Know Thyself

Inscribed in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi is the ancient Greek aphorism “Know Thyself”. There is a certain peace in knowing and accepting who you are and living in your truth. I believe that is what our journey is about, through all of our reincarnations, to get to know who we really are. Not what we think we are supposed to be, what our families expect, what our education teaches us or our society accepts… I’m talking about our real Self… Who are you really?

From an early age we learn what behaviour is acceptable and brings us love, and our personality is shaped through our relationships, schooling and society. I’m not saying that this is not important, as a civilized society is necessary for us to have the opportunity to grow. But have you ever felt that you don’t fit the mould provided for you? Do you ever question why you believe something?

The beauty of getting older is that we become more aware of who we really are. It is important to also get to know your “shadow” side, those aspects of ourselves that we don’t like or think are not acceptable; denial of our darker aspects means that we are not whole. It also leaves us open to that darkness coming out at the most inappropriate moments because we don’t understand it or have any control over it. We are complex beings, and it is possible to love and accept ourselves for *all *that we are.

Allow yourself to see the bigger picture of your life. Rather than blaming others – parents, partners, work, children etc, take responsibility for who you are today, making peace with your past and realise that you have a choice of how you live your life today. You have a choice of what to believe, your attitudes and your actions. Your quest is to work out what that really means to you. Get to know your true Self and trust that you are lovable and acceptable, even if you do not fit in the “box”.