Exercise On Self Discovery

Many people today do not have a clear sense of identity. In fact, when you
ask people about the image they have of themselves, it is usually negative,
and they see their weaknesses (negative "sanskaras") and mistakes committed
in the past more easily than their qualities (positive "sanskaras") and
achievements. This negative image of oneself leads us to an identity crisis.
A negative image causes feelings of dissatisfaction to accumulate within
oneself. Then our lifestyle is affected by the need for recognition and
approval, by the need to justify ourselves, of obtaining material
achievements and success.

*Given below is an exercise to experience your true self:*
Sit back and observe yourself. What is the image you have of yourself? How
do you see yourself? Who are you really? What is there left when you have
removed all the labels? Are you thoughts, feelings, free will, energy,
ideas, being, conscience, intellect, life? What do the majority have in
common? They are internal, incorporeal and invisible: they are non-physical
aspects. The true self is incorporeal and invisible.

*Now experience your ideal self:* Make a list of which qualities you think
your ideal self should have, the self you deeply long to be and experience
in your life. The list may include qualities such as: joyful, tolerant,
generous, fearless, free, loving, among others.

(To be continued tomorrow ...)