What does it take to understand yourself?

Something that has always been a question in people's minds, although they may not wish to admitt to it or come to terms with it..

At times, we may feel like we are misunderstood, that we are alone in our thoughts and views, it can often be depressing, and it may even affect ones behaviour. The main problem faced here is a difficulty in communication, we often find it hard to express our feelings in the right manner, either because we are unsure, scared, or because we are nervous and do not know what to expect. I have noticed that humans seem to find it important to over express their sanity and adjust themselves to what they find to be the "norm" this can be adequate and vital at times, yet it does not help one to reveal their inner self.

There are people who think deeply and as a result begin to complicate their lives with their thoughts, thoughts which i may add may very well be ahead of other people's thinking capacities, which makes it hard for another person to understand.

The statement "philosophy is for the philosopher" always makes me think that when a person comes up with a certain concept that they understand, they may have to face the fact that other people who may be less perceptive, may not be able to see the concept in the same way, if they can see it at all.

Coming back to the title, I must emphasise that it is very important for a person to express themselves in order for them to understand themselves, this may sound barmy.. but sometimes it helps to think aloud, to speak to yourself about how you feel, make sure you do it when your alone so people dont think your insane :p Stare at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself what you see, are you the same person inside? Write your thoughts in a diary, or paint, sketch, draw.. anything that allows you to think peacefully without outside emotions.