Life can be chaotic everyday if you allow it to be. I make a decision daily to reject it. It's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. We get caught up in the demands of work, relationships, and society's expectations, leaving little time for introspection. We avoid it because we tell ourselves we have no time or we are afraid to face ourselves. However, buried beneath the layers of personal experiences lie our true identity, waiting to be unearthed through the process of self-excavation.
Some of you have been tracking me for several years since becoming more public about the personal process.
Self-excavation is the consistent, conscientiously and intentional act of digging deep within ourselves to uncover our authentic self and that is who you were created to be. It involves introspection, reflection, and a willingness to confront both the hills and valleys of our being. This process is not always easy or comfortable, but it is essential for personal growth and to become my best self.
As a believer this means I reveal my identity in Christ which is enough. When I lack confidence to pursue the BEST of myself, accomplish those goals or even tackle those challenges, I remind myself that "Greater is He in me than He that is in the world." Biblical scriptures are always easy to say but if we sincerely wish to embody those words and become living letters, we must execute.
One of the most significant benefits of self-excavation is the discovery of my true passions, values, and beliefs. When I take the time to explore my innermost thoughts and feelings, I gain a deeper level of clarity about what truly matters to me. It is my clothes, degrees, accomplishments, house, cars, jobs, affiliations, family, God? I learn to distinguish between my own desires and those imposed upon us by external influences. This clarity empowers me to make decisions that align with my authentic self, leading to greater fulfillment and satisfaction in life. I actually become mindful; mind full of Christ in me, the hope of glory. I rehearse to myself, let this mind be me which was also in Christ Jesus.
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
Colossians 1:27
5Â Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:5
Moreover, self-excavation allows me to unearth and heal past wounds and traumas that may be holding me back. By confronting and processing these experiences, I can release the emotional baggage that weighs me down and prevents me from living to my highest potential.Through self-compassion and forgiveness, I transform my hurt, doubts and even pain into strength and resilience. There is a personal transformation and growth that takes place. My hope and prayer is that you may experience this for yourselves.
Another aspect of self-excavation is the exploration of my hidden self—the parts of myself that I really prefer to ignore or suppress. These dark spaces often contain valuable insights into my fears, insecurities, and unresolved issues. By shining a light directly on these darker corners, I can integrate them into my conscious awareness and reclaim wholeness. Embracing all of me and demonstrating empathy towards myself allows me to cultivate self-acceptance and authenticity, leading to a deeper sense of that peace that surpasses all understanding and self-confidence.
Self-excavation also fosters a deeper connection with the wisdom of God. I desire to know God for myself and not simply know about the Creator or regurgitate what someone said about God. Later for that, I "examine myself, whether I be in the faith; prove my own self, Knowing it is not myself but that Jesus Christ is in you" In a world filled with external noise and distractions, I don't want to overlook the quiet whispers of my inner voice/Holy Spirit. However, by quieting my mind I can access a wealth of knowledge and insight that can guide me on life's journey. Whether through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature, nurturing my soul enables me to make decisions that are in alignment with my highest good. I can choose to be in place, displaced, or misplaced.
Furthermore, self-excavation facilitates personal growth and evolution. As I delve into the depths of my being, I encounter aspects of myself that may be uncomfortable or challenging to confront. However, it is through facing these obstacles head-on that I experience profound growth and transformation. Each layer that I peel back reveals new insights, strengths, and potentials, allowing me to evolve into the best version of myself
To be honest self-excavation is a journey of self-discovery and self-realization but not without God. It's a partnership. A process of uncovering the layers of conditioning, expectations, and limitations that have been placed upon me and rediscovering the essence of who I truly am. I need courage, curiosity, and compassion, to awaken to my true identity and live authentically from the inside out.
Chiquita R Toure