Identifying With an Image

So what do you think of yourself? We all have certain images of who we are and how we present ourselves to the world. And we all have an image of how the world sees us.

When we are small we adopt a set of beliefs that are the driving force behind everything we do in our lives. These beliefs cause us to create certain images of ourselves that we are constantly putting out into the world. “I am a good girl”, “I’m a bad boy”, “I am a victim”, and on and on it goes.

Once the image is created, we then act in such a way that validates this image. If we believe we are the good girl, we will go about trying to prove this to the world. And what do we look for in return? Simply, we look for the world to validate this image – to show us our value.

There is no place out in the world that makes us feel valued, worthy, loved or peaceful. Those feelings come from within, from our source, the centre of all that is. We can create an image in order to find these emotions out in the world, but it will never be enough. We will always look for more.

And it doesn’t matter if the image is good or bad because creating and showing an image is merely the ego’s way of looking for reinforcement.

In effect, identifying with an image only causes suffering because every moment when we are not connected to our source of peace and love within, we are searching for something in the world. And we never get it from the world. What we get is suffering.

Even the most unconscious thought can create an image. What if you were to say, “I have a bad memory”? This is a belief, an image of yourself that you have put out into the world. And each time you want to remember something, you have the thought, “I have a bad memory.” What happens? Chances are you don’t remember a darn thing.

What if you changed that thought to “I have a great memory”? Or what if you didn’t even bother judging your memory at all? How much easier would life be to not have to worry about keeping up an image of yourself?

Letting go of the images that we identify with can allow us to connect with our source of love and peace and in doing so, be in the world without judgment, criticism or negative thoughts.

Our intentions would be pure and loving, our hearts would be open and compassionate and we would have less stress, less pain and less suffering. Ultimately we would be more authentic in our lives.

What is your image of yourself? There are probably several images that you carry with you. How do you see yourself? Write down some of the images you have of yourself.

How do you think others see you? Write down some of the images you think others have of you.

How do you feel about this image? What are you looking for in the world when you put this image across? Write down how you feel.

What is the belief that is creating these feelings? Write it down. Is this belief true? Chances are it’s not. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come up. Let yourself freely accept the emotions and acknowledge them. Then let go of the mistaken belief. Forgive anyone who may have made you feel not good about yourself. Forgive yourself for this mistaken belief. Feel the freedom of release.