Today’s society is obsessed with the way we look to others from the outside in. To defy the trend and be yourself requires a tremendous deal of bravery. I applaud people who make a statement of personal authority. However, it appears as though standing out in terms of clothing, hair color, body piercings, and decorations has become a rite of passage. It might be interpreted as a demonstration of defiance rather than a declaration of uniqueness.
My aim is not to throw shade on anyone’s exterior look, nor to name or criticize others. I would also encourage you to take the same stance. We are all doing our best with our current degree of awareness. Back to the primary topic, though.
As much as we crave attention, there are some who will do everything to maintain the status quo. They refuse to be recognized as unique out of fear of being singled out. They may be fearful of disclosing their anxieties and flaws for fear of being judged and labeled.
What would happen if
What if, instead of attempting to fit in, you allowed yourself to be yourself? You see, we’re all frantically attempting to be someone we’re not, concealing ourselves behind a mask. By removing the mask and reconnecting with your own self, you may make a fundamental shift toward unification rather than division. Two questions exemplify the difficulty of this concept. Permit me to elaborate.
How do we establish a connection with the essence of our true selves?
Your spiritual essence is your fundamental self. It is founded on the concept that you are more than your physical body with thoughts and emotions. These are characteristics that facilitate interaction with your physical surroundings, but do not define you. Your thoughts and emotions are transient states that flow in and out like the tides of the ocean. It is irrational to cling to them, as they are transient situations. You may be angry now and peaceful tomorrow; thus, how do you describe yourself in light of these kind of circumstances?
Your true self
Your true self is frequently hidden under conditioned beliefs, attitudes, and concepts associated with an illusory self. Suffering arises when we attempt to live up to an idealized version of ourselves. We develop a persona, an image or resemblance of who we believe we should be in order to feel comfortable, loved, and deserving of ourselves. Unfortunately, reality is not always sympathetic to your self-image and may destroy it through a personal disaster, such as divorce, sickness, or bankruptcy.
The good news is that as we let go of our preconceived notions of who we should be, the genuine self emerges. The true self does not require defense or reinforcement, as it is egoless and transcends temporal constraints. Your true self is not confined by one’s own views or opinions about oneself; it is also not restricted by the requirements of the ego.
What if, in the process of connecting with our true selves, we come to despise who we are?
You cannot dispute what is true about your being – what is at the heart of your nature. You may have confused your spiritual nature with your ego; the part of you with needs, wants, and desires.
Suffering occurs when you choose to identify with the ego rather than the actual self. Your connection with the negative aspects of your nature are the egoic characteristics to which you have affixed yourself. Instead of resisting them, allow them to become a part of your spiritual being.
You cannot identify with or experience what you are not. You are not afraid, anxious, miserable, or unhappy. These are only states with which you have established a connection. By perceiving these states as transient emotions, the fundamental self rises above them; “I have the sensation of sadness” rather than “I am sad” may be a more accurate expression. Be mindful of what you associate with the prefix “I am…,” since this has the potential to elicit either powerful or debilitating attitudes.
Recognize your actual self
To become who you truly are, make an effort to disassociate yourself from your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, ideas, and ideals. I am not suggesting that they are not necessary components of your existence, but they obstruct your discovery of your true essence. They obstruct your spiritual growth by concealing the actual self behind the shadow of what is already present – the ageless, loving essence of your soul beckoning you home.
