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- IDENTITY- THE GATE KEEPER
“It is impossible for a human being to constantly behave in a manner that is inconsistant with his self-image” -
“The most common ego identifications have to do with possessions, the work you do, social status and recognition, knowledge, and education, physical appearance, special abilities, relationships, personal and family history, belief systems, and often also political, nationalistic, racial, religious, and other collective identifications. None of these is you.”-Echart Tolle
So, who are you?
Imagine your identity as a sprawling, multi-storied mansion. Each room tells a different story about who you are: the adventurer, the caregiver, the thinker, the dreamer, the entrepreneur. The front door is guarded by a gatekeeper – the collective representation of your self-beliefs. But what if this gatekeeper is fixated on only one story, refusing entry to any narrative that might paint a different picture?
The concept of identity often plays the role of a steadfast gatekeeper. It guards our core values, beliefs, and sense of self, ensuring that we remain grounded and true to ourselves amidst the winds of change. However, the paradox lies in the fact that while identity acts as a custodian of our inner selves, it must also be flexible enough to allow for growth and transformation.
The Solid Foundation
Identity forms the bedrock of our existence. It encompasses our cultural background, personal history, values, and unique experiences that make us who we are. It serves as a compass, guiding us through life's complexities and helping us make decisions that align with our innermost desires.
But is that true? Or it became the gatekeeper of one story, a single song we sing repeatedly like a broken record.
In a world that often seeks to label and categorize individuals, the concept of identity shifting has emerged as a powerful means of embracing the complexity of human existence. Instead of identifying ourselves solely with one aspect of our lives, we recognize that we are multifaceted beings with ever-evolving identities.
🚫 The Danger of a Single Story
In her powerful TED Talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke about the danger of a single story – how it creates stereotypes and the incomplete understanding of another person or group. Just as it's limiting when applied externally, it's stifling when applied internally. By allowing only one narrative of our lives to dominate, we are not just cutting off our wings but also denying ourselves the sky's vast expanse.
Identity is not fixed but rather a dynamic, ever-changing construct influenced by various factors such as culture, experiences, and personal growth. Limiting ourselves to a single identity can constrain and stifle our growth and potential.
So, what does it mean to engage in identity shifting and not to identify ourselves with one thing?
The seductive allure of a single story—an identity that confines us to a limited narrative this single story paints us as one-dimensional characters in the grand scheme of life is not the one-way road.
✊The Craving for Authenticity
This is the essence of identity shifting – the profound craving for authenticity that tugs at the core of our being. It's the realization that we are not static beings but ever-evolving, multifaceted souls yearning for expression.
Understanding Your Identity
Understanding your identity is not merely about acknowledging your current role, profession, or labels. It's about peeling back the layers to uncover the essence of who you are beneath the external expectations and judgments. It's about asking yourself the tough question: “Who do I want to be?” "Am I truly living authentically? Am I trapped in someone else's story or my own narrative?” “Did I fall into believing that I am in “the role”?”
OUR MISSION: Create Sovereign Humans with a toolbox of techniques and guidance to gain control over your choices and actions, leading to desired outcomes.
Breaking the Chains
The first step towards identity shifting is acknowledging the chains that bind you. Recognize the single story that has confined your identity and understand its limitations. Only when you grasp the shackles can you begin to break them.
Embracing Change
Embracing change is daunting yet liberating. It's about summoning the courage to venture into uncharted territory, to explore facets of yourself that have long remained dormant.
Shifting Reality
To shift your identity is to take control of your narrative. It's the audacious act of becoming the author of your own story, weaving the threads of your desires and passions into the fabric of your existence.
The Art of Identity Shifting
Identity shifting is not a linear path. It's a masterpiece of self-discovery and reinvention. It's about acknowledging your desires, pursuing your passions, and unapologetically molding your identity into the one that resonates most deeply with your soul.
Taking Action
If you find yourself as the hero of a single story ( the mother, the wife, the profession you do, the religion you follow, the money you have or don’t have, the likes or dislikes, etc.) if you yearn to shift your identity and shape the reality you desire, take action. Begin by exploring the dormant passions within you. Break free from the expectations that others have placed upon you. Dare to embrace change, for it is in embracing change that you'll discover the true essence of your being.
Your reality is not preordained; it's a landscape waiting to be shaped by your dreams. Break free from the single story, shift your identity, and watch your world transform into the masterpiece you've always envisioned.
Have you ever dreamed of being something other than what they told you you are or what you believe you are?
Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher known for his profound and often controversial ideas, also had valuable insights into the concept of identity. Nietzsche's philosophy delved into themes of self-discovery, individualism, and the will to power, all of which have implications for understanding identity and identity-shifting.
One of Nietzsche's notable ideas is the concept of “eternal recurrence", which asks us to imagine living our lives over and over again infinitely. This concept challenges us to consider how we would live our lives if we had to repeat them, leading to a deeper reflection on our values and choices, ultimately influencing our sense of identity.
I propose this as an exercise to disengage from our roles and identities that we took upon and a means to create the identity we want in our current reality.
«Freedom from a role only comes when you’ve learnt to act it perfectly . When we perform a role intentionally, and act it perfectly, it not only frees us, but also frees the world from that coarseness, that violence – He said – When you identify yourself with it, when you believe it, you not only become a slave of the world, but you cling to it as if it were the real thing, your only certainty. To believe in a role, no matter what it may be, means lying to yourself.»
Remember, the road to freedom begins with challenging fixed ideas. Join the movement of those who dare to question, create, and reshape the world by simply asking, "What if?"
🔄 Share & Encourage Others
If this edition resonated with you, please consider sharing it with friends and family. In a world of constant noise, let's spread the message of introspection, curiosity, and the courage to question and achieve our potential. Challenge someone you know to rethink a belief today!
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See you next week
Anastasia & the against Fixed Ideas Team
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