Identity - the Real Fight!

We are a function of the stories we tell about ourselves. That is why stories are so important and why the way we tell them is equally crucial.

Ancient societies understood this well and history was an oral tradition for millions of years before writing transformed the nature of human reality. Since then print and more recently digital technologies have given mankind an ability to share stories like never before. The emergence of these technologies has also significantly changed the nature of human reality here on earth.

The story we tell about ourselves to the world is often very different to the one we tell ourselves internally. Additionally, the story the world tells about us is often different again and can vary widely depending on who is asked. All this begs the question as to which story is true - but that is actually the wrong question. The real question should be, which story best reflects reality - the answer is that they all do.

As both our internal and external stories effect our sense of identity, transformational change can happen either as a result of the stories we tell ourselves or as a result of a public narrative that emerges about us. Modern brands understand this very well and so invest heavily to develop and communicate their personal story while also reacting to and seeking to control external narratives that emerge about them.

Truth is not reality. Fundamental truth, the true nature of existence can never be grasped - and it is futile to try. My preference is, therefore, to deal with the reality of identity. It is empowering to know that we can create our own reality, but, equally sobering to acknowledge that the reality of identity is in turn strongly shaped by the external. The stories mankind tell, thus, greatly effect the reality of  personal identity.

The impetus for transformational change and the creation of a new reality or sense of identity can thus come as a result of external events (eg. culutral shift, chance encounter etc.). Alternatively, it can result due to an individual changing their internal story and then effectively communicating that new story externally. Either way the objective reality that emerges will be a function of both an internal story and an external story. Awareness is, thus, about grasping the reality of our story and the reality of other people's stories.

All this makes me think about my own story - what is it? How do I tell it and how do others tell it? Is it honest? Am I happy with it? How is it likely to evolve? How active a role am I playing in its evolution? What are the risks and rewards associated with change? How aware am I of the reality of my story and how aware am I of the reality of the stories of those around me?

While truth can never be grasped fully, it can be appreciated. We experience truth in moments of stillness, when we are close to nature and open to the universe. Truth encompasses all possibility and as such is the fountain of all human creativity.

In order to create our own reality and better evolve our sense of identity, it is important to first gain a deep awareness of the reality of our identity. Being still and seeking to appreciate truth is helpful here. Meditation and psychedelics are, thus, useful tools in this respect.

However, in order to ultimately effect a change in our reality we need to do battle in this world. This is 'The Real Fight'. This is how we take ownership of our story - internal and external.

The way we tell the story is equally important. I try to pay attention to the way my story is told and to remember that a great story should also be an entertaining story.