“Know Thyself” is one of inscriptions in the outer court of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. (The other two are “nothing to excess” and “surety brings ruin”.
In ancient times, these were warnings: know thyself meant know your place in the order of the universe so that you could avoid hubris (assuming power or knowledge above your station); nothing to excess meant to practice moderation in all things, and thereby follow and maintain the order of the universe; and surety brings ruin warns of assuming you know and understand the prophecies that the oracle divines.
Pretty much all Greek tragedies start with, “There was a prophecy…”
Know thyself in modern times is often interpreted as knowing all aspects of yourself. The good, the bad, and the ugly, so to speak. To do this, we are encouraged to practice self-reflection.
This is a teaching I generally follow, and often give as good advice. When someone upsetting me in some way, how are their choices and actions a reflection of myself? When I admire someone, how are they a reflection of me? The idea is that I cannot recognize something in someone else – positive or negative – unless I possess that aspect or quality myself.
Self-reflection happens in meditation, in dreams, through journaling, and through observing myself in my day to day life. I get constant feedback in my communication with everyone in my life.
Self-reflection is important. Just don’t go through the looking glass…
Gazing too deeply for too long at your inner self, especially when you are seeing only flaws and things that need to be fixed, can lead you down the rabbit hole.
Little Alice fell
Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
d
o
w
n
the hOle,
bumped her head
and bruised her soul.
If you peer too long in the the looking glass, you’re likely to fall through into a world of twists and turns and confusion. Things stop making sense, and yet you will see connections everywhere that get you more and more turned around.
That goes double if you have a pre-existing neurodivergence or mental health issue. Self-reflection alone will not cure your depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or autism. It is another tool in your toolbox that can help, along with therapy and medication. Here is an excellent article discussing shadow work (self reflection) and neurodiversity: A Neurodivergent Guide to the Shadow Self.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we are in the dark time of the year. It is the perfect time to go inward and reflect. Look within, and see where you would like to grow and change. Make sure you look up and outward from time to time, too.
Blessings,
Mary