In the realm of wellness and self care we often hear the term highest self thrown around like some transcendent mythic being, always out of reach. Spiritual guides often talk to us as though becoming our ‘highest self’ will solve all of our issues - the missing link in our journey to self fulfilment. Although it is through conversations with friends that I’ve begun to realise that as much as we long to be our perfect selves, our very longing is a trap. Connecting with your highest self is less about perfectionism and more about the journey, strengthening the parts of ourselves we find fulfilment in; our creativity, our ambition, and taking steps to slowly improve the parts of ourselves we don’t.
But what is our highest self? In many ways it can feel like a dream. It’s an imagined idyllic life. Draw out the things you want for yourself - from the values you hold closest, the way you speak, the clothes you wear, how you see yourself in the mirror. Defining this version of self in detail allows us to grasp more tightly to the future we want for ourselves, even if this may change through time. In philosophy we speak of how with each self reflection we change and grow, making it impossible to truly know ourselves. It’s a daunting idea. Through it brings us back to the core theme, the cliche that it’s not about the destination but the journey. It’s about the process of learning and growing - not who we end up as in the end.
Starting on the journey can be as simple as starting to write. Mindful reflection through journaling is a powerful tool allowing you to explore your thoughts, dreams, and desires. Set aside time each morning or evening to write about what you’re grateful for, what you aspire to, and the moments when you felt most aligned with your true self. This can look like asking yourself deeper questions like ‘What do I value most’ or ‘When do I feel most alive?’.
It’s through an exploration of what we value most that allows us to live a life thats authentic and fulfilling. By identifying core values; kindness, family, creativity etc, we can evaluate how our lives currently align, and how we can make small conscious shifts towards greater authenticity and fulfilment.
By Brooke
