Spiritual and Self-Help Books Share Circle discussion

I am a chaplain/therapist/author who writes a lot about self-awareness. I'm wondering how self-understanding plays a role in your spirituality? Thank you!

I really believe that understanding ourselves is the cornerstone of spirituality. When we take the time to truly know our fears, hopes, strengths, and shadows, it opens a deeper connection to something larger than ourselves. It’s like coming home to our authentic selves, with compassion and honesty. That kind of self-awareness becomes a sacred path to inner peace, helping us to live more consciously, with more love and acceptance. Thank you for sparking such a meaningful and heartfelt conversation!

I love the way you put this! It really does feel like the more honestly we’re willing to meet ourselves (fears, cracks, gifts and all) the more grounded and spiritually alive we become.
Self-awareness isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always sacred work, and it makes so much room for compassion both for ourselves and the people around us.

Thanks for naming this so clearly! I'm curious about the practices you use to build self-awareness.

Funny you should ask - I have written an entire book about this! I called it “Happiness Rules” and you can check it out here on GR. Self-knowledge is the key to a contented, meaningful life. If we could know ourselves 100%, we’d have the key to the universe, If we knew ourselves 0%, we’d be adrift like leaves in a storm. All meaningfulness derives from self-knowledge, but in my case this insight is not spiritual in nature. We have to strive to find out as much about ourselves as possible - if we do, we might be able to shape our lives into lives that are right for us. And perhaps we even attain the most important, yet elusive goal of all - to like ourselves.

Mark wrote: "Funny you should ask - I have written an entire book about this! I called it “Happiness Rules” and you can check it out here on GR. Self-knowledge is the key to a contented, meaningful life. If we ..."

Mark I love it! I'll have to check out the book! Thank you