Meet Yourself

By Pavel G. Somov, Ph.D.

Richard Davidson, PhD, a neuroscientist, says this about meditation: “The roots of the word ‘meditation’ in Sanskrit comes from the word ‘familiarization.’ And according to that definition, meditation is actually familiarizing yourself with your own mind.”

This is very good. In my work as a clinician I am often asked to define meditation. Mediation – as a process of familiarization with your own mind – is a great way of defining what meditation is.

But what is familiarization? Familiarization is a getting-to-know, an encounter, a meeting. A meeting with yourself, in this case.

So, don’t be a stranger to yourself. Pay a visit! Go ahead and knock on your mind’s door. Ask yourself: “Who’s there?”

Related: The 10th Mirror

Reference: Changing Your Brains, Changing Ourselves (Lea Winerman’s interview of Dr. Davidson in Sept 2012 Monitor on Psychology)

photo credit: forayinto35mm

Pavel Somov, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the author of "Eating the Moment" (New Harbinger, 2008), "Present Perfect" (NH, 2010), "The Lotus Effect" (NH, 2010), "Smoke Free Smoke Break" (2011), and "Reinventing the Meal" (2012). He is in private practice in Pittsburgh, PA. His book website is www.eatingthemoment.com

Marla Somova, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is the co-author of "Smoke Free Smoke Break" (2011).

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Last reviewed: 11 Sep 2012

APA Reference
Somov, P. (2012). Meet Yourself. Psych Central. Retrieved on June 19, 2013, from http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mindful-living/2012/09/meet-yourself/