Rethinkography: The Unveiling of Inner Reflections through Metaphorical Faces

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What It’s About

The image before us is an evocative work of street art, portraying three faces, each with distinct expressions, poised side by side on a concrete wall. These figures, rendered with bold strokes and subtle shades, evoke a profound narrative of identity, contemplation, and the shifting states of the self. In their expressions and placement lies a potent metaphor for the journey of self-exploration, both within the private sphere and the professional realm. Through this lens, we delve into how these figures symbolize the philosophical and psychological journey of “Rethinking” as it pertains to self-management.

The Metaphor: Three Phases of Self-Encounter

The trio of figures represents the multifaceted nature of self-perception and the interplay between our past, present, and aspirational selves. Each face embodies a different stage of awareness:

The Stoic Observer (Left)

With an expression of composed detachment, this figure reflects the stage of initial observation – a calm, albeit distant, awareness of one’s reality. It symbolizes the moments when we view our actions and thoughts from an objective standpoint, disconnected yet assessing.

The Reflective Witness (Center)

The central figure, adorned with the faintest hue of wistful melancholy, mirrors the phase of deeper introspection. This stage embodies emotional engagement and the vulnerability that comes with facing one’s truths. Here, reflection turns from mere observation to an earnest reckoning with one’s inner narrative.

The Resilient Visionary (Right)

With eyes that seem to pierce beyond the constraints of the moment, this final face represents the resolve and vision needed to move forward. This is the stage where insights gained from introspection transform into a directed, adaptive outlook that seeks growth and change.

Philosophical Perspective: The Search for Authenticity

From a philosophical standpoint, these faces evoke the eternal human quest for authenticity, a journey described by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger. Sartre’s concept of “bad faith” reminds us that it is only through the honest confrontation of our actions and choices that we escape the trap of self-deception. The three figures represent this evolution – from initial acknowledgment (the Stoic Observer) to the probing depths of existential reflection (the Reflective Witness) and finally to the emergence of an authentic, proactive self (the Resilient Visionary).

Psychological Insight: The Dynamics of Self-Management

Psychologically, these depictions can be seen as embodying the stages of emotional and cognitive processing essential for effective self-management. The first figure’s stoicism represents the cognitive skill of mindful detachment, allowing for objective analysis without immediate judgment. The second figure embodies emotional intelligence, confronting one’s inner landscape with empathy and acceptance. Finally, the third figure represents resilience – the ability to integrate these insights into adaptive strategies and behaviors.

The art, therefore, is not merely aesthetic but instructive, echoing Carl Jung’s principle that “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” Each face calls us to a different dimension of self-awareness and the challenges of reconciling our varied inner selves.

Self-Management Rethinking Tips

Reflect

Private Life: Engage in mindful observation. Set aside moments each day to detach from your immediate emotions and observe your thoughts. Note recurring patterns and consider how these reflections mirror the Stoic Observer—detached yet present.

Professional Life: Create an “evaluation buffer” in your workday. This involves pausing between tasks to take an impartial view of your actions and decisions, mimicking the composed gaze of the first figure.

Analyze

Private Life: Embrace the deeper stage of self-reflection as symbolized by the Reflective Witness. Write down the emotions associated with your key thoughts and experiences. Allow yourself to question why certain patterns persist and what underlying beliefs fuel them.

Professional Life: Implement reflective team discussions where you openly address what went well and what didn’t. Encourage a safe space for vulnerability, akin to the central figure’s introspective openness.

Advance

Private Life: Embody the spirit of the Resilient Visionary. Take one action daily that aligns with the insights gained from your reflections. This might be setting a boundary or pursuing a neglected passion.

Professional Life: Apply lessons learned to future projects with confidence. Adjust your workflow or leadership approach to integrate new strategies that promote resilience and adaptability. Let the visionary energy of the third figure guide your forward momentum

Conclusion

The street art, though seemingly simple, serves as a profound visual metaphor for the nuanced process of self-management. Each face is a reminder that effective self-leadership encompasses mindful observation, introspective honesty, and resilient action. Whether navigating personal growth or professional challenges, the path of Rethinking calls for a deliberate cycle of reflection, analysis, and advancement. Through this process, one can ascend to a state of authentic presence – where life, like the art itself, is enriched by each layer of understanding.

Designing Your Personal Present and Future - Reflect. Analyze. Advance. — Designing Your Personal Present and Future – Reflect. Analyze. Advance.