The Identity Crisis
- Deeksha R.shetty
- Jun 3, 2023
- 3 min read
Identity:
"I am not what I think I am, and I am not what you think I am. I am what I think you think I am."
- Charles Horton Cooley
This quote should be read every morning by every human on this earth. The quote takes the next level every time I read it! Reading it twice or thrice won't give justice. Identity should never lose its real meaning. We are human beings and we are uniquely created by god. Every one of us is unique both physically and mentally that's called individuality, right? If we live someone else's created identity what about the identity which is in-built? Is it so difficult to follow our heart and soul? No, it is not but what makes it difficult is the voices around us.
Before we talk much about identity I want to tell you a short story. In 2018 after my master's degree (MSc ) I joined a coaching class for a competitive exam. I made a few friends over there. One day when we were all chit-chatting one of my friends told me about the modern-day monk! It caught my attention and I asked more about him. Jay Shetty was his name and we could see his work online. I always had an interest to live a detached life with all the attachments. That's nothing but being a monk within the materialistic world. And this idea perfectly matched this person. Later I researched him and found out about his work. That time of my life wasn't so good. I was not in a good place, too much of disruptions in friendships, and relationships, and lost hope in anyone. I was seeing myself down and was not in a very good phase to do anything in life. Maybe I was too depressed to do any minimal tasks to big ones! But when I found out about Jay Shetty his words healed me or at least showed me a good path in life and light in my heart. His work was very therapeutic and I started to consider him as an online guru. Until now whenever I need some spiritual backup I go to his posts, podcasts, or videos. Now after all this when I found out, he has realized his book: " Think like a monk". How could I not read?
This book has three parts and each part has 3 to 4 life aspects. I want to discuss each aspect with my analysis and perspective in my blogs. The first aspect is "identity"; the utmost necessity of discovering ourselves and our identity is crucial. what if I do the job that my 16-year-old self would be more than happy?
The book discusses the voices we hear from society, family, friends, etc., Growing up eventually we get polluted by these opinions and leave behind our true calling.
The book is a beautiful gear to rediscover ourselves. It gives means and methods to see our inner ( as I said before in-built) identity. Jay has given us practical tools to find our true values, mindset, and personality.
Nowadays I am glad that people are accepting unconventional jobs, or else what were the options we had?! doctor, lawyer, engineer, teacher ( which is the last option), or a government employee. Looking down on other career choices is the worst thing. Personally and professionally one must have the freedom to opt there lifestyle and become what they want to be.
Eventually, changes are seen in accepting and normalizing LGBTQ+ to content creation in digital platforms as a legitimate way of life. Still breaking through takes a lot of courage, effort, and patience. Which requires inner engineering like meditation, Journaling, self-exploration, etc. Which can be easily done using the guidelines in the book.
What's your take on identity? comment below.
Link to buy the book:
Jay Shetty's Instagram handle:
Will discuss the next aspect in my next blog. Until then bye.
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Lots of love,
Deeksha
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