Who are you?
We wear many hats throughout our lives, filling different roles. These include our relationships, occupations, and activities. Additionally, we might strongly identify with our body, being male or female, tall or short, flexible or strong, fit or fat.
As we observe our thoughts, we can see which roles and conditions prevail. One role might be your sense of self in your body: you are a woman or a man. Other roles involve our relationships to others: you are a sister or brother, a friend, or a coworker. We often identify with our careers: you could be a journalist, a mechanic, or a nurse. We have hobbies: you are a gardener or a gamer. We have responsibilities: you are a caretaker or a cook. And we identify with our beliefs: maybe you think of yourself as a liberal or a conservative.
The Exercise
Throughout the next week, set aside five minutes each morning, during your first cup of coffee or tea—or just before you meditate. Make a list. What roles do you expect to fill today? What circumstances will you identify yourself with? How often does the state of your physical body come into your awareness? Here’s a sample list:
- I’m a mom (daughter, wife, etc.)
- I’m a citizen; family member (American, Smith, etc.)
- I’m a teacher (salesman, programmer, doctor)
- I’m an amateur photographer (knitter, camper, etc.)
- I’m tired (sick, strong, energetic)
There aren’t any right or wrong answers. Nothing is bad. Try to fill up a whole page, use whatever comes to your mind. If convenient, add to your list throughout the day.
At the end of each day, review your notes. Notice how often your sense of self changes. At the end of the week, think about what you’ve noticed in your self-talk, especially any thought that begins with “I am.” Record those observations. Feel free to come back to Quiet Karma and share what you’ve learned with others.
Quiet Karma regularly publishes spiritual exercises. Please subscribe to get these and other articles on yoga and spirituality delivered directly to your inbox.
Chityānanda has been a disciple of Svāmī Gurupremānanda Sarasvatī since 1975. She teaches meditation and yoga as a spiritual path in Santa Cruz, California.
Nice article and exercise. These days I have been focusing on not identifying with what I think I am or supposed to be outside of myself. When it comes to thinking about my occupation I can’t identify with that because it changes constantly. And when it comes to thinking about my sex or body — it all takes too much work and it’s futile to worry about it too much because the body is getting older and eventually you die. Thinking I am rich, poor, lonely, fabulous, this or that. Is just too much thinking about myself. But thinking about how I want to be seems to be easier and not so self absorbed.
Thank you for your comment, Nakisa. You’ve described how a person uses discrimination to turn within. It takes a little effort, but is very rewarding. I hope you are learning more about how you want to be and how to achieve that. Namaste.
This will be an interesting exercise. I’d like to see, at the end of the week, how many times “I am” inwardly looking (interested in myself) verses “I am” outwardly looking (interested in others).
Good thoughts, James. Thank you. We’re constantly using the “I am” statement, even if it’s not using those exact words. Namaste.
Good Morning! What a great exercise! So far today I have:
Ima early riser.
Ima good student.
Ima special person.
Ima comedian.
Cheers,
Ima Elizabeth, Ura Svami Chityananda
You are indeed a comedian, Elizabeth, and an early riser! You’re on a roll — keep up the good work! Namaste.
I came across this quote that I thought you’d like: “I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.” (Lewis Carroll)
Humorous truths always seem to make a better impression. Namaste.