Google the Soul: 20 Tools for Self-Illumination and decode your inner world - Episode 3
Understand the pros and cons of 20 tools, from scientific assessments to methods that delve into the subconscious, in order to understand yourself and the world around you.
Googling the world outside is easy. You open your laptop or unlock your phone, hit a single click, you can dive freely into humanity’s ocean of knowledge. On the internet, almost everything is readily accessible.
But ‘Googling the inside’ is often a difficult search for many people. It’s difficult because not every question is answered honestly. Even when you hold in your hands tools that seem perfect, like a lifeline, you still flounder to reflect on yourself, unsure of what is the truth and what is merely a misconception.
It’s not a coincidence that I’ve ‘experienced’ these ‘self-understanding’ tools and ‘personal development’ programs. While working with the youth and clients, I noticed that each age group carries its own unique concerns about identity themselves, yet they all coincidentally seek out one, a few, or all of these instruments: from scientific assessments like MBTI, DISC, and StrengthsFinder, to reflective methods like Tarot, Points of You, or numerology, etc.
Self-understanding is like having a compass that helps you stop holding yourself to harsh expectations (which is different from aspiration or beautiful ambition, which is pure energy), allowing you to walk through life with deep inner strength.
Based on my understanding gained from reading, researching, applying these tools, and participating in specialized training programs, I’m sharing with you an approach to these instruments and methods. A way to Google your inner world, to decode what is hidden deep beneath the iceberg of your subconscious with balance, courage, and genuine goodwill toward your own life.
The tools and methods are categorized into 3 main groups as presenting below:
Group 1: Core Personality and Tendencies/ Temperament
Big Five (OCEAN), Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), MBTI & 16 Personalities, DISC, Enneagram
Group 2: Motivation and Orientation Assessment
John Holland (RIASEC), Strength Finder (Gallup), Grit Scale, Personal Value Assessment (PVA), Ikigai
Group 3: Exploring Potential and Perspective
Meditation & Contemplation, Family Tree Analysis (Genogram), Wheel of Life, Neuro-Linguistic Programming - NLP, Points Of View (PoV), Dreams Signs Symbol Interpretation (UCM), Silva Method, Numerology, Fingerprint Biometrics (Dermatoglyphics), Tarot
11. Meditation & Contemplation
Definition
Meditation is a mental exercise and mind-body practice focused on training attention and awareness. The form studied extensively in modern psychology is Mindfulness, which helps the practitioner achieve clarity, reduce emotional reactivity, and enhance focus. Contemplation in Buddhism refers to deep, conscious observation (Vipassanā) to clearly perceive the impermanent and true nature of all phenomena.
Methodology
A practice-based method of training the mind to achieve a state of focus and awareness, helping to observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Application
Meditation and Contemplation help you understand yourself at the deepest and most direct level, reducing identification with negative thoughts and emotions.
Reliability
Has strong neuroscientific evidence regarding its positive effects on mental health and focus ability.
Understanding more about Meditation and the Unexplored Dimensions
12. Family Tree Analysis (Genogram)
Definition
Genogram is a clinical tool developed in family therapy, notably through the work of Murray Bowen on Family Systems Theory.
Methodology
A method of recording and analyzing relationship patterns, behaviors, and significant events across at least three generations within a family.
Application
Genogram helps you understand how family legacies (trauma, beliefs) influence your current personality and relationship patterns.
Reliability
Possesses high validity in clinical psychology and systemic family therapy.
Reference sources:
13. Wheel of Life
Definition
A simple coaching tool widely used for rapidly assessing the level of balance and satisfaction in one’s life.
Methodology
A visual diagram dividing life into key areas (Career, Finance, Health, Relationships, etc.) and requiring self-rating of satisfaction levels.
Application
The Wheel of Life helps you assess balance and quickly identify which area needs immediate action and goal-setting.
Reliability
This is not a scientific tool, but a highly practical self-assessment tool for personal goal management.
Reference sources:
Bánh xe Cuộc đời (Wheel Of Life) (Canada Government)
Career Development (Canada Government)
14. Neuro-Linguistic Programming - NLP
Definition
NLP was developed in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who modeled the language, behavior, and thinking strategies of excellent therapists.
Methodology
Based on the connection between Neuro (Nervous System), Linguistic (Language), and Programming (changeable behavioral patterns).
Application
NLP helps you understand the structure of your experience and how your mind programs habits and beliefs, offering tools for rapidly changing unwanted behavior.
Reliability
Often considered pseudoscience due to a lack of strong empirical evidence for its core theories; however, practical techniques have high real-world effectiveness in coaching and skill development.
Reference sources:
15. Points Of View (PoV)
Definition
Points Of View (or The Coaching Game) is a creative coaching and therapeutic tool utilizing imagery, developed by Ofra Ayalon and Efrat Shani.
Methodology
Uses artistic image cards combined with provocative questions to stimulate intuition and emotion, helping users view issues from a new perspective.
Application
PVA ensures alignment between goals and life values, reducing internal conflict and increasing decision-making clarity.
Reliability
PoV helps you break through cognitive deadlocks and access information hidden in the subconscious through visual association.
Reference sources:
16. Dreams Signs Symbols Interpretation (UCM)
Definition
The method was developed by expert Francis L. Kaya (UCM Center), focusing on the symbolic interpretation of life.
Methodology
Based on decoding the symbolic language of Dreams, Signs, and Symbols to understand memories, moral tendencies and the life program hidden in the subconscious and unconsciousness.
