Naikan Reflection, What is it?
Posted on September 27, 2022 by Nate Weinstein , One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Naikan reflection helps to increase insight into supportive factors in your life that tend go unnoticed. We usually see the figure, not the ground.
Naikan therapy is a Japanese based method of introspection. This method works by helping one review experiences and relationships from early life up to the present, with the goal of gaining better insight into who we are in relation to self and others. Gregg Krech of the ToDo Institute notes “Naikan broadens our view of reality. It’s as if, standing on top of a mountain, we shift from a zoom lens to a wide-angle lens.” Naikan is a practice you will learn to incorporate into your life, not unlike how one develops a practice of meditation.
Naikan is an alternative form to traditional Western psychotherapy, but unlike therapy, naikan practice doesn’t emphasis process of emotion. It’s an exploration in insight and perception. Its origin is rooted in Zen Buddhism and consists of guided self reflection, and meditative introspection. Unlike Zen Buddhism, Naikan is exempt of the spiritual teachings, but for some, this can be an integral aspect to the process itself.
Traditionally, in Japan, Naikan is practiced in the form of a one week to three week long retreat, where individuals detach from the day to day aspects of life, fully immersing themselves in the practice throughout the day. This practice has been modified to meet the busy lives of Western tempo incorporating journaling and feedback, and is not unlike a weekly holistic session you find with other eastern based healing practices. This approach is generally time limited with continuing support as needed.
