Who Are You?

If you've seen Alice in Wonderland, you probably remember the caterpillar who puffs on his hookah and asks Alice, "Who are you?" It's a simple question, but when was the last time you asked it of yourself?

It’s funny how a whimsical character like a smoking caterpillar can pose such a deep, timeless question. But really—who are you?

The Question We Avoid: Identity Beyond Labels

When asked this question, our natural response might be, "I am a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I work here or there. I am black or white. I am female or male." These are all labels, but they don’t get to the heart of who you truly are.

If you strip away all of these labels—who are you then? Who were you before you took on these roles? When you were a baby, before the world gave you any labels—who were you?

Our world is quick to assign labels and categories to people. These labels are ways of defining ourselves and others, helping us make sense of the complexity of human existence. But, can you truly know who you are through these labels alone? The title of "mother" or "teacher" can say something about your role, but they don’t tell you anything about your essence. The labels of "black" or "white" can describe your physical appearance, but not your inner being.

The truth is, most of us never really ask this fundamental question—who are we before the world placed labels on us? We spend our lives learning to identify with external factors, but the answers are rarely so simple.

Who You Are is What is Looking

One of my favorite quotes comes from St. Francis of Assisi: "Who you are is what is looking." This profound statement invites us to look deeper within. So, what is looking? What is that deeper part of you that perceives the world?

When you take away all your titles and roles, what is left of you? If you could stand in front of a mirror and look beyond your body, your thoughts, your titles—what would you see? That is who you truly are. It is your essence, your inner light, the part of you that remains untouched by the world’s judgments or your own fears. It is that which witnesses.

Reincarnation: Exploring Life Beyond Labels

If nothing in the material world lasts forever, why do we spend so much of our time focusing on things that are transient? Could it be that we have existed in various forms before, learning and evolving along the way?

This is where the concept of reincarnation or soul evolution comes into play for many spiritual traditions. Some believe that our essence, our true self, is eternal. It passes through many lifetimes, each time wearing a different set of labels and experiencing new lessons. In this sense, the “who” you are may be a reflection of your soul’s journey rather than your current role or identity.

Material World vs. Eternal Self: What Is Lasting?

The material world is fleeting. In yogic philosophy it is referred to as prakriti; that which is temporary. Our bodies, possessions, and even our thoughts are temporary. But the essence of who we are—what’s looking—has been here before and will likely be here again in one form or another. So why spend all your energy identifying with the transient? Instead, consider who you are beyond these temporary labels. If we spent more time cultivating our true essence, wouldn’t we experience more peace, fulfillment, and clarity in our lives? We are purusha; a soul that is here to enjoy the experience.

Reflecting on Your True Essence: The Practice of Self-Inquiry

I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect on this question: Who are you, beyond the labels? What remains when you look beyond your roles, your possessions, your identity?

This practice of self-inquiry can be incredibly transformative. Begin by asking yourself simple questions throughout the day, such as:

• Who am I without my job title?
• Who am I without my relationships?
• Who am I without my social status?

The goal is not to reject these labels but to recognize that they do not define your essence. When you begin to separate your identity from the labels and titles, you can start to see yourself as a pure being of energy and light. This realization brings freedom—it allows you to release the pressure of living up to external expectations and find peace in simply being.

Taking Action: Embracing Your True Self

Once you’ve started reflecting on this deeper question, the next step is to take action. Here are a few practices that can help you further explore your true self:

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Spend time in silence, observing your thoughts without judgment. This practice helps you connect with the observer within—your true essence.
2. Journaling: Write down your thoughts about identity and the labels you hold. Reflect on what happens when you let go of these labels for a while.
3. Engage in Deep Conversations: Talk with others about the concept of identity. Sharing insights can help you see yourself from a different perspective and deepen your understanding of your true self.
4. Yoga or Movement: Physical practices like yoga can help you reconnect with your body and soul, fostering awareness of the present moment and your inner being.

The Journey of Self-Discovery: A Continuous Process

The journey to understanding who you truly are is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process. Each day brings new opportunities for self-reflection, and every experience teaches us something new about ourselves.

Remember, you are not confined to the labels you wear. You are more than your job, your relationships, your race, your gender, and your past. You are a timeless being, ever-changing, ever-evolving, and forever learning.

Thank you for sharing this space with me! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic—feel free to connect with me through my contact form, on Instagram @calderayoga, or by diving in and joining one of my classes. I can’t wait to hear from you!