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The Process of Self-Realization

The Process of Self-Realization by Nathalie Strassburg
  1. What is Self-realization?
  2. The 4 Phases of Self-realization
  3. The 10 Key Elements of Self-Realization

What is Self-realization?

Self-realization is knowing yourself.

Self-realization is a term used in psychology, philosophy, and spirituality to refer to fulfilling our needs to become an authentic self that lives to our fullest potential. The process of Self-realization is what the game of life is really about, it is a process of individual empowerment and unifying our consciousness.

There are certain needs that we meet on the road to self-realization. They include physiological needs, safety needs, belonging, self-esteem, cognitive and aesthetic needs.


Self-realization is the road to inner peace and joy.

The 4 Phases of Self-realization

Undefined self

The undefined self is the homogenised self that has been developed through conditioning to fit into the family, community, and culture in which we find ourselves. Currently this is the state of most people.

At this stage, our individual’s sense of self is located outside, we are really living through others. What this means is that our value and worth is defined by others. We can feel powerless at this stage, feel unfulfilled, live a life that we do not like, feel depressed, be in co-dependent relationships, enmeshment, lack of trust in life, lack of enthusiasm, lack of emotional well-being, lack of purpose and isolation. Our intuition cannot function coherently when our sense of self is located outside of ourselves.

Authentic self

Individuation is the process by which we come to distinguish ourselves from others. In psychology it is understood as the process by which a self develops through integrating elements of our personality with life experiences. It is the part of our development where we transcend group attachment. This process can start in teenage years if the parents are emotionally mature enough themselves to accommodate uniqueness.

The defined self has healthy boundaries, developed self-awareness, is mindful of themselves and others, is emotionally mature, actively aspires, intuitive, and open minded. For the authentic self our sense of self is centered within ourselves, we meet our needs, and we work to integrate new knowledge and experiences.

Higher Self

As we embody more of our authentic self, our relationship with life, to others and the world transforms. We move beyond personal preferences and self interest. The wisdom that we gain through the process inspires us to live intentionally, as an example for others, and for a higher purpose.

At this stage we embody a much greater, and more refined frequency as matter and spirit come together. We experience a greater sense of fulfillment, vitality, synchronicity and abundance.

Liberated Self

The process of transformation and individuation can lead an individual to see the truth behind the veil of our worldly experience. We can truly know within ourselves that we are not the character, or roles we play here, but the player.

The 10 Key Elements of Self-Realization

  1. Self-awareness and body-awareness.
  2. Self-acceptance and self-love.
  3. Self-nurturing and cultivation.
  4. Emotional well-being and maturity.
  5. Mindfulness and conscious decision making.
  6. Self-inquiry and investigation (questioning everything, especially habits and beliefs).
  7. Open-mindedness, aspiring to higher truths and higher purpose.
  8. Expanded perspectives, meta cognition, meditation, stillness.
  9. Perseverance and devotion.
  10. Equanimity and the ability to integrate polarities.

Motivational & Inspirational Messages

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