Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about life experiences and the role that reflection plays in self-understanding.  As we go through life, we experience both positive and negative seasons that contribute to our whole self. Sometimes, when times get quiet, I allow myself to engage in self-reflection. This can be challenging at times because it requires you to come face-to-face with some of the rawest and difficult components of your life.  “Why” was the word that kept coming up in my mind.  Why did things play out the way that they did? Why does difficulty exist? Why am I feeling this way?  “Why?” is one of the most human and primitive questions we ask ourselves. Throughout human history, drawing meaning from the past is what drove progress.  The question of “why?” allows us to formulate our understanding and dive deeper with a sense of curiosity. Asking “why?” also allows us to peel back the layers, and with time, we may get to the core of our identity.  As humans, we learn from a very early age that our words have meaning.  Through reflection, our understanding is deepened, and connections are made in previously unknown areas. It also allows us to draw on the knowledge that is currently available so that we can venture to the deepest parts of our soul. Some of this work can be done in therapy while other parts will be done in reflective silence.