The Best Exam Ever!

From the time we come into this world and even before our birth we are under examination. The doctor examines us from the point of conception to make sure that all of our physiological and developmental functioning is working and we are healthy, our family and community watch, cultivate and experience us by way of examination; and of course, throughout our academic development, we are nurtured to embrace scholastic preparation and the examination of our knowledge as keys to a successful life.  However self-examination, although extremely important is often either delayed, non-existent, prioritized last or lacks the level of emphasis needed to embrace it as a lifelong process.

Self-examination may be one of the most challenging yet rewarding processes we can experience.  The question may become, so when do we begin a life of self-examination? And how do we go about it? Is it productive examining or scrutiny? Is it informed by a healthy voice within us?  Or is it a negative voice within us? Is it even a voice from within? Maybe it’s the voice of someone else that causes a constructive examination or the scrutiny of oneself? 

Let’s look at the definition of the term to examine….. To “examine” means to look at critically or methodically; to investigate; inspect; and to test by questioning. 

For some the idea of doing this with respect to oneself may create feelings of anxiety, judgment and pressure; for others the idea of examination may be considered a hokey or corny idea that is far from interesting.  If this is the case, I suggest we reframe the idea without losing the importance that the definition of examining offers us.  Sometimes by adjusting our perception, it is possible for us to do a new thing with an old issue, such as committing to the process of “self-examination.”   In order to do this we must identify the perceptions we do have and ask some of the tough questions I spoke about earlier, such as: When should I examine myself? How do I go about it? What informs how I go about it? Is self-examining informed by positive or negative influences? 

Identifying and examining our current perceptions enables us to:

·       Understand more about ourselves

·       Empowers us to be intentional about our choices

·       Be in a creative space to use what works to achieve our goals

·       Shed unproductive thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with productive ones.  

While the subject of “self-examination” may refer to an introspect look at oneself, do not be fooled to think that this process should happen in isolation.  We are behavioral and intellectual beings and some of our patterns of functioning are those that we learn from others. When doing the work of “self-examination” it is important to be open-minded, yet intentional about whom and what we allow as influences on how we examine ourselves. 

Observe and appreciate other people’s thoughts and experiences, while determining what is useful. Use whatever is nurturing from these observations to add characteristics of courage, patience, love and respect to your process of self-examining.  Be willing to find great mentorship in someone who is intentional about self-examination.  Having someone who can offer positive critiques that contribute to your awareness is an invaluable tool.  Sure even the most graceful critique can hurt a little, but learn to accept that sometimes this is going to be a part of the birthing process of “The You that you are Becoming.” The pain that is sometimes felt from learning to accept new ideas serves a great purpose also.  This part of the experience builds compassion in how you examine yourself and others, which leads to a level of awareness that is quite enriching.  

I encourage you to seek to examine and open yourself up to limitless learning.  Push past the unrealistic idea of perfecting yourself and strive for self-awareness, environmental awareness and the awareness of the varying perspectives of others.   Don’t avoid the examination process because you fear being wrong.  Don’t seek the examination process to ensure being right!  Move beyond those limiting theories and let your goal be to become an Explorer of Self and use all that you learn to serve and enrich yourself and your community.

~ Be ~

Written By Nieema Alford