Exploring the question “Who Am I?” is a lifelong discovery of our self. Since we are evolving beings, our life’s journey will see constant changes therefore how we define ourself will naturally continue to change over time.  But how will I know who I am right now?  The answer lies in the recognition then reconciliation of the concept of self, and the relation between our inner self and outer self.  Often it is easy to recognize our outer self, as this is the part of us we present to the world around us. Our outer self relates to our physical presentation, our culture and ethnicity, our personality and beliefs, as well as our roles and relationships with others. This outer make up, and sometimes a mask we wear, helps us cope, belong and feel connected to others and to our outside world. Defining what we are or do on the outside is helpful to gain insight about our life, but it does not paint the whole picture of who we are truly being. Discovering who we are from an inner self perspective is generally a less explored part of us.  When we do not give much attention to our inner self, it is possible to feel like an imposter, lost without purpose, or unbalanced. As well, for some their inner self may hold deeper unprocessed emotions, darker truths and unresolved issues. Yet that is the ego’s perspective, instead the inner self is meant to be fully discovered, acknowledged and accepted so we may live freely.   The inner self accepts our inner dark and light, though there really is no divide, only oneness in our true being. Our enlightened inner self equals inner harmony — it is our core essence, our energy we embody, the intuition we tap into and our creativity we wildly express. This is our warrior spirit - our true self.  How do I find my true self? We may find our true self through the Five Great Elements. Our warrior spirit enlivens when it interconnects to the elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether.  Our Inner Self and the Five Great Elements: EARTH: Our warrior spirit is grounded by the earth’s energy, rooting us to our deep knowing of our inner strengths, the pillars we stand on.  WATER: Represents being in flow, adapting to the changes and managing our emotional reactions and responses to our life’s happenings.  FIRE: Fire is energy that ignites our passion and inner power.  AIR: Air opens us up to our inner knowing, the wisdom that guides us, giving us purpose in our life. ETHER: Ether is the enlightened mind, supported and connected to all elements one is able to express themselves freely.  Our true essence vibrates from the inside out when the five elements all work in sync. It  creates a flow of chi energy, circulating throughout our body, chakras and auric field. In this essence of true being, our inner self and outer self are aligned, and we are inspired to live our truth from the inside out. In this certainty and congruency of self, we may achieve oneness and harmony.  With light,  Kohai Hadad, 3rd Degree Black Belt, Renge Dojo —————————————————————— WARRIOR SPIRIT CIRCLE Dianne Hadad, Wellness & Energy Coach, CPC 647-203-4882 |  dianne.hadad@gmail.com @warrior.spirit.circle The WARRIOR SPIRIT CIRCLE creates conversations and courses for kids, parents and martial artists to discover their true self and embody their warrior spirit. Our mission is to share the practical wisdom, virtues and philosophies of the classical martial arts to inspirit resiliency, confidence and vibrancy.