Know Thyself
Getting to know ourselves might be the most liberating thing we can do. We pass so much of our lives comparing to others, conforming and not asking who we really are.
But knowing the truth, our truth, is liberating. It frees us from all our beliefs. It gives us the power to act in integrity with who we are. It helps us understand the role we are here to play.
For me, these questions were always somewhere in my mind since I was a kid. But until I was 21, I searched for the solution to my existential anxieties outside. I erred helplessly in attempts to conform for many years. I tried to imitate the cool kids — I drank alcohol, took drugs, had sex, got into an elitist school. Still, I felt miserable.
When I went to China for an exchange year in 2017 things started to change. I was coming out of therapy and felt like this was a new start. It was a life-changing year. I embraced every possible experience. I traveled and met people from different cultures, religions, and philosophical beliefs. Most importantly, I was always trying to get out of my comfort zone. I let my heart guide me towards what I had always wanted, but never dared to do.
My inner quest led me to fascinating places. But the turning point happened when I traveled alone in Myanmar to a meditation center. This was my first encounter with Buddhist meditation. On the mountain where I did my first retreat, I learned what would change my life forever. I discovered a spiritual part of myself I did not know existed.
After this retreat, my perspective completely shifted. I understood that I could change my life by training my mind. I felt more peaceful and grounded, and people felt it. All because I had had the courage to step into my fears and learn to know myself.
Realizing that we are blindly reacting to unconscious patterns 99% of the time can be a shock. It takes a lot of practice to get acquainted with how our minds work. I'd even say lifetimes. But I think there is nothing more valuable to explore than what lies within ourselves.
In some ways, it is very hard to do so today. Society is constantly driving our attention outwards and only values external rewards. To seek the truth within ourselves is seen as a heretic behavior. But more and more of us are dissatisfied with what the outer world has to offer and are willing to take that step inside.
Why don't we all realize this? Why is this not encouraged at all? I think it would be too disruptive. The world as it is now would crumble if everyone made the leap at the same time. Money, fame, power, objects... They all wouldn't make sense anymore.
I am not saying everyone should practice meditation or leave for a year to explore the world within. There are many steps we can take from where we are now. The idea that our spiritual quest must be grandiose is another belief we must dismiss. We can grow every day in small ways. Even the simple act of taking a personality test or journaling can be very insightful.
The point is that we all move at different paces. We all share a quest for inner fulfillment but the way we pursue it is unique to us. The idea here is that we must follow what resonates with us and take action. As long as we are moving forward on our journey we are making progress.
No matter how bad or good your current situation is, remember: "life never gives you what you want, but it always gives you what you need."
Let's continue growing every day by watering our little seed of wisdom.
