Mental well-being is very much related to our understanding of our real identity. Have you ever wondered, “Who am I, really?” It’s a question as intriguing as it is complex, isn’t it? In this blog, we will explore the topic related to the real “I” and how understanding it would help us in our mental well-being. This would help us go beyond the realms of our everyday identity to discover our ultimate essence – our spiritual identity. And guess what? This spiritual discovery has a deep, transformative connection with our mental well-being.
What’s our identity? Who am I?
Our identity, the understanding of “Who am I?” usually consists of three main categories: mental, physical, and social identities.
Our Mental Identity includes thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions that form our personal “mind map.” Mental identity is a profound aspect of our self-understanding that encompasses our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. It forms our psychological framework that influences how we interpret and respond to various life events. This mental representation of self is not stagnant but evolves as we acquire new experiences and knowledge. Consider this real-life example:
- Meet Jane, a talented software engineer. Jane’s mental identity is heavily influenced by her belief in herself as an intelligent, competent professional. This belief is not just a thought – it’s a core part of her self-identity. It affects her actions, decisions, and interactions in her professional life. When faced with a new project or a complex coding challenge, Jane is confident. Her mental identity – that she is intelligent and skilled – fuels her to tackle these tasks effectively. She approaches problems analytically, breaks them down into manageable parts, and finds innovative solutions. When she encounters obstacles, instead of being discouraged, her mental identity as a capable engineer prompts her to perceive these challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. In this way, Jane’s mental identity not only guides her actions but also shapes her perceptions, reinforcing her self-belief and influencing her behavior and outlook on life.
Our Physical identity relates to how we perceive and accept our physical bodies, including aspects such as age, health, and body image. It plays a vital role in our self-esteem and self-confidence, influencing how we present ourselves and interact with the world around us. Let’s consider an example:
- Tom, a professional athlete, has a strong physical identity. As a basketball player, Tom’s understanding of himself is closely tied to his physical attributes – his height, strength, and agility. These qualities are not just elements of his physicality but also contribute to his self-image and identity. When he’s on the court, Tom’s awareness of his physical self plays a key role in his performance. His agility allows him to maneuver around other players. His strength helps him to maintain control of the ball. His height gives him an advantage when shooting or defending. These physical traits, and Tom’s acceptance of them, have shaped his identity as an athlete. Off the court, Tom’s physical identity continues to impact his actions and choices. He sticks to a strict fitness regimen and healthy diet to maintain his athletic physique and performance. His identity as a professional athlete even impacts his social interactions, as he’s recognized and admired for his physical prowess.
Our Social Identity refers to how we perceive ourselves within our various social groups and roles, such as family, friends, work, culture, or nation. This identity is significantly shaped by societal norms, values, roles, and expectations, and it strongly influences our interpersonal relationships and behaviors. To understand this, let’s delve into a real-life example:
- Consider Mia, a young woman balancing her roles as a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a marketing executive. Each of these roles contributes to Mia’s social identity and influences how she behaves and interacts within her social groups. At work, Mia’s identity as a marketing executive involves professionalism, strategic thinking, and leadership. Her colleagues recognize her as an innovative thinker and a reliable team player. Her interactions in the workplace are defined by collaboration, mentorship, and negotiation, shaped by her professional identity. At home, Mia takes on a different social identity as a mother, daughter, and wife. As a mother, she’s nurturing, patient, and supportive, guiding her children through their developmental milestones. As a wife, she’s a partner, confidante, and supporter. As a daughter, she’s respectful, caring, and supportive, taking care of her aging parents. These various social identities influence Mia’s behaviors, decisions, and relationships, shaping her interactions within these social groups. It’s important to note that each of these identities is influenced by societal norms and expectations.
In this triad of identities, we encounter the “ego,” which represents our conscious self, filled with ambitions, defenses, and a strong sense of individuality. The ego, when unchecked, can lead to mental health issues and a distorted sense of self.
Our Spiritual Identity – The Real I
Beyond these identities lies our “spiritual identity.” This identity transcends ego, physical appearances, mental constructs, and societal labels.
Spiritual identity, often overlooked, is a profound aspect of our overall identity. It transcends our mental, physical, and social selves, touching on the deeper essence of who we are at our core. This is the part of us that connects with a universal consciousness, or for some, a higher power or divine presence. It is unchanging, steady, and unaffected by the fluctuations of life’s circumstances.
Let’s delve into a real-life example:
Meet Sara, a yoga instructor and meditation guide. While she has a mental identity tied to her knowledge and skills, a physical identity related to her body and health, and a social identity connected to her roles and relationships, her spiritual identity holds the most profound meaning for her.
For Sara, her spiritual identity is tied to a sense of oneness with all beings and the universe. She feels a deep connection to a larger consciousness, one that goes beyond her individual existence. This identity informs her values and beliefs, instilling in her a sense of purpose and leading her to live a life rooted in compassion, mindfulness, and unity.
This spiritual identity significantly impacts Sara’s daily life. It guides her actions, interactions, and reactions to various situations. For instance, when faced with a difficult student or a challenging situation, she doesn’t react with frustration or impatience. Instead, she recalls her spiritual identity, which prompts her to act with compassion, understanding, and patience.
Her spiritual identity also helps her cope with life’s ups and downs. She understands that her essence, her real “I,” is separate from these external circumstances. Therefore, she’s able to maintain a calm, peaceful demeanor, regardless of what’s happening around her.
Embracing our spiritual identity enhances our mental well-being. It reminds us that we are not our experiences, emotions, or physicality but are much more profound, serene, and unchanging.
Technique for aligning with our real “I” – Meditation
One potent way to connect with our spiritual identity is the practice of self-inquiry meditation, often encapsulated in the question, “Who Am I?” This form of meditation encourages us to strip away layers of our superficial identities, revealing the spiritual self within.
By routinely practicing this form of meditation, we can dissociate from harmful thought patterns that contribute to mental health issues. We cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and a non-judgmental outlook, thereby enhancing overall mental well-being.
Conclusion
While our mental, physical, and social identities have their significant roles, the serene and unchanging core of our existence is our spiritual identity. By engaging with self-inquiry meditation and consistently aligning with this subtle identity, we can cultivate mental well-being, inner peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives. Understanding the real “I” can indeed be a transformative journey toward enhanced mental health.
Ajitesh Kumar