I think it is fundamentally important for people to explore themselves. I believe it is a major factor in happiness. The study of yourself is an endless process, and nobody else can do it even marginally as well as you.
You need to check in with yourself multiple times every single day (especially true for women). Ask yourself how you're feeling, why you're feeling it, how you feel about your feelings, what you're thinking, how do you feel about any new information or experiences that have entered your life, what do you need, what do you want, etc. It's a process of self acceptance.
People say that your 20's are a time of self exploration. But I think it should be a lifelong process. Because you are always changing and having new experiences, right? Even your basic body chemistry will be different when you are 50 than it is when you are 30, and that chemistry has a major impact on your thoughts, emotions, etc. So you need to keep checking back in to see what's changed.
I've found this to be my form of non-traditional meditation. I can't clear my mind of everything; that's just not possible for me. But if I endeavor to understand myself, be in tune with myself and my feelings, then I feel balanced and in charge of my life. You could say it's a sense of inner peace. And if I have that, then I can open up to more new experiences, new ideas, new people, as well as giving to those around me in the arenas of friendship and support.
