Who Are You Being?

Dear Reader,

Let the August transformation continue! Today’s question, “Who are you being,”  is again geared toward motivating you to look inward. It focuses on who you are being in the world. What kind of experiences are you creating? Who are you spending your time with? What values are you supporting with your actions?

Just to be clear, this question is not the same as the well-known question “Who am I?”

“Who am I?” can lead you to your true nature, if you are open and persistent in your reflection; it can help you discover who you really are, deep down.

“Who am I being?” can help you discover whether the person you are being in your everyday life is aligned with who you really are underneath. This is a very powerful question, because if who you are being in the world is not in alignment with who you really are deep down, there is a very good chance you are conflicted, unhappy and/or frustrated – at the very least.

No fun!

So, “Who am I being?” is a great diagnostic tool to help you become aligned in thought, word and action with your true self, your soul – who you really are.

“But wait,” you say, “what if I don’t know who I really am?” That’s actually ok. A lot of people don’t know who they really are. In fact, answering that question can be a delightful, lifelong process.

When you start with the question “Who am I being,” simply be honest and pay attention. What do you notice?

For example… Are you being a person who makes clear choices and honors commitments? Are you being a person who expresses love fully? Are you being a person who on the inside loves to play, but stops yourself from doing so in everyday life because you feel like others expect you to be serious?

Here’s more. Are you being a person who spends time in nature? Are you being a person who is attentive with your money? Are you being a person who gossips, complains or doubts? Are you being a person who values honesty? Beauty? Creativity?

Are you beginning to get the idea? Excellent! Then, as you understand more about who you are actually being, you will start to get subtle and not so subtle feelings about whether that person is who you really are. You may get a vague, uncomfortable feeling: “Wait, I am being a person who gives up easily, but that’s not who I really am. Once you make that realization, you have the ability to do something about it!

Here’s a suggestion for a powerful way to work with this question. Allow yourself to reflect briefly on how you live your life from day to day; you may get visual images of yourself, thoughts, or hear words. Then, give yourself three minutes to out loud, without hesitation or thought, fill in the blank: “I am being a person who _____” Allow yourself to be surprised, no judgement – have fun!

Another way to work with this question is similar to the question I gave you in yesterday’s post. Simply reflect on it briefly, allow it to sink in, and leave it to simmer for a few days. You may get an insight while taking a shower or doing the dishes.

One warning – once you start, there’s no turning back!

I honor your loving heart,

John