I’ve come to realize something profound: the “me” I thought I was isn’t real. It’s just a version of myself created by my mind. This version, driven by ego, jealousy, ambition, and a craving to be the best, isn’t truly me. It’s a mask I’ve worn for so long that I mistook it for my true self.
Such a powerful article Sikieng. I could really relate. The timing of this article is so insane, cause I feel most centered the last year and I had been reflecting on this who am I question a lot last month. I have come across that true self of us past all those external and emotional views and influences and it is such a great place to be. Working in Psychiatry, i have also been learned about IFS which talks about this true self that we all possess which is full of compassion, curiosity, clarity and connectedness. I keep coming across this same theme in various ways. How beautiful 😍. What a great evidence of collective consciousness.
Beautifully deep, Sikieng 🙏🏻. It is very difficult in modern society to be truly able to hear the real you. I am also peeling back all the layers given to me by others, and while I’m not sure where the end lies, I believe I’m on the right path.
After many instances of feeling 'enlightened' as to who I really am, only for the awareness to disappear again, I've found in my sixties that I can much more easily tap into 'who I really am'. Which is a ridiculous thing to say really, as who is the 'I' that is tapping into what? Makes me laugh! I've been influenced a lot by Jac O'Keeffe and the non-duality teachings. Thanks Sokieng, a lovely article
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience, Jane! I love how you put it—who is the 'I' that is tapping into what? That made me smile too! It’s fascinating how this awareness can come and go, yet over time, it seems to become more accessible. I’ll definitely look into Jac O’Keeffe and her teachings on non-duality. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reflect on my writing—it means a lot!❤️
I had a light bulb moment in 2023 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I realized that I am not my cancer - it doesn't define me or become me, nor I it. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for sharing such a profound realization, Tracy. It takes incredible strength and wisdom to see beyond something as life-altering as a cancer diagnosis and recognize that it does not define you. Your perspective is truly inspiring and I am looking forward to reading your work as well. Wishing you continued strength, clarity, and healing on your journey.
This has great insight. It actually has a lot of bearing into what I have been thinking about as I’ve been deciding about the direction I want my writing to take. Do I want to niche down or stay with multiple topics?
That's a great question! To figure out whether to niche down or write on multiple topics, think about your goals and what you're most passionate about.
You could also experiment with both approaches and see which feels more natural. Ultimately, the best path is the one that keeps you motivated and inspired to write. Trust your gut!
Thank you so much for your kind words again and for taking the time to share your thoughts, Meredith. I love how you put it—"the silence beyond"—that's such a beautiful way to describe it. We're all on this journey of peeling back the layers, and it’s encouraging to connect with others who see beyond the surface. And again please have a wonderful weekend!
I loved reading this - self discovery is work in progress and puts us in tune with our inner compass than external triggers which might hurl us in directions that actually hold little meaning for us.
Thank you! I'm so glad this resonated with you. Self-discovery really is an ongoing journey, and the more we tune into our inner compass, the more we can navigate life with clarity and authenticity. Wishing you continued growth and awareness on your own path!
It's interesting that at some point in life, all of us overachievers realize that this aspiration of unhealthy ambition is no longer sustainable. The biggest obstacle we face after hitting a wall is figuring out where to lead our life next, now that our masks are gone. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Elisabeth. It’s true—letting go of that overachiever identity can feel both freeing and disorienting at the same time. The challenge then becomes not just shedding the mask, but also learning to navigate life without it. Because what we have made so far is from the illusion of the mind making it, and that is not us. I appreciate you taking the time to read and share your insight—it means a lot.
Most people talk about how you should let go of your ego, and in a way, disregard your current standpoint(your past expirences etc)
But l think what is important is to be able to control yourself, everything is constantly changing, trying to hold on to a certain instance can be disastorous.
😄😄Thaaannkk you! Once again for the mindful insight.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. Honestly, I still feel like I’m learning how to put these realizations into words—it’s not easy, and I don’t always get it right. I’ve even been trying to explain this to my partner, and sometimes I wonder if it’s really landing. There was a moment when a thought popped up: “You can’t even explain this to your partner—how can you expect anyone else to understand?”
But then another thought gently followed: “I’ll write this anyway. Maybe there’s someone out there who’s ready to hear it.”
And then I found your comment. :) It reminds me that we don’t always know who will resonate, but that’s okay. Everyone’s journey unfolds in their own time. I’m just grateful you took the time to read and reflect. Thank you. 🙏 and let's stay connected if you don't mind :)
Such a powerful article Sikieng. I could really relate. The timing of this article is so insane, cause I feel most centered the last year and I had been reflecting on this who am I question a lot last month. I have come across that true self of us past all those external and emotional views and influences and it is such a great place to be. Working in Psychiatry, i have also been learned about IFS which talks about this true self that we all possess which is full of compassion, curiosity, clarity and connectedness. I keep coming across this same theme in various ways. How beautiful 😍. What a great evidence of collective consciousness.
