“Self is an island”
I am a brush stroke casting paint across the canvas of existence. My lifetime merely a single stroke amongst infinite other singularities of expression. I am my own cozy corner of the universe: the hearth I return to after a long day. A private island, where a humble temple stands, founded on integrity, awash with sanctity.
Every self is a universe unto itself—atomic galaxies creating a personalized reality. Our conscious experience exists within the privacy of subjective awareness; as much as we might try to convey our realities to others, there is always the divide of unique phenomenality. The intimacy of self is unparalleled, which is why Self ought to be our best friend, our truest ally, our most compassionate coach.
The historical Buddha taught that every self is “an island unto itself”— amidst the vastness of existence, we each possess a haven to take refuge in. Self is home, it is our living reminder that we belong to a larger context. This sense of safety in one’s own soul allows one to take risks, knowing that there is always a safe place to return to. Too often our selves become clouded with doubt, negative beliefs, helplessness. Rather than being a safe place, the inner self becomes a war zone of self- judgement and fear. Cultivating our selves and creating inner dwellings that feel safe and authentic is essential to living a life rich with meaning.
When was the last time you weeded the inner gardens of your mind? Have you taken inventory of your beliefs and composted the ones that no longer serve you or the world?
Practice: What is your relationship with yourself like? Tune into the ways you show up for yourself and the ways you hold yourself back. Are you a safe zone for yourself? How about for others?
Challenge: Even though our growth edges can be painful to acknowledge it is important to be honest with ourselves in order to heal and grow. It is also important to hold ourselves with gentleness, despite our edges. See if you can hold space for yourself with non- judgment and compassion. Be vulnerable and create a nook of belonging in your own heart.
