Who Are You, Really? A Journey Into Identity
Have you ever paused to ask yourself, “Who am I?” Not just your name, job title, or the roles you play in life, but something deeper—beyond the surface? This question has puzzled thinkers, philosophers, and seekers for centuries. At the end of a retreat I led years ago at Shalom Mountain, a dear friend summed it up perfectly:
“It’s all a question of identity.”
Let’s take a moment to unpack that.
Stripping Away the Labels
Consider for a moment: you are not your name. You are not your job. You are not your role as a parent, partner, or friend. You’re not even defined solely by your gender or the societal expectations attached to it.
These labels, while meaningful in their contexts, are not the essence of who you are. Imagine setting them aside—just for a moment. Who, or what, remains?
A Radical Shift in Perspective
What if we took a different stance altogether?
What if you are the universe having a "you" experience?
Or, for those who lean toward a theistic view, what if you are God having a "you" experience?
Pause for a second and try this on. What would change if you saw yourself as a unique expression of the divine, living out this exact moment in your specific circumstances?
The Impact of a New Identity
When you step into this perspective, your view of the world may start to shift:
Your Life:
Every experience—joyful or challenging—takes on new meaning. You may begin to see each moment as part of a grander unfolding, a purposeful expression of being.World Events:
Events that once felt overwhelming might seem like ripples in a vast ocean, interconnected yet not defining the totality of existence.Relationships:
When you are the divine experiencing itself through your unique lens, how do you see others? Perhaps you’ll notice their divine essence, too, leading to greater compassion and connection.
An Invitation
Try this worldview on—not permanently, but as an experiment. Spend a few minutes, or even a whole day, imagining yourself as the universe or the divine expressing itself through your life. Notice how it feels. Observe how it affects your interactions and decisions.
What Happens Next?
Does this shift in perspective bring new clarity or peace? Does it challenge your current beliefs or open doors to new possibilities? Whatever arises, embrace it with curiosity.
You are more than you think. Step into the mystery of who you are, and see where it leads.
Stay curious, and be well.
