Insight

Insight cannot be achieved by simply accepting the superficial. Complacency is the enemy of insight. Peeling back the layers of experience by observation and experimentation leads to greater depth of human experience.

I find it tempting to go with the flow when I am materially comfortable. Holding on to comfort can become an unconscious priority when unquestioned or unchallenged. I am discovering that aging raises the value of simple comforts. Freedom from pain and freedom from anxiety over what the future may hold become driving forces. I believe this lies at the root of the conservatism common among many older people who have managed to secure a comfortable lifestyle. 

The other side of aging is an unavoidable insight into the things which make me uncomfortable. This insight is perhaps more voluntarily conscious in my case, since I incorporate self-awareness into my daily practice. I know from experience that many simply stop doing those things that make them uncomfortable without thinking much about it. This often includes conversations about some of the most basic realities of life and aging. 

By beginning with the exploration of insight into my own thoughts and behavior, I develop greater ability to sift out my subjective filters of perception from the more objective, surface reality around me. This naturally leads to compassion. It also leads to a greater ability to avoid negativity in myself and coming from others. This is the paradox of self-confidence. Increased skepticism about my own motives actually increases my self-confidence as I gain greater understanding of them. Intentional, inquisitive self-doubt increases my self-trust. The resulting self-confidence allows me to feel safer (less defensive) and more emotionally generous (compassionate) in my environment.

Meditation, psychotherapy and meaningful group interaction are all methods which have helped me to develop insight. Reading about the way the brain works and about the psychology of individuals and groups is very helpful as well. Insight is a natural product of this kind of brain development.