It’s not easy to recognise it when we define ourselves through the external world. Chances are if we believe that who we are is defined by what we have, what we look like, who we know or the degree of influence we have, it’s an indicator that we are yet to touch the depth of our who we really are.
Take for instance the cover of a glossy magazine. Photo adjustment specialists are employed to shape the front cover specifically so sales of the magazine increase. Authentic representations of life are superseded by ideals of attractiveness. Often creating distortions of reality. Another example of this is the packaging of products on supermarket shelves. In some cases the actual product is buried within excessive packaging, making the product appear much more than it actually is. Ever opened a packet of chips to find it’s 50% air?
For some people this is exactly what happens when the recognition of who they are becomes tied in with how they appear. The packaging (or lack of it) gives them a larger than life presence (or a deflated sense of self). It’s when the packaging is stripped away that the person begins to find it unbearable and often they will rush to find some other role to fulfil their sense of self.
Separation
So if who we really are is not in what we do, what we have, who we know or our influence in the world than what happens when we define ourselves based on these things?
We become fixated on an idea of self, which when externally validated is subject to change. Meaning the concept of who we are is open to negotiation.
Take for instance my persona as an artist. In my efforts to ‘establish’ myself as an artist, any dependency on external validations could work to separate me from the world in which I live. In the vision to share my work if I do not come from a recognised awareness with my connection with the whole I can become focussed on asserting who I think I am as being either more or less. 
The Unknown
Whatever we do, it’s less about the role we play in the world and more about how mindful we are when we do any given thing. One of the biggest life lessons anyone could ever have is to trust whilst living in the Unknown.
Although I am a student at current I have no real job, no source of income classifying me as employed. One of the typical questions in today’s world is what do you do? Being unemployed often carries social stigma. In between jobs better. It can be uncomfortable to be in the unknown and not associate ourselves to an identity for our sense of self. Particularly when it’s all that society seems to teach.
Why? What is it about living in uncertainty that makes is uncomfortable? Could it be the reason why so many human beings today have opted for security over and above true value? Perhaps that’s why we see more deforestation, mining, and inhumane treatment of human beings and of animals.
Most people would rather job security than experience exploring the unknown. Though many of us are changing. If you are reading this blog chances are that you trust that you are being provided for or better yet, you know you are being provided for. You know who you are beyond your job description and you explore this beyond the external framework of your life. You sit in the empty silent spaces without needing to be praised for your efforts. You enter into any situation and do what needs to be done without needing acknowledgement for your achievements. It’s the space that gives rise to who you really are where the conversation is one of stillness exploring itself and the world of creation.
Is it possible to rest in the unknown and experience life just as it is? Recognising and seeing our lives for the very rich canvas, the masterpieces that they are? Is it possible that our breath is what reframes our lives?
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