Unveiling the True Self: A Journey to Inner Unity

Deep within each of us lies the mystery of true identity—a question pondered by the greatest minds. Before accepting any viewpoint or life stance, it is important to find the path to ourselves and realize who we really are. This search is not limited to mere analysis; it requires constant observation of our thought flow, speech, actions, and inner experiences in order to preserve the unity of our personality.

At the heart of this process is the diligent effort to separate the true “self” from the elements that distort our inner image. It is through self-analysis and regular self-monitoring that we gradually eliminate everything that prevents us from being whole and sincere. Every detail of our inner world—from fleeting thoughts to the deepest feelings—plays a role in forming the image of who we are today and who we might become tomorrow.

The ultimate goal is to attain a clear understanding of our own essence, to experience a metaphysical foundation that transcends the physical shell and psychological manifestations. This is not an instantaneous process but a long and intriguing journey leading to the unity of the inner “I,” which becomes the basis for future self-development and elevation to new levels of consciousness. In this pursuit, each of us finds a source of energy capable of transforming our lives and bringing us into true harmony with ourselves.

How can one define their true essence and identity?

Defining one’s true essence and identity begins with a profound, personal question: Who am I really? Many authors assert that before choosing any position or stance, it is necessary to become aware of and choose oneself. For example, it is stated:

"Before choosing any stance or position, one must first choose oneself, in an act of self-realization—an answer, even an intuitive one, to Tolstoy's question (expressed in Bunin's words): WHO ARE YOU – WHAT ARE YOU? This is the question of my identity. It includes, at its core, the general inquiry: what is identity as such." (source: link txt)

This question does not have an immediate answer and demands deep inner work. According to some authors, to determine the true “self,” one must continuously observe their thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring that nothing disrupts the unity of their personality. In one discussion, it is emphasized:

"This is achieved through long, diligent effort. We must constantly monitor ourselves so that neither movement, word, nor an inner mood incompatible with wholeness shatters the foundational coherence of our personality that we seek. We need to discover our genuine “I,” our innermost, cherished self, which is simultaneously the seed of the future human being and the sole eternal reality already manifesting within us." (source: link txt)

It is also noted that the process of discovering the true “I” can begin with small steps. Gradually, by rejecting elements incompatible with our wholeness, we gain a clear understanding of who we are at the moment and who we might become in the future:

"And so, by discovering our genuine—or relatively more genuine—‘self’, and subsequently the elements that distort it, preventing us from being what we essentially are, we can gradually achieve a vision and understanding of who we are at the present, and then move forward into the next phase." (source: link txt)

It should be noted that this quest requires not only intellectual analysis but also the ability to feel one’s deep reality—the metaphysical foundation underlying biological form and psychological manifestations. Thus, defining true essence and identity is a long and complex process of profound self-analysis, beginning with a personal choice and advancing through a constant striving for the unity of the inner “I.”

Supporting citation(s):
"Before choosing any stance or position, one must first choose oneself, in an act of self-realization—an answer, even an intuitive one, to Tolstoy's question (expressed in Bunin's words): WHO ARE YOU – WHAT ARE YOU? This is the question of my identity. It includes, at its core, the general inquiry: what is identity as such." (source: link txt)

"This is achieved through long, diligent effort. We must constantly monitor ourselves so that neither movement, word, nor an inner mood incompatible with wholeness shatters the foundational coherence of our personality that we seek. We need to discover our genuine “I,” our innermost, cherished self, which is simultaneously the seed of the future human being and the sole eternal reality already manifesting within us." (source: link txt)

"And so, by discovering our genuine—or relatively more genuine—‘self’, and subsequently the elements that distort it, preventing us from being what we essentially are, we can gradually achieve a vision and understanding of who we are at the present, and then move forward into the next phase." (source: link txt)