The River of Self: Embracing the Flowing Sands of Personality
Human beings crave a sense of consistency. We strive to build lasting relationships, construct solid foundations for our lives, and leave a legacy that endures. Yet, amidst this yearning for permanence, there lies a truth deeply woven into our existence: our personalities are not static constellations but rivers in constant flux.
Think of a child brimming with boundless curiosity and an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of interests. As they grow, experiences carve furrows in their minds, shaping preferences and values. Friendships forge new channels, while loss and hardship leave their own meandering tributaries. Each year, the river of their personality carves a unique path, forever diverging from its source.
The impermanence of personality isn't merely a philosophical construct; it's a testament to our capacity for growth and adaptation. Each day presents a new landscape of choices, encounters, and lessons. We absorb ideas, shed outdated beliefs, and evolve in response to the currents of life.
Yet, this fluidity can be disquieting. We cling to familiar facets of ourselves, fearing the erosion of our sense of self. We resist the metamorphosis that comes with letting go of outdated traits and embracing unfamiliar aspects of our evolving being. Often, we hear people make excuses so they may keep to a certain narrative about themselves. "I can't help it; it's just who I am. It is part of my personality," or "According to my zodiacal chart, this is who I must be." However, clinging to a stagnant self is like damming a river: it stagnates, breeds discontent, and eventually overflows unpredictably. As useful as astrology or personality tests like the famed Myers-Briggs are for understanding ourselves, they are only a snapshot or surface-level picture of what is happening below the churning waters.
Embracing the impermanence of our personalities demands a shift in perspective. Everyone's duty in this life is to strive for virtue and sublimate our vices. Life is about evolving, so the soul may become more and more alchemically purified. This will lead to the fulfillment of the Great Work. Instead of desiring a fixed self, we must learn to navigate the river's flow. Here are some ways to embrace this transformative journey:
Become an observer: Witness your thoughts, feelings, and habits with curiosity, noticing how they shift and change over time. This mindful self-awareness cultivates acceptance and allows you to navigate your changing currents with understanding. This can be accomplished through daily meditation and contemplation. (ie. journaling)
Embrace new experiences: Explore uncharted territories outside your comfort zone. Each new experience leaves its mark on your inner landscape, enriching and expanding your personality. Charity is especially useful in this end.
Let go of attachments: Clinging to past versions of yourself hinders your growth. Practice letting go of outdated beliefs, habits, and expectations to make space for the person you are becoming. During the Wolf Moon of the New Year, burn a totem that symbolizes your attachment to your old self and move forward, feeling the weight and the burdens you carry lifted to the heavens.
Celebrate the impermanence: View change as an opportunity for growth, not a threat to who you are. Each turn in your personality's river unveils new possibilities and enriches the tapestry of your life. Open-mindedness is the key to new opportunities.
The impermanence of our personality is not something to fear but a testament to the dynamic potential of human existence. By learning to navigate the ever-changing river of our inner world, we embrace the growth, resilience, and richness of being a self in constant transformation. In this ongoing flow, we discover that amidst the shifting sands, the essence of who we are – the ability to learn, love, and connect – remains an enduring testament to the human spirit.
So, the next time you catch yourself yearning for a static self, remember that the ceaseless flow of rivers carves the most beautiful landscapes. Embrace the impermanence, for it is the source of your ever-evolving journey called life.
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