Knowledge of self is something that every human being has to obtain before they leave this earth in order to lead a purposeful life. The objective of today’s entry is hopefully to enlighten individuals on what I believe it means to obtain knowledge of self and what that entails.
Knowledge of self goes far beyond an individual’s personal history. In order for someone to truly get to know themselves, he or she needs an understanding of their ancestral history. They also need to obtain knowledge of the history of the race, creed or color that they consider their own. Whether you are African American, Asian, Hispanic, Pakistani, or Italian it is imperative that you learn from whence you came. Learning one’s heritage establishes a firm foundation for not only the present but it also solidifies a productive and prosperous future for generations to come. Nevertheless, the road to self discovery begins with an individual and their inquisitiveness. There are those that have absolutely no desire to learn about their ancestral history and they go on to lead productive lives. However, those individuals that decide to discover their ancestral heritage tend to lead more purposeful lives. Purposeful in the sense that by obtaining knowledge of self, one also acquires certain intangibles such as: respect of other cultures, loyalty towards peers, strength and courage in the face of adversity, and temperance for the most annoying and infuriating of circumstances.
Now let me be absolutely clear. I am not saying that if you never set out to learn about yours or your ancestor's history that your future is a bleak one. I am merely stating that individuals that trace their ancestry tend to live more fruitful and fulfilled lives because they don’t waste time duplicating the mistakes of their ancestors.
I am a student of patterns. All throughout history there have been several recurring patterns that transcend race, creed, or color. So many in fact that it would take entirely too long to list them all. Nonetheless, anyone with even a moderate amount of discernment (albeit spiritual or not) understand exactly what I mean. The Word of God states the following:
Ecclesiastes 1:9
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
This is the exact reason why I am a student of patterns. Why? I’m glad you asked. Studying patterns keeps me from making the same mistakes over and over again. It allows me to be proactive instead of reactive. Studying patterns also allows me to advise individuals on the best course of action for their particular situation albeit their careers, their investments, their goals and objectives, even their lives.
True knowledge of self comes from continuous introspection. Asking the really hard questions. Those questions that causes one to look at themselves objectively. Those questions that cause discomfort and upsets the balance of things. Complacency is the number one enemy of self discovery. It is only when we ask ourselves the “tough” questions when we truly begin to discover who we truly are.
Trust me I know.
I know because over the course of my life there have been times when I would find myself being unproductive pursuing fruitless goals and objectives. Doing the same things over and over again. Making the same mistakes time and time again. It was only when I faced my demons, accepted my flaws and shortcomings (while making a sincere effort to correct the ones that I was empowered by the Most High to correct) that I actually began to obtain true, unadulterated knowledge of self. Now don’t get me wrong. I am in no way a “completed work”. As a matter of fact I am very much still a “work in progress”. However, learning Whose I am helped me to discover who I am. I had to do some serious soul searching and had to undergo what I like to refer to as “Spiritual Rehabilitation”. A portion of my therapy involved making some difficult choices (Because as I always say, Life is all about choices). I had to sever ties from certain individuals and situations that were stunting my growth. I had to stop frequenting certain places and certain circles because they were impeding my progress. I found myself foregoing certain “guilty pleasures” in order to reach certain goals and objectives.
Sacrifices. Choices. As I always say, The quality of life we lead is solely dependent upon the choices that we make. Life – in essence – is fairly simple. We make choices and don’t look back. The preceding statement is truly the ultimate reason why it is extremely important to obtain true knowledge of self.
So in closing, knowledge of self helps us to eventually discover our life’s true purpose and ultimately improves our decision making. If you are anything like me then you understand the importance of leaving a legacy for those that come after you. It is our job to insure that our youth never forget from whence they’ve come. A word to the parents. Instill in your children a yearning to discover about their ancestry ( Kemet - Ancient Egypt, the institution of slavery, the holocaust, the battle against desegregation and unequal treatment, etc.) The list of topics is endless.
Talk to them about your personal history (pleasant or unpleasant – once you determine they can handle it, of course) because this gives them a better understanding as to how and why you discipline them.
I leave you with the following quote by Edgar Cayce:
"The conquering of self is truly greater than were one to conquer many worlds."
