I think I would like to be myself, with the feeling that I am living out
my purpose. How great, but who and what that is, I wonder...
There is much purpose I could derive from my understanding of things and
meaning from my experiences. It seems there is an overabundance of
opinions on matters and directions to follow which makes it difficult to
develop a sense of continuity. There are some powerful practical
worldviews out there, but I've seen them as dangerous like a prison for
the mind. There are many things I would not like to be and have plenty
of first hand examples in mind. There must be more than avoiding pain
and suffering, or seeking power and dominance though they may provide
valuable lessons about a larger picture.
I would like to embrace my potentials, freely navigate possible paths,
augment my limitations, overcome my challenges all while being true to
the self (knowledge, memories, feelings, needs, desires, values). I
think this cannot be done by supressing myself but with affirmative
compassion and rational analysis of the self. Too much experience with
the former makes this a struggle, but since there were reasons for
taking that path I have to determine its meaning and seek
reconciliation. From this process might arise an answer to your question.
On 2/18/2010 9:27 AM, Molly wrote:
Expanding Identities
Who am I?
How you answer that question says a lot, not just about how you see
yourself, but also about how you see others and how you relate to the
world. And it’s an important question at this time in history when the
challenges of our global community are drawing us out of limited
identities based on "me" and "mine" into identities based on the "we"
of the whole planet.
Identities help us find our way in the world, navigate challenges and
make choices. They can be founded on anything from the color of our
skin or religious orientation, to goals we have achieved or dreams we
hold. Often during times of stress those boundaries can contract and
tighten—we protect what is ours more rigorously and separate ourselves
from the needs of others.
But times of struggle can also be motivation to expand our boundaries.
Instead of contracting around our own needs, we can open to the needs
of others, share resources, and choose to cooperate. As we do so, our
identities shift and the separation between "me" and "you" or "us" and
"them" seems less compelling and defining. But how can this happen?
Where do we start?
Its not easy letting go of strong identifications, opening to those
who are different than us, or finding ways to share resources and live
together peacefully. Expanding our identities is our choice, and our
imperative. We can restrict ourselves around a small "me" or around an
impenetrable group boundary. Or we can discover ways to relate more
deeply to others and life itself. It may be that not only our own
wellbeing, but the long-term viability of the entire earth is at
stake. It is up to each of us to answer and live the question, moment
by moment: Who would I like to be?
http://www.globalonenessproject.org/themes/expanding-identities
What do you think?
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