In this talk, Jack Kornfield explores identity: who we take ourselves to be, and the stories we tell ourselves about our purpose.
J. R. R. Tolkien wrote, “Not all those who wander are lost,” and it’s true; however, perhaps it is truer to say that no one who wanders is lost. Wandering is a part of our lives that, just like sitting, breathing, and meditating, can be done mindfully and with purpose – even when that purpose is not so clear to us. In this talk by Jack Kornfield, “Who Are You, Wanderer?”, Kornfield explains that each of our lives is not just one life but a collection of infinite lives that together make up our path on this Earth.
Who Are You, Wanderer?
Kornfield’s talk explores the concept of our identity – who do we believe we are? Through bits of wisdom from various sources and his own insights, he looks at the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what our purpose is. He explains that meditation is a tool that lets us step away from our identity and our limited sense of self.
Moving Beyond Identity
To move beyond our connection to our stories – to move gracefully with each unfolding moment of our lives – we are continually called to come back to the present. Various events will arise along the way, and those can be fully experienced, but Kornfield reminds us to pay attention to what is right here, right now. Our identities and stories might arise, but we can ask ourselves: is this really who I am? Mindfulness practice may help us to find calm within the storm and stay in step with the ever-moving flow of life.
More from: Jack Kornfield
