Breaking Free from Labels
Maybe the question isn’t “Who am I?” but “Who could I become if I let go of who I think I am?”.
We often introduce ourselves by what we do: “I’m an engineer,” “I’m a writer,” “I’m a yogi.” These labels are convenient; they give people a quick snapshot of who we are. But have you ever wondered how much they limit us?
Think about it. If I define myself as an engineer, I might dismiss opportunities to explore accounting or art because they don’t fit my identity. A yogi might avoid the gym, thinking weightlifting doesn’t align with their practice. By sticking to these labels, we create boundaries that don’t really need to exist.
The problem is that these identities become self-fulfilling prophecies. We start to believe that our label encompasses the entirety of who we are. But in reality, these are just roles we play, not the essence of our being.
Meditation offers an interesting solution to this predicament. When you meditate, you learn to observe your thoughts without getting entangled in them. You realize that you’re not just the sum of your thoughts, feelings, or roles. There’s a deeper self that’s separate from the constant chatter in your mind.
This detachment can be liberating. By seeing ourselves as more than our personalities or professions, we open up to new possibilities. We become less constrained by our own expectations and the expectations of others.
Interestingly, this mindset can also enhance how we interact with technology, like artificial intelligence. When we’re not so fixated on “me” and our personal narratives, we’re more open to generating new ideas and perspectives. We can collaborate with AI more effectively, using it as a tool to explore beyond our usual thought patterns.
Language, too, becomes more fluid. Without the need to constantly assert our identity, we can communicate more openly and creatively. We’re not defending a persona; we’re exploring ideas.
So next time someone asks, “Who are you?” consider that any answer you give is just a fragment of the whole. You’re more than a job title, more than a set of hobbies or beliefs. By letting go of rigid definitions, we allow ourselves to grow in unexpected ways.
In the end, maybe the question isn’t “Who am I?” but “Who could I become if I let go of who I think I am?”
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My aim is to live a balanced and meaningful life, where all areas of my life are in harmony. By living this way, I can be the best version of myself and make a positive difference in the world. About me →