Do You Know Who You Are?
- The Rambling Man
- Sep 25, 2023
- 3 min read
"The only journey is the one within." - Rainer Maria Rilke
When was the last time you looked at yourself in the mirror and i don't mean to make sure your teeth are clean or that your hair is done, but actually looked at yourself. Do you recognise the person that you see? The harder question is do you like what you see?
With life constantly changing and evolving, so are we. The difference is that we rarely stop and self-reflect as to what has happened to us. I for one can tell you that the I'm not the same person I was 5 years ago. I haven't quite figured out if that's a good thing or not. There are times that I miss THAT guy and other times that I'm grateful to not be THAT guy anymore.
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We live in a society that bombards us with external influences – societal norms, social media, peer pressure, and the expectations of others. In this cacophony, it can be easy to lose sight of your true self. Identifying who you genuinely are amidst these external pressures can be a daunting task. However, it's a journey worth embarking on.
When we go through tough time and it "feels" like the world is against us, we sometimes get sucked into that dark hole and start to spiral. This inevitably causes behavioural changes and there leads you to act out of character. Problem with acting out of character is that it can cause internal conflict. We can go on like this for years and develop shallow breath and anxiety.
"To thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." - Shakespeare
We owe it to ourselves to live our truth. To be the best version of ourselves. This task is impossible if you don't know yourself. Who are you? You are an intentional creation of a perfect God. You are not the product of change or luck but rather a product of divine love.
Self-recognition and self-evaluation are lifelong endeavors. You are not a fixed entity; you are a constantly evolving being. Embrace the journey of self-discovery, and you'll find that knowing who you really are is a powerful tool for living a meaningful and authentic life. As the poet Rumi wisely said, "Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth."
Recognizing yourself is an ongoing process that demands time, patience, and honesty. It can be uncomfortable at times, as you confront your flaws and past mistakes. However, it's through these challenges that you grow and evolve.
Here are a few tips for effective self-evaluation:
Set Aside Time: Dedicate regular moments for self-reflection. It could be daily journaling, weekly meditation, or monthly self-assessment.
Be Honest: Confront your truths, both positive and negative, without judgment. Self-recognition begins with accepting who you are.
Seek Feedback: Sometimes, others see aspects of ourselves that we might miss. Encourage honest feedback from friends, family, or mentors.
Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your reflections. Over time, you'll witness your personal growth and better understand your journey.
Conclusion
Rather than further ramblings, I leave you with an excerpt from a poem called The Dance by Oriah Mountain Dreamer:
The Dance
I have sent you my invitation,
the note inscribed on the palm of my hand by the fire of living.
Don’t jump up and shout, “Yes, this is what I want! Let’s do it!”
Just stand up quietly and dance with me.
Show me how you follow your deepest desires,
spiralling down into the ache within the ache,
and I will show you how I reach inward and open outward
to feel the kiss of the Mystery, sweet lips on my own, every day.
Don’t tell me you want to hold the whole world in your heart.
Show me how you turn away from making another wrong without abandoning yourself
when you are hurt and afraid of being unloved.
Tell me a story of who you are,
and see who I am in the stories I live.
And together we will remember that each of us always has a choice.
Don’t tell me how wonderful things will be . . . some day.
Show me you can risk being completely at peace,
truly okay with the way things are right now in this moment,
and again in the next and the next and the next. . .
Oriah, Mountain Dreamer
Trusting our creator and our journey is of utmost importance. If only more people realised this. Self reflection on a regular basis will help you understand how far you've come, how well you've done and what you need to do.