Figuring Out Our Self Identity

What is self-identity? Self...identity? Relax, buddy, it's not as cumbersome as you think - but admit it, you must identify with a lot of things. And this is NOT a good thing.

Suppose your favourite football side lost - most of us feel as if WE were outscored one-nil by the visiting side. Your automobile is stolen and you feel as if somebody made off with your cardiovascular system. Or maybe an insecure co-worker is letting off ad homonyms against you or resorting to character assassination - it feels as if somebody stabbed you in the heart! Do you have to go through this agony, and how can you get away from it?

Perhaps, if you can see what you are not. Having some clarity in this regard can act as a salve for the inevitable pain caused by identification. Here's a quick meditation exercise.

My Yogi's Self Identity Meditation Routine

Allow yourself to relax in a quiet place. Close your eyes, relax and take several deep breaths, breathing through your nose. Do not force the issue - breathe naturally all throughout. Release all forms of anxiety and negativity from your body.

Now begin by asking: Where am I? What am I? Who am I? Reflect on the meaning of these questions for a few quality moments.

Next, think of your body. Think of an appendage, perhaps a leg. Without such body part, would you be good as dead? Are you your leg? Go through the parts of your body, asking "Am I here?" "Is this my self?"

Slowly open your eyes and look at all those inanimate objects around you. Are you these objects? Perhaps you feel as if you lost an arm when the arm of your favorite chair broke. But you're not that chair. Of course you are not - and keep asking yourself if you are all those inanimate possessions. "Am I a/an (place object name here?)"

Say your full name with your eyes closed. This is your identity, can you feel it? What if you were No Name and not John or Jane Smith or whatnot? Reaffirm this by asking yourself "Really now, am I" and say your name again. Answer truthfully. Warning - this is often difficult, but my yogi told me to follow this up by saying "I am" and inserting some random name - Sir Elton John, Princess Kate, whatever you fancy, as long as it's somebody else. Famous as they may be, you are NOT them, and you will feel differently. Think of your name as an amalgam of different ideas and concept that others may see in a unique way.

As feelings arise, ask "Am I this fear?... this pain, desire, sadness, pleasure, anger? You are NOT your feelings - they are manifestations of your identity, but you are NOT them! Your clothes, your body, your reputation - none of it is your true self-identity.

My yogi suggests this exercise be done for twenty minutes - after which, take a deep breath and get on your feet. This should free you of the shackles of attachment to objects, events and thoughts. Do the meditation as often as necessary, to remind you of what you are not.

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