In our pursuit of happiness and accumulation of wealth, we often overlook the fundamental question of "Who am I?" When we begin to search for the answer, more questions arise: "Why am I here? What is my purpose? What should I truly seek?"
In the search for truth, humans often lose their way and find themselves attached to worldly desires. They become entangled in various things and make excuses to deny the truth, seeking comfort for their minds. When their bodies can no longer support them, they search for the truth again, but by then it may be too late. So, let us contemplate the basic question of "Who am I?" that we ask ourselves when we are in a state of misery.
Who am I? Sometimes, questions themselves serve as answers to many things. The very moment we ask ourselves, "Who am I?" and if the answer that can end the misery of the mind is not there, we must realize that the answer is, "I don't know who I am." When we accept this answer, the next question should be, "Why don't I know who I am?" Why did the education system, which we trusted, never teach us about our true selves? Why, even after years of education and learning, do we still not know who we are? We may have certifications and knowledge about things and how they work, but the core essence of ourselves remains unknown. The claims we make about knowing ourselves, our parents, siblings, and others are vague, as we only know what they reflect back to us. Similarly, our understanding of ourselves is just a reflection projected onto the world, constantly changing as we are influenced by the information around us. Are we merely a collection of information, or is there something deeper that we have missed?
I remember when I had these questions within me 10-12 years ago, I cried. I didn't know where to find the answers or what I had done wrong to invite such misery. Completely lost and with a blank heart and mind, I began my search for truth. That was the day I decided to focus solely on seeking the truth and disregard knowledge or information that couldn't answer the fundamental question everyone has: Who am I?
This article is for those who are also searching for answers to the same question. I will attempt the method of elimination to bring you closer to the truth, although the truth will still remain hidden. In my experience and understanding, truth reveals itself to those who seek it with a dedicated heart and an empty mind. If the mind is occupied with information that revolves around the self or "I," and we blindly believe in it, it becomes challenging. If our hearts are not fully committed to the process and unwilling to let go of emotionally entangled information, it becomes difficult to touch the truth that has always been right in front of us. This article may not make sense to many, but to the few who have walked this path and are deeply searching for truth within their hearts, it will hold meaning.
So, let's embark on the game of elimination.
You have all learned the method of elimination through algebra, where we solve systems of linear equations. This is also the same. Here, too, we will eliminate possibilities by applying logical reasoning, critical thinking, and careful evaluation of the information we have. A mind occupied with an abundance of information offers multiple answers to the question, "Who am I?" The method of elimination will help us discard unlikely and contradictory options, leading us closer to the most plausible or accurate answer.
Each individual has a different answer to the question, "Who am I?" This is natural, as everyone has a unique perception and belief about themselves. However, all these answers come from the mind alone. If we ask a child, whose mind is not fully developed but has learned to speak, they might remain silent or simply state their given name. A name is merely a word used to refer to the body, not the "I" we are trying to discover.
Most individuals between the ages of 10 to 18 typically answer with their name, religion, or nationality as their identity. As mentioned earlier, a name is just a word used to identify a specific person. Your religion is largely determined by birth, and you still have the option to change it. Your nationality is based on the region and parents you were born into, granting you citizenship. All these identities are collected identities received from external sources. If you ask them, "Who are you?" they will respond with answers like "I am John," "I am Muslim," "I am American," or "I am a student." They primarily associate their identity with external factors such as their name, religious affiliation, nationality, and societal roles.
During adolescence, individuals are in the process of forming their identities and seeking a sense of belonging. They may rely on these external markers to define themselves as they navigate societal expectations and peer influences. Additionally, personal experiences and interactions with family, friends, and the community play significant roles in shaping their identities.
It is important to note that while these collected identities are essential for an individual's sense of self during this age range, they can also evolve and change over time as individuals mature and gain more life experiences. As they grow older, they may develop a deeper understanding of themselves and explore additional dimensions of their identity beyond these initial markers.
Individuals between the ages of 19 to 40 are often highly attached to their minds and bodies. They predominantly identify themselves through their emotions and thought processes. If you ask them, "Who are you?" they may respond with answers like "I am an analytical thinker," "I am a compassionate person," or "I am an introvert." They perceive their identity as closely tied to their mental and emotional attributes. They may also emphasize their physical characteristics, saying "I am fit and active" or "I am health-conscious."
This age group is often focused on exploring and developing their personal identities, seeking to understand themselves and their place in the world. They prioritize self-expression, personal growth. As a result, they identifies themselves through their thoughts, emotions, and physical experiences.
As for individuals above the age of 40, their minds are filled with various experiences and influences. Their individual personalities have been shaped by factors such as parenting, family background, social circles, and the broader societal environment they grew up in. Furthermore, the impact of their state or country of residence has further shaped their perspectives in diverse ways. Cultural identity plays a significant role in their formation as individuals. This age group has encountered numerous real-life challenges and witnessed daily suffering. The demands of work and the relentless pursuit of providing for their families have often taken a toll. Many in this age group have sacrificed their own dreams and aspirations, dedicating their lives primarily to their families. Their desires are focused on ensuring their children's success, often at the expense of their own fulfillment. Therefore, if you were to ask them, "Who are you?" their response would likely reflect their roles as selfless providers, devoted parents, and individuals who have, to some extent, set aside their own personal aspirations in the pursuit of their family's well-being. Most of the women do reply that "I am single mother of two beautiful daughters and mens mostly comes with their profession as their identity, "I am a Banker" "I am a Doctor or Engineer".
Now if you have closely read these above paragraphs you must have understood that individuals belongs to the age group of 10 to 18 are mostly depend on the external information to identify themselves. That clearly indicates that their identity of the self is shaped by the mind which processes and assimilates information received from external elements. So can mind be our true identity?
Individuals between the ages of 19 to 40 commonly display a strong attachment to their minds and bodies when it comes to shaping their identities. Their self-identification primarily revolves around their emotions and thought processes, indicating that they perceive their true identity to be closely tied to their inner feelings and aspirations. This emphasis on emotions reflects the significance they place on their internal experiences and desires as a means of self-expression. So can emotions be our true identity?
The identity of individuals above the age of 40 tends to revolve around their roles and responsibilities, particularly within their family relationships. They deeply value and prioritize their emotional and physical attachment to their loved ones, investing substantial effort in ensuring their well-being. Their actions and endeavors are primarily focused on maintaining the happiness and security of their immediate family members. In this context, it can be inferred that their attachment to others is intricately intertwined with their self-identity, which, to a significant extent, is associated with the physical and emotional bonds they share with their blood relations. Thus, it can be concluded that individuals in this age group often perceive their true identity to be closely connected to their physical bodies. So can physical body be our true identity?
MIND, EMOTIONS AND BODY, We have three possibilities to eliminate and to come to close the most plausible possibility to find out our true identity.
I will continue writing this further but before that I need to know how many of you are truly excited to know the truth. Let me know through the comment and don't forget to subscribe so I can update you about the same on time.
Read the second part of who am I?
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