Conquering Yourself

Conquering Yourself

Progressive way to self-control

Human beings are complex creatures, with multiple mechanisms and systems operating within them. We have a mind that we can control and the power of thinking to manage and use it as a tool. However, we also have other intelligent mechanisms within us, such as emotions, that should not control us. To truly achieve self-mastery, we must learn to conquer ourselves and harness the power of our intuition and other tools at our disposal. We should learn to use these tools to our advantage and not surrender to them for their automatic control over us.

Know yourself

The first step in conquering oneself is to learn create awareness and connection between your mind, body and emotions for improved health, happiness and well-being, in other words we have to become a conscious creator of your own life instead of simply reacting to what comes along. As Gareth Stubbs and Jeron Coenen eloquently express in their book “Inside Out: “nothing in our lives has the meaning except the meaning that we actually give it. It is the way that we process the information that comes to us that makes us do the things that we do and therefore, get the results that we get out of life. Regardless of what we want or whether we like it or not”. Therefore, to truly conquer oneself, we must actively participate in this meaning-making process. We must delve deep within ourselves, exploring our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations with curiosity and openness. By fostering awareness of our inner landscape, we gain insight into the patterns, beliefs, and conditioning that influence our choices and behaviors.

Tap into the intuition

The second step in conquering oneself is to recognize the power of intuition. Intuition is a natural tool that we all possess but often overlook or ignore. It is the voice within us that speaks to us in a soft, subtle way, guiding us towards our true purpose and potential. Intuition is not just a vague feeling; it is a real and powerful force that can help us make better decisions and navigate through life’s challenges.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Amsterdam found that: intuition is a form of unconscious thought that is influenced by our past experiences and knowledge. The study found that people who trust their intuition are more likely to make successful decisions than those who rely solely on logical reasoning. Intuition is a valuable tool that can help us access our inner wisdom and guide us towards the right path.

To tap into our intuition, we must learn to quiet our minds and listen to our inner voice. This can be achieved through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking time for introspection and self-reflection.

We are not our thoughts

The third step is to recognize that we are not our thoughts. As the spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle reminds us, we should not become one with our thoughts. Our thoughts are not who we are; they are simply mental constructs that come and go. By learning to observe our thoughts without getting caught up in them, we can gain greater control over our mind and emotions. Meaning we need to view our own thoughts as something different from us, they are not our identity, they are thoughts that we should control and not vice versa. Many people confuse their thoughts and opinions with their identity, they attach so much onto their opinions and can’t distinguish between themselves and their thoughts.

This can be achieved through mindfulness practices, such as focusing on the breath or observing our thoughts without judgment. By practicing detachment from our thoughts, we can gain greater clarity and perspective, and learn to respond to situations rather than react impulsively.

Power of Choice

The final step in conquering oneself is to recognize the power of choice. We always have a choice in how we respond to situations, no matter how challenging or difficult they may be. By taking responsibility for our actions and choices, we can learn to make better decisions and create the life we truly want. Put differently, developing self-awareness and embracing choices that align with our desired outcomes is crucial. While external factors don’t determine a fulfilling work experience, internal alignment is necessary. This involves gaining a renewed understanding of our identity, being mindful of conscious and unconscious choices, and carefully considering the messages we project to the world every day.

To conquer oneself is a transformative journey that necessitates embracing self-awareness, accessing intuition, transcending thoughts, and acknowledging the power of choice. However, above all, it demands a genuine willingness to grow and evolve. By embarking on this path of self-discovery, we unleash our untapped potential and pave the way towards self-mastery, ultimately leading to a life filled with greater fulfillment and purpose.

©Mindfluent World