We all like to think that there is no one else that knows us better than ourselves, and while this may be true, what we do know is information we've collected by reflection and we all know that reflections are not always entirely accurate representations of the truth. Now whether that reflection came from within us or from others can make a huge difference, as this can often affect our sense of worth and self-confidence.
The importance of our inner dialogue is perhaps more than most realize and whether the voices are positive or negative, it's best we listen to what they have to say. If we can learn to objectively view ourselves, our thoughts and inner working from a neutral place, we allow a space for ourselves to grow safely into our greatest potential. Not just being a commander or judge, but a kind watcher, a guide so to speak that understands that flaws are perfect, and mistakes are necessary.
It's when we don't allow ourselves this space that we tend to become very unkind to ourselves and thus begin to see the world as such also. We might begin comparing ourselves and feel jealous or resentful towards others, overlooking the good qualities that lie within us. This often causes people to create false personas, or masks where we feel we need to look, act or be a certain way and we strive to fit into categories or be described certain ways in order for us to be accepted by family, friends, and society in general.
We can make a list of 100 adjectives describing ourselves ranging from “organized” to “over-thinker” and while these words can come from a myriad of seemingly reliable and convincing places; past traumas, our parents, teachers, friends, society in general, and even our very own track-record of habits, these words do not make us. Nor do the experiences or sources from which they came.
We can name off all of our favorite things, all of the things that might get on our nerves and everything in between, but do our likes and dislikes really define us? How about all of the material possessions we’ve worked so hard to accumulate over the years? Where does “out there” end and “we” begin?
Well, I guess that would all depend on who you’re asking as even the answer to that question is based on perception and one’s own level of conscious awareness. But regardless of where you are with that, what remains true is we are NOT what happens to us, we are NOT our opinions or beliefs (and especially NOT the opinions and beliefs of others), and we are NOT our possessions.
If anything, these are all mere extension of an identity we’ve established for ourselves to maintain the facade of safety the ego requires for its survival, and no matter how real it might appear to be, all is illusory except that which cannot be taken from you. One can spend hours pondering exactly what “this” is, but it’s actually quite simple. What remains when we remove all of that “stuff” is your pure, divine, Conscious Awareness…because THAT, my friend…is who YOU really are.
What we’re talking about here is not the self with a little “s”, but the Self with a big “S” or what some might even call the Higher Self. It is (if it’s weird to say that “we” are), your direct link to Source Consciousness, The Universe, God, whatever term you prefer to use. It has no agenda other than to exist for itself (ALL) and just BE. This could also be considered your intuition or gut feelings; that inner voice that somehow always seems to save your ass at the last minute…if you happen to be so brave to actually listen to it.
Unfortunately, we are not taught this in school. And for most of us, the truth of who we really are begins to get piled over, layer and layer the day we are born. We are stamped with a name, nationality, religion, etc. and all of the accompanying assumptions that go along with being either gender. And if we end up growing up to challenge these labels, we are most often considered a rebel or told it’s wrong and we need to conform, be quiet and simply accept “who we are”. 
But as we’ve come to learn, these are all masks that hide our true identity. Upon arrival into this world we are literally without nameless; without identity. We are the perfect union of spirit and skin manifest as dual divine light, to learn of and heal what we might even call our very own darkness. I prefer to say it’s those parts of ourselves we simply forgot to love.
Who doesn’t want to be loved and accepted for who they are? But how many of us actually give this give of acceptance to others? Let us start with ourselves by removing the masks; uncovering the layers within and letting the truth of who we really are, reveal itself and come to the surface. If we can all learn to create a safe space such as this for not only ourselves but others as well…just imagine what the world could be like…
If we raised children to be confident in self-expression and to always feel loved and that their opinions, questions and curiosities matter, then we will help to create adults who are confident, more loving and thus more capable of seeing love in others. This, I believe, is ultimately how we change the world…by first letting it change us, back into who we were all along.
Tamara Rant is a Co-Editor/Writer for CLN as well as a Licensed Reiki Master, heart-centered Graphic Designer and a progressive voice in social media activism & awareness. She is an avid lover of all things Quantum Physics and Spirituality. Connect with Tamara by visiting Prana Paws/Healing Hearts Reiki or go to RantDesignMedia.com
Tamara posts new original articles to CLN every Saturday.
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This article was originally created and published by Conscious Life News and is published here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Tamara Rant and ConsciousLifeNews.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this Copyright/Creative Commons statement.
