A man once asked his friend, “Who do you think you are?!” His friend responded, “I wish I knew.” As members of the human family, we all long to understand who we really are—our true essence—and determine the essential purpose of our wondrous lives.
In Ancient Greece, a powerful aphorism was inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. It read: “Know Thyself.” Aristotle elaborated by saying, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
In my work as a life coach, I have found that regaining clarity about who we really are is the foundation of a successful and happy life. I employ various tools and exercises to help my clients begin to regain that clarity. I also employ those same tools and exercises in my workshop “Rediscover Yourself—Own Your Greatness—Follow Your Heart.” A good starting point is to rediscover traits and talents possessed by your true self. One of the first questions I ask people to consider is: “Who were you before the world told you who you were—plastering you with this label and that?” I encourage them to think back on their childhoods. I ask, “What was it about the world that thrilled you?” “What subjects were you drawn to?” What did you spend your time doing and learning?” It’s fascinating to watch as people peel back the labels and layers of conditioning to reveal evidence of traits and talents possessed by the “real” them—but this is only the beginning…
The real question is who are we at our cores? Some people think this is an obvious question—”I am a human being.” My work with others—and myself—has revealed to me that we are much more than that. And I know there is a way for every human being to obtain that knowledge. It requires a journey within oneself—the most wondrous journey one can take during this life! Here are the knowing words of some who undertook that awesome journey:
“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” -Lao Tzu
“You have no need to travel anywhere. Journey within yourself, enter a mine of rubies and bathe in the splendor of your own light.” -Rumi
My own journey within commenced years ago when I started practicing deep relaxation, quieting my mind, and spending time in peaceful contemplation. The things I have learned about myself, humanity, this life, and existence itself have enriched my life immeasurably and enabled me to lift others through my work.
I can’t give you your “Truth”—nobody can, for you must obtain it on your own. But I can encourage you to make your own journey within.
When you do, you will discover that you are greater and grander than you might ever have imagined—greatness is your heritage! You came to this world to make unique contributions and you possess the latent talents and abilities to make those contributions. My life’s work—and greatest source of joy—is helping people believe in, discover, accept, develop, and shine their personal greatness brightly into the world!