Finding Yourself

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“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path” – Buddha

Can I really be lost? What detoured me from my path? How can I get back on track? Finding yourself is an ongoing journey of self-discovery that can ultimately lead to self-mastery. It takes a great deal of self-trust, self-confidence, and courage to follow your own path. The voices of others influence how we think, what to believe, and how to behave. Some of those voices, established very early in life, may be positive and negative. The negative ones derail us and are often remembered most. Unfortunately, the struggle to conform, based on fear of being ridiculed, rejected, and alienated, inevitably takes priority over our heartfelt desires. Abandoning ourselves, we become frustrated with self-imposed limitations. Furthermore, on the human plane, we lose connection with our true self.

As you endeavor on your life’s journey, alone time is necessary to get to know yourself. The adventure of self-discovery can be challenging. However, it is an opportunity to experience a deeper spiritual connection as we forge ahead.  Self-mastery keeps us from being steered off course by becoming more confident, courageous, and resilient.  We can find ourselves by living from the heart, fulfilling your passion and potential, practicing silence and stillness, learning from relationships, and attuning to nature.

Live from the heart

“If you can change direction, you may end up where you are heading” – Buddha

What does it feel like when you follow your heart? What do you long for to enrich your life? We often get sidetracked by the noise from external voices and self-defeating thoughts. Our inner visions, deep aspirations, and inspirational dreams guide us to our heart. Whether it’s a transformational journey, insightful spiritual teachings, ancient wisdom, or an illuminating realization, a new direction can be forged to add depth to our lives. Acknowledge your inner voice and follow your heart. Heart resonance, aligned with the divine, expands our consciousness and intuition.

Fulfill your passion and potential

“Your purpose in life is to find your purpose and give your whole heart and soul to it” -Buddha

How can you get the most out of life? Our creativity and core values inspire us to fulfill our passion and potential. What you love naturally captures your attention. Imagining, daydreaming and brainstorming ideas ignite creativity and motivate us to find avenues for support to satisfy our heart’s desires. Core values provide stability, freedom, and enthusiasm; and are central in guiding our thoughts and actions to unlock our potential. It is essential to reflect on your values, why they are important, and how to incorporate them in your daily life. Basic values of respect, integrity, honor, and selfless service help us operate with clarity and pure intention. Ultimately, when we are in alignment with our values, we are in harmony with ourselves.

Recognizing innate strengths can help us focus our attention on how we express our unique gifts and talents. Instead of following the crowd, we can choose our own path of higher intention. By doing what you love and what makes you feel alive, you will find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Practicing silence and stillness

“Delight in meditation and solitude. Compose yourself, be happy. You are a seeker” -Buddha

The quiet power of silence and stillness is our source of strength. By focusing inward through awareness of our body, mind and soul connection, we become more empowered. Allowing solitude and quiet time to empty our minds of mental and emotional clutter is essential for self-care. Whether it’s focused attention on breath, frequent mental breaks during the day, or extended down time, the presence of peace and tranquility rejuvenates our overall being and enhances the quality of interaction with others. Create space for yourself by practicing silence and stillness. You will know what feels right and gives you true satisfaction.

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Learn from relationships

“Love is the greatest gift of one’s inner most soul to another so both can be whole” -Buddha

We can find ourselves within the context of relationships that are our most powerful teachers even though relationship dynamics can be complex and complicated. Habitual ways of responding with recurring negative patterns are based on conditioned beliefs and expectations. Reflective questioning can provide insight. The following questions for self-inquiry can bring you to a place of present moment awareness:  “Am I responding from a place of love or fear?” “Why am I responding this way?” “When did this familiar feeling originate?” “Why am I avoiding sharing how I really feel?”  Questions of this nature can shed light on those underlying beliefs and unresolved issues that need to be healed within. In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts, it is important to respect the views and perspectives of others even though you may not agree. People want to be seen and heard. Relationships serve their purpose during various stages and phases of our lives and may naturally come to an end.

Embrace the higher ideals of love, release expectations, and engage in meaningful and honest communication. Every moment is an opportunity to make different choices to be more of who we truly are. As we improve our relationship with ourselves, we can experience and attract healthy and wholesome relationships.

Attune to nature

“Look deep into nature, and then you’ll understand everything better” – Buddha

Nature invites us to be present and observe the timeless beauty of our surroundings. Moving beyond self-absorbed thoughts, time spent in nature heightens sensory and present moment awareness. The symbolism of nature reveals patience and appreciation for simplicity. The wisdom of rebirth and renewal is apparent as we witness the cycles of nature. Harmony, unity, and resilience are prominent themes that we can embody in our daily lives to become the highest expression of ourselves.

Acclimate yourself to the treasures of nature and look for the connection and relevance on your life’s journey. As you discover nature, you will discover yourself and transcend to a higher level of being.

Conclusion

“Be a lamp for yourselves. be your own refuge. Seek for no others. All things must pass. Stive on diligently” -Buddha

Finding yourself is an ongoing endeavor and continuous process of self-discovery. Know the truth of who you really are and cultivate a loving relationship with yourself. Engage in self-reflection to attain clarity as you set your intentions. Live your potential, be passionate, and love your life. Follow your heart to make conscious and wise choices. Refresh and ground yourself by connecting to and living in agreement with nature. Move beyond complacency and comfort to find yourself and the way for a good life.