Myself?

"Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force. Mastering the self requires strength."- Lao Tzu

Every thinking adult ponders the question of, “Who am I”? It is the essential by-product of being human; that and understanding that life is finite. It is also the ultimate self absorption, most self involved use of time there is, however we all do it none-the-less. I am one of those fusion people whose thoughts are a mix of Western philosophy, Judeo –Christian ethics and Eastern philosophy. Probably because of my family and my education which was such an odd mix of these views. I am a true product of my BC roots, my hipster father, colonial British mother and the 1970’s. So here I sit and navel-gaze and feel no guilt.

I think therefore I am. I am the sum of all the things I have done, good or bad. I am the places I have been, the people I have met, what I have read, seen and heard and of course eaten. I am responsible for what I have said and all of my actions. I owe a debt of those who came before me and must contribute to my society. I should treat others as I want to be treated and love my family and friends. I am also that unique essential person, who is altered, modified and shaped by living but whose soul or self remains the same. My purpose is to experience life as an end in itself. A strange brew this me.

I have been pushed through a door to the next place. I hung onto the frame, cried, begged and pleaded to remain one the comfortable side. But now that I am through the door and off of the stoop I now know it’s actually much better here. I am not sure how much stuff I should bring with me. Kids yes, they will be happier here, friends, they are here already. I know what I must leave behind and who. I think I know what I need to learn, I need to find the authentic me. I am working on believing I am ok and valuable. I will try to do what is good for me, makes me happy and makes me feel good about myself.

"Self-knowledge alone eradicates misery". "Self-knowledge alone is the means to the highest bliss." “Absolute perfection is the consummation of Self-knowledge."- Adi Shankaracharya