What it’s all about
Rethinkography uses powerful photographic metaphors to visualise new ways of thinking. Each image symbolises a moment of rethinking that makes it possible to question established ways of thinking and acting and to develop new, future-oriented solutions.
The image of a woman gazing into the shadows without being overwhelmed by them provides a fitting metaphor for an essential topic in self-management: self-reflection and emotional resilience. These two principles are central to living and working successfully and autonomously.
Self-Reflection as the Foundation
Self-reflection is the process of consciously observing and questioning our own behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. In a hectic daily routine, whether in private life or at work, we often tend to switch to autopilot. We act reactively rather than becoming aware of the mechanisms that drive our actions. This is where the problem lies: those who do not reflect quickly lose track of their inner motivations, fears, and blockages.
The woman in the image stands in the shadow but is not consumed by it. This shadow represents the unconscious or unexplored parts of ourselves – our insecurities, fears, or hidden emotions. Instead of fleeing from this shadow, the image shows a woman calmly and consciously standing within it. This symbolises the crucial moment of self-reflection: facing one’s own shadows instead of running away from them.
Developing Emotional Resilience
In addition to self-reflection, emotional resilience – often referred to as resilience – is a key pillar of self-management. Resilience describes the ability to recover from setbacks, manage crises, and maintain inner balance in stressful situations. This is crucial for living and working healthily and successfully in the long term.
The shadows in the image also represent life’s challenges: setbacks, uncertainties, and stress. But rather than fleeing or closing her eyes to them, the woman remains present. She faces these shadows courageously, symbolising a person who has developed emotional resilience. The key to this resilience is acceptance. Those who accept the darker sides of life lose their fear of them and can emerge stronger.
Philosophical Perspective: Shadows as an Integral Part of Life
From a philosophical perspective, dealing with the shadow side of life is nothing new. Plato, in his allegory of the cave, used shadows as a symbol of what we do not understand or are deluded by. It is each individual’s task to go beyond the mere perception of the shadow to find the “sun” of true understanding.
Similarly, the “shadows” in self-management are not obstacles to be overcome but inevitable aspects of life that can lead us to deeper understanding. This acceptance leads to inner sovereignty, a state in which external circumstances do not disturb us because we have learned to integrate the shadow aspects of life rather than repress them.
Psychological Perspective: The Shadow Principle according to C.G. Jung
Psychologically, Carl Gustav Jung developed the concept of the “shadow,” referring to the unconscious parts of our personality that we repress or do not wish to acknowledge. According to Jung, integrating these shadow aspects is crucial for mental health and personal growth.
In terms of self-management, this means that we must make our fears, insecurities, and hidden emotions conscious in order to remain internally stable. The woman in the image symbolises this integration by not escaping her shadow but confronting it head-on.
The Path to Self-Empowerment
Self-management is the art of actively and consciously shaping one’s own life. But to achieve this, we must learn to face our own shadow sides, reflect on them, and develop resilience. This leads to a form of self-empowerment that allows us to lead our lives and work from a position of inner strength.
Practical Implementation Tip: The “Shadow Days” Method
To integrate the power of self-reflection and emotional resilience into your daily life, try the “Shadow Days” method:
- Schedule weekly “Shadow Days”, where you consciously set aside time to reflect on a challenge or recurring pattern in your life.
- Write down what comes to mind on these days: What emotions arise? What thoughts come to the forefront?
- Accept what you discover without trying to change it immediately. Change comes in time through acceptance.
- Take small steps: Ask yourself what you can do to improve the situation without overwhelming yourself. What is the first small step towards a solution?
Through regular self-reflection and consciously confronting your shadow sides, you can develop emotional resilience and emerge stronger from difficult situations. The woman in the image symbolises this inner strength and calm, which you too can cultivate in your life.
Reflect. Analyse. Advance.
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