Who we think we are has largely been defined by external influences. But we don’t have to let that information limit us or what we can create in the world. Moving past limiting identities is not only important for our own lives but also for changing the world.
My new book, A New Humanity: Embracing Our Responsibility for the Earth, came out yesterday, and it contains a message I’m very passionate about. I’ve shared some of it in this blog, but i would also like to post an excerpt of it here so that there aren’t any barriers to this important message. I hope you find this message useful or, at least, inspiring.
The “Who am I?” question may seem simple but is often unfamiliar to many of us. When we take a moment to reflect and ask ourselves this question, we might realize that a significant portion of our answers come from external sources—the environment we grew up in and the circumstances that shaped us from birth.
Unless we’ve led an exceptionally different life, most of our basic information, such as name, race, family background, place of birth, appearance, skin color, and language, is determined from the moment we enter the world. We tend to accept these answers without much thought or questioning. That’s why the question “Who am I?” is something people don’t usually ask themselves in their everyday lives unless they’re going through a period of deep reflection or engaging in specific spiritual practices.
Most of the time, we are not the ones that ask the question, “Who am I?” It’s usually other people who are curious to know about us. We tend to live our lives without really delving into that question ourselves. As a result, the question of our identity loses its significance because we don’t have a say in it and cannot choose or change it.
Most of us take our given identity for granted and let it shape our lives. Factors like our country, ethnicity, religion, and ideologies have a powerfully divisive impact on how we think, feel, and act. These divisions based on information can create barriers, even between people who speak the same language and drink from the same river. People with no personal grudges can become enemies and even shed blood just because of these differences.
The information that shapes our identities can get in the way of uniting and collaborating to tackle the global crisis we face. That’s why a new humanity starts by freeing ourselves from the constraints of identity information that hold us back, particularly the dogmatic types of information.
But letting go of these constraints doesn’t mean we throw them away altogether. They’re still valuable life experiences that teach important lessons for our future choices. It means not allowing this information to limit our thoughts and actions. We need to break free from the narrow boundaries it imposes on us. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a clearer understanding of what’s truly needed in the present moment, enabling us to make choices and take actions free from preconceived notions and prejudices.
Enjoy Ilchi Lee’s blog posts?
Keep up-to-date with weekly wisdom delivered directly to your email inbox.
Another form of information that restricts our choices and actions is self-imposed limitations. Take a moment and ask yourself, “What kind of person am I?” Jot down the answers that come to your mind. Which answers empower you, and which hold you back? How honestly do those answers reflect yourself?
Now, ask yourself another question: “How do I want to be remembered when my life ends?” Take a moment to ponder this question and reflect on your answer. Chances are, your response reflects your wish to be remembered as someone who has made a difference by helping others and positively impacting the world. It’s innate within us to have this desire and inclination to assist others and contribute in meaningful ways. It speaks to the core of our human nature and our inherent goodness.
Are you worried about the future of humanity and our planet? Do you have a strong desire to contribute and positively address the challenges we’re facing? Most likely, your answer to these questions is a resounding, “Yes!” And you’re not alone.
When I asked this question to numerous individuals, the overwhelming majority responded similarly. It’s truly remarkable. Throughout history, few ordinary people have been genuinely concerned about the well-being of humanity and our planet. Advancements in culture or education systems don’t drive this extraordinary change we’re witnessing. This deep-seated mindset has always existed within us and is now being awakened by the pressing global challenges and crises we encounter.
There’s a belief that individuals are naturally selfish and that we’re powerless to make a difference in the world. That belief couldn’t be further from the truth. Deep within every heart, there exists a noble desire to help others and leave a positive impact on the world. It’s part of our true nature as human beings. In today’s world, we need awareness and action from each of us. We can’t just sit back and think that someone else will handle our problems.
The first step is to let go of the limited information that has defined us thus far. We are so much more than the labels and boundaries that society and ourselves have placed upon us. We need to acknowledge and embrace the vast, bright consciousness that resides within us as our true essence.
This process is like a new birth, where we liberate ourselves from the dogmatic information that defines us and break free from the limiting beliefs that hinder our progress. While physical birth establishes our existence, this birth establishes our true worth. It’s about choosing who we truly are and giving birth to our own being. It’s not about the mother giving birth to us but rather about our consciousness giving birth to ourselves. And the beauty of it is that age or gender doesn’t matter. It’s a transformative journey that anyone can undertake, regardless of circumstances.
When we free ourselves from limiting beliefs and information, we become masters of our bodies and minds. We tap into our brains’ full power and realize our greatest potential. Previously, we may have thought and acted as separate, self-centered, and helpless individuals tied to a specific race, religion, ethnicity, or group. But now, freed from the confines of such information, we can become thoughtful individuals, aware of our presence on Earth at this critical juncture. As mature and responsible individuals, we can assess, choose, and take action independently. We can confidently declare, “I choose, and I act.” Our bodies and minds are tools we can harness to make a positive impact. We bring forth the best of our abilities by making choices that benefit the entire global community. Together, we forge a sustainable future for all of humanity.
Related Posts
- [Video] The Power of Choice | Beyond the Name and Personality Ep. 05 (Ilchi Lee Audio Lecture)
- Choose a Dream for the Earth
- Wake Up from Your Control Drama
- The Dream of the Soul
- Create a Web for Catching Your Dreams