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the inner as one is eased into the realization that we may not fully "see" ourselves, or exude a persona that matches that of the mind's eye.

3) Name your Emotions: Keep a small log book at hand for when you feel a particular emotion rather strongly. Record the event, name the emotion/s, and rate it's severity from 1 to 100. This process, when completed and assessed over days, weeks, even months, can reveal a telling pattern in your social behavior / reactions, choice in company, emotional awareness, and coping mechanisms. For example, "Jodie told me I had to re-write my Anthropology article, that it wasn't up to standard" received an "ANGER", rated 100 x a billion. Weeks later the subconscious might re-assess this initial emotional naming, and decide you in fact felt fear; a doubt in your own writing abilities.

4) Make a Date: Friends, family, and partner are not the only ones that need penciling in. I'm not talking typical "me time" spent eating chocolates and watching repeats of your favorite soap. True getting to know you "me time" involves space, a clean environment, and quiet. Perform gentle yoga or meditation to slow the mind. It is in this period that the psyche expands to it's most prominent and vulnerable state. Probe (with caution) your inner most passions, guilts, fears, pains, and joys.

5) Ask Mum: or rather observe her, a parent or key figures of influence during your childhood. You'd have lived in a black, sound proof bubble if there is not at least one commonality. Become aware of how this makes you feel, what are the thoughts running through your mind at this moment? For those of you that find this activity difficult, you may suffer low self esteem; as; observing the things you yourself do can be challenging if your self compassion is diminished. Note whether you feel anger towards this role mode upon naming the common mannerism. (as the anger is in fact directed by you to you)

6) List: make two columns. One headed "things I like about myself" and the other "things I must accept about myself." Start thinking about what makes you a valuable person; not only what you do for others, but what you bring to the spirit of the world.

Through treating the "self" as an anthropological study, in this manner, we may objectively learn how to know ourselves better. This process requires time, repetition, and an open mind. For, if you do not know (and therefore love) yourself properly, how can you expect others to do the same?

Learn more about this author, Natasha Levy.
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