Who am I?

We were asked to think upon this question during yoga class this evening. You're probably wondering why I am telling you this, but I was so incredibly moved that I felt it an injustice to not share it with the world (or the very least, with those I love).

At the beginning of class, we were given a scrap of paper and a pen, and asked to divide the page into two columns. In the first column, we were asked to think of three people in our lives (could be real, could be imaginary, could be friends/family, could be a famous person) that we admire, and one descriptive word per person that describes the reason why we admire them so.  On the opposite column, we were to write down the names of three different people who we find irritating, and again, one descriptive word per person that describes why we find them so.  Set the paper aside.

As we opened class, we were asked to tune in to how we define ourselves.  For the most part, we first look to our physical beings: 30 year-old, short, single, Asian, female.  And, I thought I had it one step further, for some of you may recall my little bio blurb on my website and resume.  But we shouldn't confine ourselves to those definitions, because all of that is limiting.

During our practice, I can't remember if this was after a vinyasa sequence or after we did the broken-toe pose, our yoga instructor asked us to think back to the three positive descriptive words.  She said to remove those names associated with those words, and replace them with "I AM," for in reality, we were describing ourselves.  It is impossible to think this of others, if we do not have this in ourselves.  I could feel the emotions erupting inside of me, surfacing in tears that were threatening to loose themselves from my eyes. 

Further along the practice, as our physical bodies connected with our spiritual bodies, she called upon a second realization.  This might've been during pigeon pose, while our foreheads were resting, third eye closed, she asked us to repeat the same thoughts, but now to the opposite column.  Without judgment, without self-criticism, we were to acknowledge that those irritating descriptors were, in fact, a reflection of ourselves at times.  Everyone has a shadowy side--otherwise we wouldn't be human.  We must strive for balance, and detachment--be able to let go.  Every situation, good or bad, happy or sad, is an opportunity to learn.  Just think to yourself, "What am I supposed to learn from this situation?"  We were asked that throughout our daily living, as soon as we realize those negative ways of being, to replace them with the positive, and REALLY believe it.  Because, what we believe is true.  If what you believe is your truth, then you must be careful of what you are telling yourself.  

So, who am I? 

I am strong.  I am resilient.  I am patient. 

I am spirit.

Who are you?