Thank you very much for sharing your insights here, Maria. Really appreciate your honesty. Let's live a life that we all deserve:) ❤️
Beautifully deep, Sikieng 🙏🏻. It is very difficult in modern society to be truly able to hear the real you. I am also peeling back all the layers given to me by others, and while I’m not sure where the end lies, I believe I’m on the right path.
Well said, Selene. And you are on the right path. Let's learn and grow together:)
After many instances of feeling 'enlightened' as to who I really am, only for the awareness to disappear again, I've found in my sixties that I can much more easily tap into 'who I really am'. Which is a ridiculous thing to say really, as who is the 'I' that is tapping into what? Makes me laugh! I've been influenced a lot by Jac O'Keeffe and the non-duality teachings. Thanks Sokieng, a lovely article
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience, Jane! I love how you put it—who is the 'I' that is tapping into what? That made me smile too! It’s fascinating how this awareness can come and go, yet over time, it seems to become more accessible. I’ll definitely look into Jac O’Keeffe and her teachings on non-duality. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reflect on my writing—it means a lot!❤️
I had a light bulb moment in 2023 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I realized that I am not my cancer - it doesn't define me or become me, nor I it. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you for sharing such a profound realization, Tracy. It takes incredible strength and wisdom to see beyond something as life-altering as a cancer diagnosis and recognize that it does not define you. Your perspective is truly inspiring and I am looking forward to reading your work as well. Wishing you continued strength, clarity, and healing on your journey.
This has great insight. It actually has a lot of bearing into what I have been thinking about as I’ve been deciding about the direction I want my writing to take. Do I want to niche down or stay with multiple topics?
That's a great question! To figure out whether to niche down or write on multiple topics, think about your goals and what you're most passionate about.
You could also experiment with both approaches and see which feels more natural. Ultimately, the best path is the one that keeps you motivated and inspired to write. Trust your gut!
Beautifully stated. You are not you. You just are.
Thank you very much for sharing your insight :) Love reading your perspective as always :)
Have a wonderful day ❤️
Thank you and you too.
again, beautifully written article and profound. It resonates completely as I truly believe that I’m not this body mind but I am the silence beyond 🤍
Thank you so much for your kind words again and for taking the time to share your thoughts, Meredith. I love how you put it—"the silence beyond"—that's such a beautiful way to describe it. We're all on this journey of peeling back the layers, and it’s encouraging to connect with others who see beyond the surface. And again please have a wonderful weekend!
Are you planning to write a book?
That's such a kind question! I haven’t planned on it yet, but maybe one day. Out of curiosity, what made you ask?
I loved reading this - self discovery is work in progress and puts us in tune with our inner compass than external triggers which might hurl us in directions that actually hold little meaning for us.
Thank you! I'm so glad this resonated with you. Self-discovery really is an ongoing journey, and the more we tune into our inner compass, the more we can navigate life with clarity and authenticity. Wishing you continued growth and awareness on your own path!
A concept I've heard several times but never so well explained, thank you for helping me visualize this concept!
Thank you for your kind words! I’ve heard this concept before too, but it really clicked for me in this way. Glad it helped!
It's interesting that at some point in life, all of us overachievers realize that this aspiration of unhealthy ambition is no longer sustainable. The biggest obstacle we face after hitting a wall is figuring out where to lead our life next, now that our masks are gone. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Elisabeth. It’s true—letting go of that overachiever identity can feel both freeing and disorienting at the same time. The challenge then becomes not just shedding the mask, but also learning to navigate life without it. Because what we have made so far is from the illusion of the mind making it, and that is not us. I appreciate you taking the time to read and share your insight—it means a lot.
Beautifuly said.
😁😁😅😅l was waiting for the However,
Why!?
Most people talk about how you should let go of your ego, and in a way, disregard your current standpoint(your past expirences etc)
But l think what is important is to be able to control yourself, everything is constantly changing, trying to hold on to a certain instance can be disastorous.
😄😄Thaaannkk you! Once again for the mindful insight.
Thank you very much for stopping by. Always grateful reading your insightful comments :)
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. Honestly, I still feel like I’m learning how to put these realizations into words—it’s not easy, and I don’t always get it right. I’ve even been trying to explain this to my partner, and sometimes I wonder if it’s really landing. There was a moment when a thought popped up: “You can’t even explain this to your partner—how can you expect anyone else to understand?”
But then another thought gently followed: “I’ll write this anyway. Maybe there’s someone out there who’s ready to hear it.”
And then I found your comment. :) It reminds me that we don’t always know who will resonate, but that’s okay. Everyone’s journey unfolds in their own time. I’m just grateful you took the time to read and reflect. Thank you. 🙏 and let's stay connected if you don't mind :)