Chapter 1: Understanding Our Journey

Many individuals are often unaware that they are on a journey—whether it be internal or external, it can manifest in both forms. Currently, many are experiencing this duality. A significant barrier to embracing this journey is our fear of emotions and the trauma that may need healing, whether from this life or past experiences. It's important to recognize that this isn't a personal failing.

In the past, psychology was evolving during a collective awakening, focusing on depth psychology to address unconscious beliefs that impede our lives. However, as time progressed, the field became fixated on aligning with medical sciences, leading to a loss of its foundational heart. This shift caused the focus to narrow solely on mental healing, often neglecting the body and spirit. Today, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently the only option offered, particularly for those seeking therapy through insurance in the United States. The era of therapists being proficient in psychodynamic or relationship-focused approaches seems to have diminished.

As we confront what can be termed a mental health crisis, driven by a global awakening, we must acknowledge that CBT alone is insufficient for addressing anxiety and depression. It is essential to revisit the roots of psychology, which existed before the fixation on being an "evidence-based science," and before the claim that everything about the universe and humanity is fully understood.

“Normal science, the activity in which most scientists inevitably spend almost all their time, is predicated on the assumption that the scientific community knows what the world is like.” — Thomas S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Psychology, as we know it today, has only been established since the 1870s, when Wilhelm Wundt linked physiology with human thought and behavior. Wundt's interest in human consciousness led him to develop the concept of introspection, where one reflects on their thoughts and feelings, distinguishing sensations from emotions. This process is akin to what we advocate for through meditation.

Over time, the "scientific" community dismissed introspection as a legitimate scientific method, causing psychology to abandon its core essence. Our spiritual paths today urge us to engage in introspection, allowing us to unveil our perceptions and elevate our consciousness.

Chapter 2: The Power of Introspection

As we step into 2021, it is prudent for us to turn inward and reflect on our past experiences in both scientific and spiritual contexts. Introspection, known as svadhyaya in yogic terminology, underscores the necessity of self-examination. By studying ourselves, we can foster a deeper connection with our higher selves and attain elevated states of consciousness.

When seeking a therapist, don’t be misled by the term “evidence-based practice.” You may benefit from a professional who can guide you in self-study, empowering you to become your own guru rather than relying on someone else to "fix" you. Utilize professionals as support systems in your self-exploration, but contemplate the need to return to introspection and svadhyaya to facilitate the progress necessary in these times.

Dr. Jennifer B. Rhodes, a licensed psychologist and relationship expert, is also the upcoming author of Toxic Insecurity: Our Search for Authentic Love. She specializes in assisting highly sensitive teens and young adults in managing anxiety, empathic abilities, and relational trauma stemming from romantic challenges or difficulties in parent-child dynamics through intuitive guidance, yoga, tango, and transpersonal psychology. Follow her on Instagram @jenniferbrhodes.