Who we are – in essence – in perception, hence our reality – and most importantly who we can become

 

In essence of course, as all things essence, but how much more so the essential desire of God (bifrat yidden) we are God himself.

 

However obviously in perception we are individuals – each of us creates what’s called an identity – the identity is a highly simple, though somewhat misunderstood idea.

 

For identity is invariably based on role models which is why, say a Chinese boy in all likelihood will adopt the language customs practices of his Chinese role models, a Chinese girl likewise, an American, a German etc. – we actually believe we are our role models.

 

This is similar to what animals do – they imprint – so the little chick seeing its mother think it’s a chicken hence copies its mom.

 

Identities are very complex, in the fact we imitate whoever we think is coolest, hence, for example in Japan, though the Japanese girls would imitate their Japanese role moles, when TV came out and they saw super skinny girls, they also try to become super skinny.

 

TV and movies play an exceptionally strong role (usually negatively) in shaping our identities, for the people on them look so real and cool, that we subconsciously begin to imitate them.

(Conversely, unfortunately, some people have been bullied out of their identity – in other words, have been made to believe their identity (themselves) is bad, hence they in turn become bullies as everyone wishes to feel at least on par (if not better than others) hence when feeling lower, they then begin to demean others, which is perhaps one of the most virulent contagions in our world – it causes anti-Semitism and all anti movements.)

 

However both these realities, who we truly are and who we are in actuality (for if say, I think I am a chineman I will act like one) of course is a build up to our true potential, for ironically (and this is the deeper reason why God allows – as studies show, to everyone – bullying) because ultimately, the identity we form is not the maximum, rather in fact, the minimum of our true self.

 

For as mentioned our true identity is God, and God is beyond limitations, whereas each and every one of our identities, no matter how strong, rich, beautiful or wise are limited by those definitions.

 

Once we can let go of our assumed identity (which is only what it is) and embrace this most difficult yet only true identity, that we are in essence God and God is not limited (not even to whatever reason, perception you have of him) God is a creator and someone who like the imagination can continually create new things, so this changes who we are.

We no longer are a thing, a definition, rather we are continually advancing!