Have you ever had this thought come to your mind This unsettling thought can lead us to deep self-reflection. Western thought typically identifies the self with the “I” or the “ego,” while Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, often view the self as a construct of the mind and less related to who “you” really are.

What is the answer? Well, we are both self and ‘not self’. We are the awareness and the “I”. Reflecting on our lives, we can see two entities: one that observes and one that constantly changes and adapts. The constructed “I” is an accumulation of various labels we or others have chosen, such as “I’m talented in math” or “I’m a golfer.”

Problems arise when we overidentify with these labels, especially those tied to nationality, gender, or political affiliation. Overidentification can blind us to truth and limit critical thinking. For instance, differing political beliefs can disturb us emotionally, revealing strong attachments to our labels. Such attachments can lead to unnecessary suffering.

Rigid attachment to labels can make us inflexible, unhappy, and disturbed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasizes psychological flexibility, which involves being mindfully aware of our values and moving towards them despite previous limiting behaviors and thoughts. This flexibility helps us navigate life’s inherent suffering with greater resilience.