Several times this month the difference between who we are as a person and our persona has grabbed my attention. I started writing about this, led a meditation on person vs. persona and have discussed with my clients as well. When who we are a person is aligned with our persona we show then we enjoy our lives and our work. When there is a significant difference between the two, the more unhappy, frustrated and invalidated we seem to be.

I observed we spend most of our time being our persona, the image we show to others. Ideally our persona and who we are as a person within would be the same though that is not the case. It is not our fault. We are raised that way. Do we ask teenagers, “Who are you as a person?” “What do you know about who you are at your core?” Not likely. We ask them, “What do you plan to do?” “What do you want to be?” “What do you plan to study?” “What school are you attending?” All these questions and more focus them on their persona. More significantly we mold their persona based on our pictures about what is a considered a good answer or choice. Everyone is intuitive, so they feel and know what we expect or hope for them. This affects their thoughts about themselves and how they mold their persona. They want to be liked, respected and do what others will validate.

Don’t feel bad. This happened to all of us during our teen years, that sensitive time when we were trying to figure who we are, and everyone wants to know what we plan to do. Wow, I wish we could change this pattern but it is pretty engrained. As an adult, we want to go back and answer that original question. “Who am I?” “What do I know about myself at my core?” We want to know so that whatever we are doing or decide to do in the world (our persona) reflects and creates space to be and express who we are – truly.

This awareness of self comes when we are quiet, can stop thinking, go within and say hello to who we are at our core, not once but often, as a matter of routine. The more time we spend time knowing who we are, our persona slowly changes to align with that awareness. How would things be different if this happened or when this happens?

Take the time to meditate, reflect, get quiet, or whatever way works for you to answer the question, “Who am I – at my core?” Let that awareness and vibration flow into who you are in the world.

Best wishes on your success, Kay