Introspection
The only way to know who you really are.
Introspection is the most important element in putting bipolar ‘in order’ instead of ‘disorder.’ Actually, it is the most important element in putting any life in order. If life is a journey and your plans are your map, then introspection is how you know where you are on the map. If someone hands you a map the first thing you do is look for or ask where you are on it. That is introspection.
Every action we take is preceded by a thought. You cannot lift your arm, walk, speak, or even sleep without first thinking about it. As we learn the techniques of introspection and put them into practice, we start to recognize the thoughts that precede everything we do. By recognizing them we have the power to change the direction of the action while we still have control over it. Introspection helps us to control our thoughts and actions before they get out of hand.
Through introspection we become aware of who we are, what we are thinking, and how we are acting, instead of who we imagine ourselves to be. We then can take out our life map, pinpoint exactly where we are on it, and set the course for becoming who we want to be. Along the way we discover that some of the traits that we thought were so bad are really Bipolar Advantages that just needed to be developed and put to proper use. Without introspection we are just drifting aimlessly through a life of disorder, not knowing who we are or where we are going.
The techniques are very easy to understand and put into use. No complicated charts and rules to follow. No replacing this thought by looking it up on a chart and applying a complex analysis. We simply learn to be aware of our thoughts through an easy process. All the questions you need to ask yourself are already in your mind. The process just helps you organize your own questions and helps you find your own answers. Once you learn to look within, you will find that your greatest love has been right there all along - yourself. You also find that you have great gifts to share: acceptance, love, and the awareness of who you really are. Introspection will help you see the advantage of having the wider range of experiences and emotions associated with being bipolar and how to use that advantage in your daily life.
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