Identity

Although in Buddhism we talk a lot about non-self or anatta (an important, but very complicated concept) I want to spend a little time discussing identity. Although we are part of everything and everyone in a greater sense, I personally believe that it is our life's work to uncover our authentic selves and then set about living that truth. The concept of authenticity and non-self are actually not at cross purposes, for it is the letting go of the layers upon layers of false identities and facades that we construct over the course of our lives that we can ultimately reach a state or being.

So to start off and borrowing a graphic from Sam Killermann's wonderful gender identity book, "The Social Justice Advocate's Handbook: A Guide to Gender," sit for a hour or so and map out what identities would go into making your "You Soup?"