A unique beauty lies in being aware of our emotions. Over the past two years, I have attempted to practice self-reflection and though I don’t consider to be an expert at mindfulness, I am more aware of my emotions from time to time. It’s more than simply sitting down and meditating. Self-reflecting is understanding where we are, both physically and spiritually, and introspecting upon the deep, philosophical thoughts we tend to flee from.

Reflecting upon yourself and gaining a better understanding of your feelings doesn’t require an intense session in a heated room with a yoga mat (peony and jasmine candles might, however, add to the meditation aura). Here are five practices to plunge yourself into the land of introspection:

1. Find the trigger point and construct a timeline

If something is pushing you to see the worst in every situation that arises, take a seat and identify the matter that is bothersome. It might be something as trivial to not finding your favorite pair of socks to something as upsetting as getting involved in an argument with your best friend. Find the moment that triggered the downward spiral of negativity.

There might be multiple events that provoked the internal storm and in that case, list them in a chronological manner. This will help gain a better sense of your emotions in an organized fashion.

2. Be determined to accept answers

You are upset and you know why. Are you ready for answers? Most of the times, I realize that even though I’ve identified the problem, I am not ready to find an answer and resolve my dispute. We like to cling to the matter that anchors us down at the cost of being unhappy and frustrated. It’s vital to train our minds to attain solutions for our internal conflicts.

3. Talk to yourself

If you are disturbed or frustrated, just ask yourself “Why?” Saying it out loud is a healthy form of revealing the obstacle. This might sound a little absurd but I firmly believe the individual who knows you better than anybody is the one who you see in the mirror. Asking and answering introspective questions out loud are the best forms of reflecting upon experiences.

4. Don't be afraid to befriend the beast inside you

This is the most challenging aspect of self-reflection. I am still learning to find comfort with discomfort and listen to the hostile thoughts with an open mind. I came to realize that even the negativity played an integral role in developing a better sense of being.

We often judge ourselves and others for being flawed. However, as human beings, it is inevitable to make mistakes and learn from them. The sooner we acknowledge the beast, the sooner we can approach towards a solution.

5. Remember the big picture

Self-reflection and introspection have allowed me to take a step back and observe my surroundings, along with my emotions. As I reflect on my experiences, I find it important to tie them to the big idea.

Everyone might carry different dreams but we all crave to exhaust every facet of happiness in our lifetime. Happiness is not simply a destination we land on. Happiness is a way of living. Deep introspection can assist in living the best life we are blessed with.