Focused on Ourselves

We live in a time of increasing self absorption.

Our worlds revolve around us. We are the centers of our own universes.

We construct electronic networks of the false selves we want people to see, just as we present the selves we want people to know in person. We manage our virtual lives in the same way we manage our face to face lives. We wrap ourselves in photos and video, words and music, likes and follows.

We create images of the selves we would like to be, sharing them with each other.

We spend more time expressing our selves than listening to other people. We present our surface features, focusing only on what we are willing to share. We work hard to control how we are perceived, and then become frustrated that so few make an effort to know us.

We do not spend the time or energy it takes to know others because we are focused on fabricating and supporting the selves through which we relate to the rest of the world.

It takes all of our energy. We are absorbed in our selves.

We are drawn to, inspired by, hungry for people who can help free us from the barriers we construct. The flame of their authentic life helps spark the fire in our own hearts.

One person at a time, slowly and surely, the warm light of life is spread. We explore the hidden passages and discover the deep desires of our own true selves. We recognize ourselves for who we are, and begin to share ourselves with each other.

We begin to focus on something larger than ourselves. The walls we have built begin to become bridges.

How do you focus on becoming your true self?

Which of your selves demands the most focus from you today?

[Image by Swiss James]