Lao-tzu once told his disciple, “he who knows, cannot say. He who says, cannot know“. His disciple then asked him to explain what he meant by that. Lao-tzu said, “have you ever smelled a rose?” The disciple acknowledged that he had. Lao-tzu replied, “Ok, so you know the smell. Now describe it.“

The word “Rose” is a label, all we can do is try to describe its smell with associations by dissecting it and explaining through comparisons that, “it’s a bit like this, mixed with a bit of that”. But we can never fully encapsulate what a rose really smells like. So if we can’t label something as simple as the smell of a rose, how are we to label something as complex as a human being?

Labels, words, thoughts – that we attach to ourselves delimits the power. that is available within each one of us. Labels influence our behavior, limit what we think you can and can’t do, based on what that label specifies. Its important to be aware of the labels that we hold, as they can hinder our growth .When we label ourselves, we limit ourselves and are unable to change or grow.

Most of us justify situations and stay content with the way things are and never venture to explore beyond these labels, into the depths of the ocean within us, to explore our true selves and live a life full of facades and are unable to utilize the store house of potential, that each one of us have.

Our journey of self –discovery needs to begin with exploring our depths, our inner selves, by observing and inquiring, into the many false beliefs we hold so dearly, within ourselves. The process of Self-Discovery towards Self-Understanding is very difficult but not impossible. What we risk losing are the false beliefs and habits that compose our identity.

“All instruction is but a finger pointing to the moon; and those whose gaze is fixed upon the pointing finger will never see beyond. Even let him catch sight of the moon, and still he cannot see its beauty. ~ Zen Saying./p>

Self discovery is not a one-day or a one-week affair. In fact, it can take a lifetime of building a relationship with yourself. Also, do note that your inner Self, is not going to stay constant either. You are evolving all the time. Based on your self discovery at any point in time, you make conscious decisions for changes. Additionally, as you mature, you gain insights that make up the New You. You live purposely and truly happy.