36 a.m. EST, brings a chance for new beginnings. As it falls in the innovative and forward-thinking sign of Aquarius, it’s a time to welcome change, creativity, and fresh ideas.

Aquarius is all about thinking outside the box, focusing on the bigger picture, and connecting with others. This new moon will highlight themes of friendship, community, and collaboration, making it a great time to set intentions related to teamwork and group activities.

With Aquarius encouraging radical shifts and new perspectives, you may feel a burst of inspiration or experience a shift in how you see the world. New moons are the perfect time to reflect and plan, so take advantage of this energy to make thoughtful