Our sense of self affects our self-esteem, emotions, mood, mental health, and physical health. It’s important that we have a kind relationship with ourself to support overall health, wellbeing, and resilience.
How well do you know and understand yourself? We can begin to develop a clear sense of self by assessing our personal values, work values, strengths, and limitations.
We are not who we think we are. –Stephen Cope
Try taking a deep breath, turn your attention toward your own heart, and inquire, “Who am I?” Notice what arises. See if you can continue to get in touch with a more expansive sense of your own identity. Try going beyond your career or job, your role in your family and community, your gender, your sexual orientation and your religious affiliation. Go deeper and inquire, “Who am I?” The heart of who we are cannot be felt or experienced if we become entangled by and attached to one aspect of our identity. The heart of who we are cannot be lost to accident, injury or any other loss.
You might also consider a mindful journaling practice and responding to the inquiries above in writing. Additional prompts to consider: What matters most to me? What are my most important values? What are my strengths? What are my limitations? Are these limitations qualities that I can or want to strengthen?
Warmly,
Jen
Jen Johnson is a mindfulness teacher, coach, and therapist teaching meditation for healing, creativity, and resilience. To learn more about mindfulness or develop a regular mindfulness practice, register for the MBSR online Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course.