An introduction to the journey of inquiry
Svadhyaya is the practice of inquiring into our beliefs, habits, patterns, and behaviors. The word itself is made up of Sva, meaning own, self, or the human soul, and dhyaya, which means “to contemplate, to think on, to recollect, or to call to mind.” It is a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. By actively reflecting on our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we can develop a greater sense of what we are made of and why we came to be.
To put it in simple terms, Self-study is the practice of inquiring into our beliefs, habits, patterns, and behaviors. When we deepen our understanding of the way we think and how it affects our emotions and decisions–we begin to realize the separation between what we believe others perceive of us versus recognizing our inner nature.
An important aspect of Self-study is self-reflection. This is the process of looking back on our experiences, both the success and the failures, to learn from them. It involves cutting through ego, worldly attachments, and denial to examine our Self. It might sound like a bizarre concept, but even taking small steps consistently will make us realize what’s hiding behind our ego. When we dig deep into our strengths and weaknesses, we will ultimately gain insight into how to improve. Reflecting on those experiences will eventually help us make better decisions in the future.
As a professional leader in a company, self-study is an essential practice for achieving success and growth. By looking inward and gaining insight into our Self, we can consider how they align with the values and goals of the company. We can make conscious choices, rather than being swayed by emotions or external influences. This self-awareness leads to greater understanding and acceptance of oneself, and eventually, professional growth and development.
Although Self-study is mainly practiced by looking inward, it is also important to implement the knowledge of the Self to the reality that we live in. Self-study is not just about understanding oneself, but also about understanding one’s place in the world. In a professional setting, Self-study helps us understand our interconnectedness with the people we are working with, therefore allowing us to be more aware of industry trends and developments, and ultimately, become more effective leaders. As leaders, it’s also important to understand our role within the company and in the industry. This understanding can lead to greater collaboration and teamwork, and greater compassion and empathy for others.
How to practice Self-study within a Professional Setting
Implementing svadhyaya, or Self-study, can help us become more aware of how our emotions and perception affect the decisions we make. It can be a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth. So how exactly do we practice self-study? Here are some tips on how to practice Self-study in the workplace:
- Be open to alternative perspectives: that can function as a mirror: reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Actively ask for feedback from colleagues and mentors. This can provide valuable insight into our performance and help identify areas for improvement. Be open to learning from others, whether it be from other managers, team members, or external experts. This can help to broaden our perspective and bring new ideas to the table.
- Practice Self-care: by being honest about our negative habits to be free of them. Make sure to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. We discover that individuals tend to have better focus when they are relaxed and well-rested. So by doing simple things like taking a proper break time, staying hydrated, socializing with coworkers, and forgiving yourself when you made an error at work–you’re practicing self-care right then and there.
- Invest in opportunities for growth: discovering our needs and passion will make us more aware of the opportunities surrounding us. Take advantage of professional development as a method to understand yourself; such as mentoring, networking, or continuing education.
Why Self-study matters: Benefits of getting to know the Self
Implementing Self-study into our work habits can bring about significant psychological and behavioral changes that can positively impact performance in a company. Here are some of the potential improvements that can occur after practicing Self-study:
- Improved decision-making: Self-study allows us to be more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, which in turn helps us make better decisions. we are less likely to be swayed by emotions or external influences, and instead make choices that align with our goals and values, leading to better decision-making.
- Greater emotional intelligence: by understanding how to manage our emotions, we will also gain a new perspective on how emotions are an important matter to other people as well. Self-study will train us to identify what we’re feeling and how other people react to it. An improved emotional intelligence will allow us to handle stress better and navigate interpersonal relationships among friends and colleagues.
- Greater sense of purpose: Self-study helps us understand our role, whether in life or the workplace. The more self-aware we become, the more detailed our visions of our future would be. As we practice self-study with intention, it’s essential to have a polestar. What helps you stay grounded in the midst of a whirling mind?
- Increased resilience: when we’re actively searching for something to learn from our experiences, both positive and negative, we can be accustomed to always identifying areas for improvement. This will make us more prepared to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
- Improved mental and physical well-being: Self-study includes self-care and self-improvement activities, such as meditation, journaling, or exercise. By taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally, we can be better equipped to handle the demands of daily life and make positive changes in our lives.
Self-Study is a personal journey of introspection and self-discovery
The self holds within it a vast wisdom that is often overlooked in our daily lives. Through the practice of looking inward, we are able to quiet the noise of our thoughts that arises from the exterior world to create space and connect with our inner guidance. This practice can bring about deeper awareness of your thinking process and habitual reactions, which could in time lead to subtle observations that can positively impact one’s performance in a company. These changes can be both psychological and behavioral, leading to improvements in one’s personal and professional life.