Quite a simple question, or the most complex one – depending on how you think about it and analyze it – right?
I am not even sure where this question stemmed from but once it took seed it’s been growing roots that have shaken my very foundations in many areas. I am not talking about any great introspection or soul-searching. This is just a simple thought or a question that you just let germinate in you and it starts manifesting itself in facets that you never would have imagined.
Not that I have read many philosophical theories but it just seems logical that what we are is a function of certain inputs that we have received over the years. This could be sociological, economic, upbringing, schooling, culture, geography, religion etc. If one delves into religious culture one could say that this is also a function of past births and “karma” as it were. Whatever the case, to me, it is a function of a lot of things that ultimately make us what we are.
I originally thought on this topic when I noticed a behavior pattern in me with alarming regularity. The first thought was to struggle and break the pattern but on deeper introspection, I started trying to understand my psyche behind my actions. And when I thought deeper (luckily) I was able to get to the root of my behavior which was a very great AHA! moment in my adult life. You could try this as well in something very trivial – needn’t necessarily be a pattern that needs to change – it could even be something that you love doing. I don’t claim to have derived anything path-breaking but chances are when you actually reach the root of the behavior, there will be a big grin on your lips – for having realized and for having deciphered yourself. Trust me – this is a big high to have and will have you addicted in no time. The cool part is when you do this exercise and understand yourself, change becomes fluid. The very act of realization liberates you from your so-called chains and becomes a catalyst as well.
So in a sense why we are what we are is a function of how we were what we were. Now if this premise be true, what logically follows is that what we will be is a direct function of what we are today and now. Not to talk in riddles but if the “now” can be changed easily by the realizations of the “then” and this can positively influence the “going forward”, is it not an investment well worth its price?
Now while this might seem very esoteric and “guru”ish it really boils down to very simple steps – essentially what worked for me:
1) Identify the pattern that you are trying to break or even the pattern that you are trying to establish without much success
2) Allow for some alone time without distractions and deviations every day – preferably more time during weekends and consciously meditate on the patterns
3) Maintain a journal or diary of the thoughts that flow into your mind during the time that you experience the patterns – trust me this works WONDERS!
4) Observe yourself as if you are away from yourself without judgment and pre-conceptions
Do this and what it will bring to you is a level of consciousness and being towards yourself that will allow for several revelations – believe me some of them will potentially be mind-blowing! Ultimately the man that comprehends himself is truly at peace with himself and the world.
When you break the shackles of your past is when the reins of your future lie firmly in your hands.
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