A journey towards knowing ourselves

Birkarnelzelzit Thiyam *

With this thought I lived - for feeling uncomfortable with the past we lived and afraid of what the future holds, is the struggle of an outcast. But as I inaugurate new perspectives of life-I seem to now open that it happens to most or all, being sandwiched by past and future.

The concept of living in the moment never sounded real to me as it speaks of nothing but offering short-sightedness-I thought so. These questions never fared well from my belongings. Therefore as a consequence, I always magnetized myself towards having a domino effect leading to the seed of all questions, i.e. WHO AM I? Why on earth is he so handsome ?

I think he is Indian - or maybe not, I said to myself when I came across this man named Jay Shetty. Speaks a lot of spirituality and many more yet cushions himself in humbleness. Beyond all earthly possessions and materialistic concrete he wears a smile that speaks more than the personality his soul holds.

Ever since I watched his weekly moral bites on youtube - I have always been a big follower and an admirer. Heard of his book - THINK LIKE A MONK, but never got a chance to drive around the city's book corner to grab one for myself.

But last week when I was travelling, I grabbed one. I would say the book is light navy blue in color and most importantly lights up the book with his beautiful smile on the front cover. So, WHO AM I ? THINK LIKE A MONK -gave me the hope of fmding that answer for myself. I have heard and read a lot of people say - I am what I think I am.

But in 1902, a sociologist named Charls Horton Cooley said, 'I am not what I think I am, I am not what you think I am, I am what I think you think I am.' I guess it's so true. We live in a perception of ourselves, and we have lost our real selves as a result.

How can we recognise who we are and what makes us happy when we are chasing the distorted reflection of someone else's dreams ? Most of you readers might also be feeling the same. Lost at times or most of the time.

Not knowing what's your next move in life. Let's understand what Gauranga Das, one of the gurus of Jay Shettey projected, how we missed seeing the true versions of ourselves by looking at a dusty mirror. For he said -we are in a storeroom, lined with unused books and boxes full of artifacts unlike the rest of the ashram, which is always tidy and well swept.

This place is dusty and draped in cob-webs. The senior monk leads me up to a mirror and says, "what can you see?" Through the thick layer of dust, I can't see my reflection. I say as much and the monk nods. Then he wipes the arm of his robe across the glass.

A cloud of dust puffs into my face, stinging my eye and filling my throat. He says, 'Your identity is a mirror covered with dust. When you first look in the mirror, the truth of who you are and what you value is obscured. Clearing it may not be pleasant but only when that dust is gone can you see your true reflection.'

So, the very fundamental question of WHO AM I becomes very difficult to answer as we are all method actors to a certain degree. We have different personalities when we play online, at work, at home, at school or with friends.

I understand these different personas have their own benefits. As our identity has so many layers, we often lose sight of the real us. But you know ! The moment we lose sight of the real us - that is the end of the game.

Therefore when you go to bed tonight, when lights are off, when you open your eyes yet see nothing - ask who are you? What kind of thoughts are allies with your instincts? Ask today. I hope you fmd the answer.

And if you do please email me and tell me who you are ?