Application
Dreams Signs Symbols Interpretation with symbolic language helps you explore the root causes of problems from a subconscious level and offers spiritual guidance for fulfilling your personal mission.
Reliability
No recognized scientific basis; highly rooted in spiritual and metaphysical concepts.
Reference sources:
17. Silva Method
Definition
Developed by José Silva (1914–1999) starting in the 1960s, focusing on teaching users to control their state of consciousness.
Methodology
Based on achieving the Alpha State (deep relaxation with slower brain waves) to access the subconscious and enhance intuition and mental abilities.
Application
The Silva Method helps you tap into your brain’s potential by learning to enter a deep meditative state (Alpha/Theta) at will for self-healing, accelerated learning, and intuitive decision-making.
Reliability
No strong empirical scientific evidence for paranormal claims; however, relaxation and visualization techniques are valuable for stress reduction and focus improvement.
Reference sources:
18. Numerology
Definition
Numerology is an ancient system, often attributed to the Greek philosopher Pythagoras, that uses numbers to decode aspects of life and personality.
Methodology
Numerology is a specialty field that studies numbers and the vibrational effects of those numbers on human life. It is attributed to Pythagoras. Pythagoras and other philosophers of that era believed that because mathematical concepts were more “real” (easier to regulate and classify) than physical concepts, they possessed a higher degree of reality. It is a form of numerical reading, decoding the signals that life sends along with each individual human being in this existence.
Application
Numerology helps you gain a comprehensive, philosophical view of your potential, challenges, and soul purpose, and gain a better understanding of different facets of your personality.
Reliability
There is no scientific basis; it is considered for entertainment, spiritual, or personal belief purposes. It is an ancient method and can be used as reference information for self-understanding.
Reference sources:
Numerology (Wikipedia)
19. Fingerprint Biometrics (Dermatoglyphics)
Definition
Based on the link between fingerprints (formed concurrently with the brain during the fetal stage) and functional areas of the brain.
Methodology
Analyzes the shape and density of fingerprints to infer the innate potential of the two cerebral hemispheres and inherent learning styles.
Application
Fingerprint Biometrics helps you explore your natural aptitudes and potential learning strengths, particularly for children.
Reliability
Highly scientifically controversial (largely considered pseudoscientific); should only be referenced for purely suggestive purposes.
Reference sources:
20. Tarot
Definition
Tarot is a deck of cards originating in the 15th century, initially used for playing games but later widely adopted for divination and psychological analysis since the 18th century.
Methodology
Uses the symbols and hidden narratives in 78 cards to reflect aspects of life, emotions, and potential courses of action.
Application
Uses the symbols and hidden narratives in 78 cards to reflect aspects of life, emotions, and potential courses of action.
Reliability
No scientific basis; primarily relies on symbolic psychology and intuition.
Reference sources:
Tarot (Wikipedia)
Understand the Tools, Master the Journey
Self-understanding is essential, but you must remember: Each of these tools or methods is like a mirror reflecting the inner self. Used correctly, you can see everything more clearly; conversely, the resulting information may distort your perspective, leading to decisions that lack balance between logic and emotion.
Maximizing Potential: The Benefits of a Balanced Approach
When you approach self-understanding with selection and clarity regarding the purpose of applying these methods, the benefits you gain are truly useful and abundant:
Life Positioning: Because you reduce confusion when faced with choices. For instance, you use Holland to find your preferred field, the Grit Scale to know if you possess enough perseverance, and Strength Finder to focus on what you do best. You will clearly know where to invest your time to create sustainable results.
Deep Healing: Because you gain deeper insight into yourself. Suggestions include using Meditation/Contemplation to calm the mind, and the Genogram to understand and let go of family influences. You discover the true root of issues, rather than just attempting to conceal the matter.
Smooth Communication: Because you are open to connecting with everyone. For example, using DISC and MBTI to quickly identify the style of the person you are dealing with. This helps you adjust your way of speaking and working to create harmony and minimize conflicts.
Balanced Decision-Making: Because your choices are based on understanding and awareness. For instance, you consult the Big Five to grasp your stable behavioral tendencies before making major decisions, ensuring your choice is a consideration based on a foundation, not just a momentary emotion.
Mistakes and Constraints: Consequences of Injudicious Use
If you apply these tools without fully understanding their limitations, the resulting information can become a psychological burden:
Self-Imposed Limits: You view the results of MBTI or Enneagram as a final statement, leading you to self-label, refuse to try new things, and tell yourself: ‘I am this type of person, I’m not suited for that work.’
Misguided Choices: Relying on tools with unclear scientific basis to determine your future, disregarding real-life experience and the inner voice. This can lead to pursuing a path whose true meaning remains unclear to you.
Excessive Dependence: You seek answers in Numerology or Tarot every time you encounter difficulties, turning an insightful tool into a refuge to avoid self-analysis and decisive action. This causes you to gradually lose self-mastery over your own life.
Expand Your Perspective, Truly Master Your Inner Self
No single tool or method is perfect, and no assessment result can define your entire being. Understanding the pros and cons of each tool is the first step.
View every result as raw data that needs to be validated, questioned, and confirmed through real-life experience, rather than letting the tools and methods dictate your path.
You are the architect of your own personality and destiny. Use these instruments as lighthouses to help you see more clearly, instead of turning them into confining walls that limit your potential.
And the final thought to leave you with is that the goal is not to aim for a perfect score, but for you to learn and grow, to constantly expand your mindset and open your heart to this wonderful life.
Read full episodes: Google the Soul: Tools for Self-Illumination and decode your inner world