sisämaailman

Sisämaailman is the genitive form of the Finnish noun sisämaailma, which denotes the inner world—the private mental life of a person. It encompasses thoughts, emotions, memories, dreams, fantasies, beliefs, and self-concept. The term is often contrasted with ulkoinen maailma, the outer world.

In psychology and psychotherapy, the concept is used to describe internal experiences, including self-talk and imagined scenarios; psychodynamic theories emphasize unconscious aspects, while modern cognitive approaches study internal narratives and affective processes. Distress may arise when inner experiences are suppressed, ignored, or in conflict with outward behavior or social norms.

In literature and art, the inner world is explored through introspection, stream of consciousness, symbolism, and dream imagery to illuminate character and identity.

Cultural and spiritual dimensions view the inner world as a site of creativity, moral reflection, and spiritual life; practices like meditation aim to understand or adjust the inner life.

See also: consciousness, self, imagination, phenomenology, dream.