“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” – Aristotle We a r e n e ve r more powerful than when we are truly being ourselves. To find out who we really are and manifest that in our lives is the essence of the spiritual journey. Every single person has a special talent or attribute that is uniquely theirs. Within each one is their best self and the task is to invite that self to emerge. It is a return journey – a return to the true self, and because it is a return, it means that the journey is possible for everyone.
With true self-knowledge comes true self-respect, selfesteem. We may think we know ourselves, and think we have accepted that, but when we say something like, “This is the way I am. I have accepted that, and you too must accept that this is how I am.” then we are displaying a false sense of selfawareness. We are saying I am like this and I refuse to change, grow, or improve. A true sense of self-understanding is one where I come to terms with where I am in my development now, with all the weaknesses and shortcomings, but am using my energy to grow and improve, and become the best I can be. How to become the best person I can be must include the understanding of our true identity, because this is the beginning point of any constructive and meaningful growth. Self-esteem influences everything in our lives. When we identify with what we do (job, roles, achievements) or what we have (house, car, belongings) then we are tapping into the roots of low self-esteem. When we remember who we really are, the inner being, the spirit, the soul, then we are tapping into the roots of high self-esteem. When it is low, we generate draining emotions, trapped in dynamics that make the mind very tired. We compare or compete with others, play the inferiority or superiority game. High or true self-esteem brings humility. A truly humble person, with deep self-respect, is loved and respected by others.
Behind all external identities is the spiritual self, the soul, the ‘atma’. Within the real self, the soul, is peace, love, wisdom, joy, security – all the things we search for through building up a false self-esteem. We have become attached to all things external and therefore we suffer because at the root of all suffering is attachment. To meditate is to remind myself of who I really am. The more solid this experience of the inner being becomes, the more the external factors that have been bolstering my self-esteem up to then, lose their importance. True freedom is living in soul consciousness. When we reach this state of consciousness, and maintain this awareness over a long period of time, all the love, peace, joy, and wisdom within will emerge – it will fill the consciousness and radiate to everyone. I become a peaceful and joyful person full of love for all – a diamond personality. A diamond is so incredibly beautiful, but it is also the strongest material on earth. So, let me be beautiful; loving, caring and respectful, but remain strong and stable inside so that I do not take any sorrow or hurt. I have inner strength and outer gentleness. Souls of this calibre make their lives so useful. Their presence becomes a present. This is possible for everyone – we just need to understand who we are and develop solid and powerful self-esteem. Yogesh Sharda is the National Coordinator of the Brahma Kumaris’ services in Turke
