Many of us may not truly know ourselves, as we live in a world where we often hide our inner selves. It could also be that circumstances prevent us from thinking about ourselves. Even when asked to identify themselves in one word, my students were unable to do so. I, too, sometimes struggle to define myself, despite years of experience.
We often make our body the first thing that defines us, which may not be an accurate representation of who we truly are.
Imagine a world where everyone was truly aware of themselves. Wouldn’t it be a beautiful place to live in? Understanding the truth of our identity changes the way we perceive the world around us.
At times, we may feel unhappy, without knowing the reason behind it. Even if we do know the reason, we may not be aware of how to deal with it. Our inability to express ourselves shows our vulnerability, and we may end up judging ourselves and our worth based on this.
The constant bombardment of messages telling us we’re not good enough and urging us to be more successful, earn more money, be better than others, and score higher marks creates an endless cycle of unattainable expectations. We find ourselves seeking validation and approval for everything we do, always living in fear of being exposed as not good enough. In the process of trying to meet these expectations, we often lose sight of our true selves and become what others expect us to be.
To uncover the hidden gem within ourselves, we need to constantly work on ourselves and go beyond the surface layer. This requires training our minds and engaging in introspection and self-reflection. We must question our beliefs, values, and goals and be open to exploring new experiences that challenge us to grow and learn. We should also be honest with ourselves about our strengths and weaknesses and recognise that growth and change are ongoing processes.
The Golden Buddha story told by Alan Cohen illustrates this concept beautifully. A golden Buddha was once covered with clay to protect it from an invading army. Everyone forgot it was golden underneath until a young boy accidentally bumped some clay off and saw the gold beneath. He called everyone else, and they picked off the clay to reveal the glorious, golden Buddha.
We are all golden inside, but the clay of self-doubt covers us. We need to start removing this clay to reveal the hidden gem within ourselves. Embracing this process of self-discovery and growth requires courage, introspection, and a willingness to embrace change. Whether in our personal lives or in business and professional contexts, looking beyond the surface-level characteristics and behaviours can lead to new opportunities for growth, success, and fulfilment. By embracing this process, we can unlock our full potential and discover the hidden gem within ourselves and others.