Introverted Introspection

Carl Jung said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” Such a simple yet profound thought and one that causes my ever wandering mind to wander even further down the rabbit hole. It is those very characteristics and traits that I find ever annoying, grating and unbearable in others that are the very qualities I struggle with internally. Of course I can’t find an example, but perhaps it is in vain or self preservation. It is interesting however, that in the very same manner we often attribute those undesirable traits in others as outside ourselves and something to be prevented or avoided, when in its very essence, it resonates within our very own being as traits we dislike just as much within ourselves.

But, what about the opposite? What about those qualities in others that we admire? Can we find these same qualities within ourselves? Do we admire them because we embody them, or do we aspire to develop, hone and use them? Can it be that simple? I am not convinced…. rather I assert that those qualities I admire in others such as boldness, inner confidence, mindfulness and steadfast faith, are indeed qualities I possess, but are also qualities that I continually struggle to empower, enforce and maintain. It is these qualities in others that I admire and aspire to learn and grow from. Yet I question whether we can admire qualities not yet personally witnessed or experienced as then they have the potential to be undefined and therefore unknown?

The ever infinite circle of analytical thought, sometimes it plagues me, other times it motivates me and often times it propels me… Developed at a young age, the innocent questions of faith, purpose, personality and experience crowds, clouds and confirms my thoughts; reaching outwards, upwards and onwards, gathering the past, defining the present and identifying the possibilities of the future…