Who are you? What makes you YOU? Can you define yourself, your essence, identity? These are complex questions. Humans have many layers of self. We are all we experience, but deeper, we have layers of ourselves in our unconsciousness.
Who we are today is not identical to who we were a year ago, as we are ever-evolving mentally, physically, and emotionally. Who we are changes over our lifetime, through our different seasons.
We have an identity that we feel is the complete picture. However, there are layers of ourselves that we are not aware of – our biological layer functions without our focus. We breathe, see, and hear; we walk and talk without thinking about how these functions occur.
This month, the essays will explore these different layers of self: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and subconscious. All layers overlap in our daily lives. But we are going to take a tour of ourselves by peeling away the layers. By defining our identity within each layer. Self-reflection is how we learn who we are; it is where we do the work to become who we want to be.
Our physical body includes our health and the connection between our body and the other layers of self. It is our tangible existence, our bodies, and the material world. Our emotions impact our daily lives.
Our emotional self is understanding and managing our emotions and how we interact with the world. In this layer, we need tools to regulate our emotions, engage with others, and build resilience.
Our mental self is our thoughts, beliefs, and cognitive abilities. Managing this layer is where we build strategies for creating a positive mindset and engaging in lifelong learning. It is where we hold our worldviews, assumptions, and beliefs.
The spiritual self is the intangible part of our existence, something deeper. This could include our sense of purpose or faith, something greater than ourselves.
We are social beings, and the layers of social engagement strongly influence our identity. The role of social connection is entwined with our physical, mental, and emotional health. Social roles, such as being a parent, or a friend, shape our self-perception and of ourselves and our perceptions of the world.
Self-Actualization – Finding My Self
The Art of Self-Reflection: Defining Your Worldview
The Power of Authenticity – Becoming Your True Self
Exploring The Layers Of Identity That Form The Depths Of Humans, by modernminds.com
Subconscious
Let’s start this self-tour by looking at our nonconscious mind. This layer of self is extremely complex, and it influences thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. A part of our mind where decisions are made without any conscious thought. Our subconscious mind is in the lower brain and the spine. A recording of everything we do each day; all activities, thoughts, what we like and what we dislike.
The subconscious mind is also where we store all the experiences from life. It is the memory of our past, and the playground of our possible futures. Dream images are stored in our subconscious mind.
We can learn to pay attention and change our subconscious patterns. Please take time to watch this video by Mind Set on how the subconscious mind works. It is an excellent explanation and should give you food for thought.
How does the subconscious mind work? By Mind Set
Conclusion
The subconscious layer of our mind is a powerful aspect of our existence. It operates below our level of conscious awareness, yet it plays a vital role in shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
– George Bernard Shaw
One of the goals of self-reflection is to conclude that:
Set some time aside for self-reflection this month. What experiences have shaped who you are today? Teachers, preachers, parents or grandparents, siblings, friends, or the great philosophers, books you have read, subjects you have studied. This month’s goal is to explore your identity and all the layers that make you who you are.
As we move through the next few months, we will look at your life philosophy and prepare for 2025, setting goals for the new year. Who are you today? Who do you want to be tomorrow?
We design our lives by the choices we make.
Recommended Reading
Peeling Back the Layers: Understanding Your True Identity, by Caren Dorsey
The Web of Identity: Losing Ourselves in Labels (Hidden Layers: Unraveling the Complexities of Human Experience), by Parker Rowan
The Layers of Existence: The Quest for Freedom and Authenticity, by Tseday Befekadu Miteku
Resolutions: Life Planning Tools: Hopes, Plans, & Dreams, by Linda L. Pilcher
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