Freeing Your True Self

In our book Shine, Gino and I write about shedding the emotional layers that quietly shape how you see yourself. Over time, feelings, emotions, and thoughts formed through upbringing, education, and lived experience can become so familiar that they start to feel like who you are. When this happens, you may find yourself identified with a story about yourself rather than living from the actual truth beneath it.

Often this identification shows up in subtle ways, even through the body. A chronic pain, a persistent worry, or a familiar emotional pattern can slowly turn into part of your identity. The invitation is not to reject or suppress these experiences, but to stop getting lost in them. Compassion is useful here. Compassion allows you to hold your humanness while also touching a greater awareness. As you recognize that feelings, emotions, and thoughts are part of your experience rather than the source of who you are, something softens. In that softening, you begin to free your True Self and live with more clarity, peace, and ease.

Journaling Prompt
What is one feeling, emotion, or thought that has quietly become part of your identity? What might it feel like to loosen your grip on it, even slightly? Close your eyes for a few breaths and notice any sensations in your body. When you open your eyes, write down what you noticed and where you felt it. Carry that awareness with you today and gently observe when this identity shows up again.

Final Thought
“You’re never so centered on yourself as when you’re depressed. You’re never so ready to forget yourself as when you are happy. Happiness releases you from self. It is suffering and pain and misery and depression that tie you to the self.” - Anthony de Mello

May you meet yourself today with kindness and curiosity, trusting that what you are seeking is already within you.

Wishing you lots of joy ♥️

Much love, 
Rob