The Ever-Evolving Journey of Selfhood

Rhucha Kulkarni
Jun 2
3 min read

What does it mean to be "YOU"?

It's a question that has puzzled philosophers, artists, and everyday thinkers for centuries. The concept of selfhood isn't a static definition etched in stone; instead, it's a dynamic, multifaceted, and ever-evolving journey.

Selfhood is both an important aspect of an individual and a main theme of psychology. The term selfhood can loosely mean "what it means to be human", or narrowly refer to the cognition, emotion, and behavior that are consequences of both subjective and objective self-reflection*1

Oxford defines selfhood as 'the quality that constitutes one's individuality; the state of having an individual identity'.

At its core, selfhood is our sense of being a distinct individual. It's the feeling of "I" – the unique combination of our thoughts, emotions, memories, experiences, and aspirations that sets us apart.

But this "I" is far from fixed.

Think about it: the "you" of five years ago is likely different from the "you" of today. This sure is indeed true for me, as my aspirations, Motivators and even some Values changed over time! Our experiences shape us, our relationships influence us, and our understanding of the world constantly shifts. This fluid nature of selfhood is what makes it so fascinating.

The Layers of Self

We can explore selfhood through several interconnected layers:

The Narrative Self: This is the story we tell ourselves (and others) about who we are. It's our personal history, the collection of memories and interpretations that form our identity. This narrative isn't always perfectly accurate, but it's crucial for understanding our past and navigating our future.
The Embodied Self: Our physical body plays a profound role in our sense of self. How we perceive our body, how it interacts with the world, and even its physiological processes all contribute to our self-awareness.
The Social Self: We are inherently social beings. Our interactions with others, the roles we play in various groups (family, friends, colleagues), and the way society perceives us all significantly influence our selfhood. Sometimes, we might present different facets of ourselves depending on the social context.
The Psychological Self: This layer encompasses our personality traits, values, beliefs, motivations, and emotional landscape. It's the internal architecture of who we are, driving our decisions and reactions.
The Authentic Self: Many of us strive to live in alignment with our "authentic" self – a true, unvarnished version of who we are, free from external pressures or expectations. Discovering and embracing this authentic self is often a lifelong pursuit.

Why Does Understanding Selfhood Matter?

Exploring selfhood isn't just an academic exercise; it has profound implications for our well-being and personal growth. When we better understand ourselves:

* We can make more conscious choices that align with our values and aspirations.

* We can cultivate stronger relationships by understanding our own needs and boundaries, and appreciating the selfhood of others.

* We develop greater resilience in the face of challenges, as we have a clearer sense of our inner resources.

* We can embark on a path of continuous personal development, recognizing that growth is an ongoing process.

Embracing the Journey of Selfhood

The journey of selfhood is not about finding a definitive answer, but rather about continuous exploration and discovery. It's about being present with our experiences, reflecting on our actions, and being open to change.