Reflection 13

When reading the Article about Understanding the Self, many important concepts pop out of the page. Evolution of the “self” continues throughout our lives even without our consent or knowledge. Like many things, it comes at a different speed and rate for everyone. At first, we grow with the help of the four primary learned input channels; Such as, Auditory Cues, physical sensations, Body images and personal memories. Auditory Cues are things like hearing your own name being spoken, Descriptive language and the use of language itself. Physical Sensations are things like stretching, crawling, rolling, rough touches, gentle touches and loneliness. Body Image is our basic senses and the information being taken in. Finally, Personal memories are the storage of initial experiences that can be both positive and negative. These channels help children become aware of the world around them. They help them to make sense of things on their own accord. Until this occurs a child is not seen to have a self concept. Soon, they begin to try and define themselves. They may use gender, hair color, eye color, age, size and anything they can find to be categorized. They begin to know who they are and be known be their name. As experiences begin to enter the child’s life, their minds are broadened .They begin to understand the world and place themselves as part of that world. When reading about Transformation, I really got interested when I read about how we reinvent ourselves. People take their experiences, all the good and the bad, and try to see ways to make them into a truth about them. No one in the world likes to feel weak, rejected, unwanted and plain Jane. So, we take the blandness and transform it into a precious gem. We do this to triumph over any obstacle that stands in the way of our future and success. We try to reinvent our identities. Some reinvent themselves all together, while others can merely do some small alterations. By doing this, self esteem and self concept can change as well. After your “new self” is presented to the world, it may be accepted and appealing to a lot more people. This acceptance will make you feel 100% better than what you did before. Therefore, it will increase your confidence. You will now walk with your head held high, be positive and cheerful. Change can be a good thing at some point in life. All we need to do is embrace the world around us for what it is.