One may cling to definitions of self to find meaning — I’m this and that, blah blah blah. Actually, one can find more meaning by letting-go of these inherently partial narratives that we box ourselves into. What is left is the purest essence of who you are. 

Definitions and categories 

We use definitions and categories to make sense of the world. We designate things as this and that, which become part of the common language we use to work with each other. And, that’s very useful! The dark side of defining and categorising is that we make things too literal, especially, when we come to viewing ourselves (and others). 

You might grab a hold of a partial observation about yourself and make it your only reality — defining your whole existence and worth by it. The same can be said for clinging to views and ideologies. The harder your cling, the more likely that you rely on it, whatever it is, to derive meaning and self-worth.  

To find meaning 

But, all definitions, are ultimately partial. Words, or any symbols for that matter, cannot ever hope to capture the vast complexity that constitutes the human. If anything, the superficial label that you attach to yourself only distort the truth about you. 

And, what is the truth about you? Well, that is a process of discovering and uncovering that each person must engage in for themselves. It is a process of peeling away those false and partial definitions that we stick on ourselves, so we can reveal the light within. And, some things may prove harder to peel away than others — those worn out labels that have been stuck to you as far as you can remember! 

Self-enquiry 

This process of uncovering is about looking into the contents of your mind — your self-image and its truthfulness. It is a journey into yourself. 

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Harsha is a 1:1 coach and independent thinker based in London. He empowers people to find more clarity, confidence and focus in their lives — to cut through the noise, in a world so full of it. Harsha’s new book, Machine Ego: Tragedy of the Modern Mind, is now available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon.