Time
How we choose to invest our time is one of our most important choices. Our time alive is a gift that we can amplify through showing our appreciation by getting to know ourselves more deeply.
Here are some time investments that have helped me learn more about who I am and why I’m here.
Carl Jung
With an influence that’s nearly impossible to overstate, Carl Jung casts a long shadow over all of psychology. From individuation to synchronicity to the collective unconscious to intro-/extraverts, his fundamental work provides a wealth of insight into human beings.
A monumental figure in my early explorations of self.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
A questionnaire and resulting personality type that encapsulates your general perspective on the world and your personality tendencies.
I’m an INFP - The Healer (surprise, surprise). Nothing is set in stone; my personality type has changed over the years. Knowing your type can surface questions that can be thought-provoking and illuminating.
There are many tests online. I like this one.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow’s main innovation in psychology was to focus on the potential in people instead of the neuroses. His hierarchy of needs serves this aim and also provides a bigger picture view for general development and fulfillment in life.
Understanding the motivation behind our behavior (especially that of the ego and its needs) is paramount to growth and transformation. In addition, as a society we can aim to ensure that physiological and safety needs are met for all individuals, enabling people to grow. Ideas like a universal basic income have gained attention in recent years.
Meditation
There are many ancient traditions and methods for meditating, all of which can be helpful in deepening your practice. Anyone anywhere at any time can meditate by sitting still, quieting or observing the mind, and focusing on the breath.
Here are some meditation practitioners that can help guide to certain areas of attention: Tara Brach, Jessica Snow, Ram Dass (see below), Jack Kornfield.
There’s an app (many) for that.
Krishnamurti
Jiddu Krishnamurti is incredibly adept in stripping away mental loops and revealing their hollow nature. His inquiries into freedom and persistent pursuit of truth are an inspiration.
His resistance to leaders, organizations, religions, philosophies, and nationality supported his point of view that “Truth is a pathless land.”
There are a bunch of free resources posted by his foundation.
Astrology
When we are born, our natal chart provides a blueprint for our specific life’s journey: the gifts, challenges, inclinations, shadow areas, and so on.
Knowing your sun sign, moon, and rising sign can assist in discovering the archetypal foundations beyond your ego personality. There’s an app for that, too.
Some astrologers I enjoy: Chani Nicholas, Pam Gregory, Rob Brezsny, Forever Conscious.
A bit more advanced is finding your north node, which represents your life purpose, or using astrocartography to find aligned places to live or visit. Dara Dubinet offers plenty here.
Tarot
Tarot is a multifaceted mirror. Simply learning the significance of each of the major arcana can broaden your view of life and the importance of variety. “Arcana” means secret or mystery, and this applies perfectly to these ancient cards, which are an enduring creation.
There are thousands of decks and variations. I primarily use the book and deck by Alejandro Jodorowsky, as it uses the Marseille Tarot as its foundation and positions tarot as more a self-study tool than for divination. The Rider-Waite is probably the most popular and most widely accessible deck.
Ram Dass
Between his books (Be Here Now), Here and Now podcast, and YouTube videos, Ram Dass has a body of work that suffices as its own lifetime curriculum. His unique trajectory from psychoanalysis to psychedelic medicine to spiritual practice has introduced generations of westerners to alternative ways of being. Simply absorbing and learning his teachings will have a clarifying and transformative impact on your life.
Through an anecdotal, humorous, self-examining style, he is wonderful company to have along for the ride.
Affirmations
We all have self-narratives and self-talk that we use to define who we are, who we have been, and who we will become. However, much of this narrative and dialogue is informed by how we were treated in the past or how we observed people treat each other. If our models were not perfect (are they ever?), then there is room for growth and change.
Affirmations are a way to introduce fresh ideas, new beliefs, and unique perspectives. In so doing, we transform and retell our stories, as well as improve our communication with ourselves and others.
Suggested Reading: You Can Heal Your Life and The Power Is Within You by Louise Hay. Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain.
Love Languages
The five love languages were first described in a book by Gary Chapman. They are: acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, words of affirmation, and physical touch. Learning which you prefer and prioritize in giving and receiving can have a profound impact on your relationships. There is a quiz to help recognize your personal rankings.
Attachment Style
Attachment style is the way in which behave, interact with, and respond to others based on our early childhood with our caregiver(s). The main four styles are: Secure, Avoidant, Anxious, and Disorganized/Fearful. This quiz can help identify your style blend and this ebook breaks down the types and what each type needs to heal.