Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be transformative. Over the next two weeks, I will share insights from "The Enchanted Self, A Positive Therapy," a book that chronicles my personal quest to reconnect with my innermost positive self. This exploration is not just a narrative but a revelation of the layers of self-awareness and connection that many of us might shy away from, both the luminous and the shadowed.
The process of reclaiming my Enchanted Self was akin to peeling an onion, each layer revealing a deeper, more intimate level of my psyche. This journey is crucial because it confronts the often-avoided innermost feelings that are as daunting as our darkest fears. The quest for the Enchanted Self is both revealing and intimidating; it exposes vulnerabilities that we might fear others will neither understand nor value.
One of the first revelations in my journey was recognizing my inherent ability to engage authentically with others without any professional incentives. This realization came about through interviews with various women, which were neither strictly social nor professional but were enriching and fulfilling. These interactions, which I initially undertook without any expectations, turned out to be profoundly liberating and enjoyable, helping me reconnect with a sense of equality and shared femininity that I had lost touch with.
As I delved deeper, I found myself feeling an unprecedented connection to women from all walks of life. This newfound empathy was surprising, especially considering my extensive background in therapy and exposure to numerous personal stories. Despite my professional experience, I had maintained a certain emotional distance, perhaps a residual effect of my upbringing which emphasized competence and competition over connection.
This emotional barrier began to crumble as I listened to these women. My professional stance as a therapist, which often placed me in a position of authority, had inadvertently reinforced certain biases. However, during the interviews, being on equal footing with the participants allowed me to engage more openly and empathetically. I began to appreciate the nuances of their experiences, recognizing the value in traits and decisions that I had previously overlooked, particularly those that are often undervalued in women, like the ability to dream and the resilience in the face of compromised aspirations.
This journey into the Enchanted Self is not just about self-discovery but also about dismantling long-held biases and barriers. It's about learning to value and understand aspects of oneself and others that were previously dismissed or undervalued. This series will continue to explore these themes, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and enrichment.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the layers of the Enchanted Self in the upcoming posts. This narrative is not just a personal recount but a universal invitation to explore the depths of our own selves, perhaps finding our own enchanted selves in the process.
The Disenchanted Forest, The Enchanted Self - A Tale of Female Development in a Strange Land
Once upon a time there was a Princess who set out on a raft to find the Enchanted Forest. She took with her a canteen full of hopes and dreams, minimal provisions, and outdated maps. The raft swayed. the wind blew. It was too cold. It was too hot. She was hungry. She was tired. She was scared. At times she was almost swept overboard.
A Bird's Eye View of THE ENCHANTED SELF and What It Means to You!
Discover the transformative power of THE ENCHANTED SELF, a unique positive psychology approach that emphasizes joy and well-being as essential components of mental health. Learn how to rediscover your inner joy and potential through practical steps and personal empowerment.
Practical Steps of Enchantment
Let us sit back and review the Seven Gateways to ... and seminal ideas that led me there. It will give us an ... to ponder over what The ... Self is all about. This might mean re
