Understand Yourself

As women of color, our journey of self-discovery dives deep into the richness of our cultural heritage and the many layers of our identity. Along this journey, one constant truth emerges: awareness and understanding are the foundations upon which our lives unfold. When we truly understand ourselves, we can embrace who we are unapologetically and confidently.

Though some paths—such as astrology, natal charts, personal energy readings, rituals, and meditation—are often misunderstood when it comes to self-awareness, they are incredibly powerful tools for discovering our values, purpose, gifts, and the nuances that shape us. Despite any negative perceptions, these paths offer fresh perspectives that can profoundly impact our understanding of who we are and why we exist.

Opening this discussion early in our journey is important for three reasons: first, it clears up any potential misunderstandings; second, it encourages exploration to deepen your self-awareness and enhance what you learn from this series; and third, it offers the freedom to bypass these methods if they don’t currently resonate with you. Remember, these pathways aren’t just options—they’re gateways to new possibilities that could expand your life in unexpected ways.

I’ve personally walked this path, and I encourage you to trust your heart in determining what resonates most with you on your unique journey.

Let’s now explore some alternative ways to expand our self-awareness:

Deepening Cultural Awareness

Understanding our lineage and cultural background is more than just recognizing the past—it’s about empowering our present and shaping our future. It gives us a sense of belonging and provides the strength to navigate the complexities of our identities. By deepening our cultural awareness, we tap into the gifts, wisdom, and resilience of those who came before us, creating space for our own growth and self-acceptance.

Exploring our cultural heritage is like uncovering hidden treasures within our lineage. In our daily lives, we may overlook the strength that resides in our ancestors’ legacy—a legacy that provides us with boundless inspiration. The challenges, victories, and stories of our forebears are invaluable lessons that enrich our understanding of our place in the world.

By connecting with our cultural heritage, we align ourselves with the collective wisdom of our communities, learning from those who overcame adversity with unwavering determination. Our matriarchs and patriarchs carry a natural roadmap for overcoming obstacles, shining a light on the way forward. Additionally, by honoring the rituals, traditions, and customs passed down through generations, we not only honor our roots but also deepen our sense of identity and self-acceptance.

A powerful concept to consider: science shows that humanity originated in Africa over 300,000 years ago. The first humans, whose ancestors spread throughout the world, were African. This realization shatters the divisive concept of race and affirms that all of us share a common African ancestry. Embracing this knowledge of our genetic history is a profound tool for self-discovery.

Understanding this shared history unlocks a deeper connection to the wisdom embedded in our DNA. Figures like Angela Davis, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Toni Morrison, and even Megan Thee Stallion have drawn from this rich well of ancestral knowledge, showcasing remarkable talents and gifts.

Our journey toward self-understanding and healing is not about asserting superiority over others. It’s about reclaiming our unique stories and truths.

Embracing our legacy contributes to our path toward self-love and authenticity. Knowing where we come from allows us to show up as our whole, unapologetic selves, living without shame or the pressure to conform. Understanding our roots empowers us to live with strength, authenticity, and purpose.

Understanding the Mind (Mental Make-Up)

In our communities, there’s a growing openness toward therapy—an important shift from the past, where emotions, especially concerning microaggressions and systemic challenges, were often suppressed. Understanding the intricacies of our minds is essential for uncovering the depths of our inner selves. It’s about peeling back the layers to reveal what shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Our ability to make nuanced decisions in personal relationships, careers, and communities often determines our success and inner peace. By delving into our mental landscape, we gain access to our inner genius, learn about our mental states, and better understand our relationships with others and ourselves. It’s about recognizing whether our internal dialogues empower us or hold us back from a healthier mindset.

To deepen our understanding of the mind, we can explore therapy, mindfulness practices, self-reflection, educational resources, support networks, and prioritize physical well-being.

