The Inner Path: Don't Lose Yourself in A Role

 Authentic human interactions become impossible when you lose yourself in a role. ~ Eckhart Tolle

If you sometimes find yourself becoming attached to what you do and the job title that you have, to such an extent that they begin to feel like part of you, as one.  Know that your title, for example, as manager, officer, teacher, parent, secretary, etc, are functions you fulfill... roles you play, they are not you. It's one thing to tell others what you do for a living by introducing yourself with your job title or social position, but it's  when you completely become that job function or title you begin playing a role.  

When you think you are the roles and functions you have,  then you also think that a person with a more elevated role than yours… boss, manager or executive, is better than another role.. a janitor, bus boy or taxi driver, etc., and that creates a big problem of labeling people as anything other than human being.

          I am a teacher  *  I am a doctor  *  I am a manager *  I am a wife                         

But it's really when you identify with your function, to such an extent, that you lose authenticity and takes you over and becomes a role you play, that you lose sight of the fact that who you are requires no belief or validation... because you are not your job, possessions or social position.

Living Life |With Purpose

As a noted influential leader and author states, because of the labeling associated with functions and roles, you lose authenticity... so, because of this, YOU should give up defining yourself... to yourself or to others.  And, don't be so concerned with how others define you... it's really about the space you create around you... that space is your authentic self.  When others define you, they limit themselves, so it's their problem, not yours. Here are two ways to be your authentic self at all times. 

1. When interacting with others, don't be there primarily as the function or the role you play (teacher, mom, wife, manager, etc)... just be... human being. You can only lose something that you have (role, function)... they come and go, but you cannot lose something that you are (being).
2. Don't underestimate the value of awareness.  Awareness is your power in the present moment and to identify with any other role or function makes you unconscious (limited) in that moment.  You might give notice or attention to that role or function, but your authentic self is nowhere to be found.  Authenticity shows up when you practice the ultimate purpose of your human existence... your purpose, your power showing up in life.

We all play roles and have functions we perform all the time, many of them, but those roles are NOT us. We tend to identify with the role that we play, but when you let go of the belief that you should or need to identify with the role you lose the confusion of it all, and actually enter a state of peace and clarity that is closer to who you truly are than what you or what others could ever think... don't limit yourself.  We are all human beings…regardless of what roles we play. So don't lose yourself in a role... just be... human being.


How about you, have you ever had a moment like that and if so leave a comment and tell me how you felt at that moment and what you did to correct it, if anything.  I would love to hear from you.

I encourage you to study the works of spiritual author, Eckhart Tolle. He will open your heart and mind in the realm of consciousness and purpose.

Leadership: Before You Can Do, You Must First Be

He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. ~ Lao Tzo

You do know that learning no longer ends when you finish school or take your last exam? As a leader, you must commit to a life time of learning. And, if you consider yourself a leader, an expert, a specialist, on or off social media, then you must know that before you lead others you must lead yourself.  Many leaders never really lead as much as they say they do, but they, of course, take credit for the good... and dish out blame for the bad. 
 
However, sooner or later, you'll discover that leadership is more about who you are than what you do. Leadership of others begins with your internal leadership... yes, your internal leadership. You must fill up your cup before leading someone else... otherwise it'll just be the blind leading the blind. If you want to continue to grow you must continue developing yourself toward what you want to be as a human being.

Living Life|With Purpose

I'm talking about self-awareness.  Self-awareness provides you with the tools to achieve your goals in your personal life,  at work, with family and friends, in the community and with other social relationships.  Here are three tips to help you know yourself better and become the role model you need to be for those who look to you as a leader.