Understanding Persona and Personality

As we navigate life, it's helpful to reflect on how our personas and personality traits shape our interactions with the world. Our persona represents the outward image we project—often shaped by societal roles, cultural expectations, and external pressures. For women of color, our personas are often shaped by our interactions with different spaces, expectations, and the need to navigate multiple identities. Distinguishing between our persona and our true self is crucial for self-discovery.

Our true personality, however, lies beneath this surface. It’s our core, reflecting our genuine character, beliefs, and innate traits. Understanding our personality helps us gain insights into our behavioral tendencies, communication styles, and emotional responses.

Recognizing the distinction between persona and personality liberates us. It allows us to see where societal pressures influence our behavior and where our authentic selves truly lie. This awareness helps us align our actions with our true essence, fostering a deeper sense of confidence, self-awareness, and integrity.

There are many tools available for exploring our personas and personalities. Some examples include:

• Personality Assessments: Tools like MBTI, Enneagram, or Big Five Traits can reveal our behavioral tendencies.
• Self-Reflection and Journaling: Personal reflection helps us understand our thoughts and emotions.
• Feedback and Observation: Seeking input from others helps us understand how we’re perceived.
• Therapy or Counseling: Professionals can guide us in exploring thoughts and behaviors for deeper self-awareness.

Understanding Archetypes

Archetypes, which are symbolic patterns rooted in our shared human experiences, influence how we perceive ourselves and our roles in the world. By exploring our personal archetypes, we gain profound insights into our unique qualities and behaviors. Understanding these patterns clarifies our identity and how we connect with the world.

Exploring these archetypes enables us to reclaim our narratives and free ourselves from societal pressures. Unraveling the archetypes shaped by societal constraints allows us to redefine our roles in life.

To discover our archetypes, we can engage in self-reflection, and utilize psychological resources. This journey can help us live a more authentic life within the web of human experiences.

Some tools to explore archetypes include:

• Psychological Assessments: Tools like MBTI and Enneagram analyze our personal archetypes.
• Archetypal Psychology: This helps us explore dominant archetypes and their impact on our behavior.
• Literary & Cultural Exploration: Literature, myths, and cultural narratives offer insight into archetypal patterns.

Common archetypes include: the Hero, the Mentor, the Villain, the Innocent, the Rebel, the Sage, the Explorer, the Lover, the Jester, the Caregiver, the Creator, the Ruler, the Everyman, the Orphan, the Magician, the Outlaw, the Artist, the Companion, and the Wise Old Person. Each archetype embodies distinct traits and roles across human narratives.

Exposing Shadows

The "shadow" refers to the hidden or denied parts of ourselves—the aspects we find unacceptable or uncomfortable. These shadows often impact our lives in subtle ways, influencing relationships, creating misunderstandings, and preventing us from fully loving ourselves.

Without awareness of these shadows, they continue to influence us unconsciously, limiting our growth and self-love. To embark on shadow work, we can explore:

• Triggers: Pay attention to emotional triggers to uncover hidden beliefs or feelings.
• Self-Acceptance: Embrace self-compassion and practices that allow for the acceptance of our hidden aspects.
• Confronting Patterns: Recognize recurring behaviors or relationships that can reveal underlying shadows.

Integrating these hidden aspects through shadow work leads to deeper self-acceptance and personal growth.

Charts and Readings

As we approach the end of this exploration, let’s open our minds to a powerful way to uncover our true selves: charts and readings (such as natal/birth charts, psychic readings, divination, and more). Often misunderstood or dismissed, these tools provide insight into our life’s purpose, strengths, and challenges.

By embracing these tools with an open mind, we create space for personal discovery and empowerment, offering us the potential to shape our lives in alignment with our deepest truths.

Until next time, embrace peace and love on the Journey Up! 

And so it is...

Here's Your Daily Journal Prompt:  

Reflect on your life's canvas: How have your choices shaped your journey to self-love, worthiness, and happiness? Contemplate the masterpiece you've created and envision the new choices that can authentically reflect your true self while positively impacting the world.