As artists and storytellers, we often intertwine our identity with the creations of our minds. Yet, there’s a profound truth that many overlook: We are not our thoughts, feelings, or even the art we create. This notion, contrary to Freud’s belief, suggests that our thoughts do not define our essence.
Imagine your mind as a streaming service, playing an endless playlist. Each song, each story that flows through is like the thoughts and memories that visit us. They may influence our mood, inspire our creativity, but they are not the core of our being. This analogy becomes particularly significant for those in creative fields, like music and storytelling. Our creations are expressions, not definitions of our self.
I’ve often found myself caught in the web of negative memories, a “collector” of sorts. It’s a common tendency to latch onto the one dissonant note in an otherwise harmonious melody. But why do we do this? It’s like replaying a sad song on loop, letting it colour our perception of the world.
These thoughts and feelings are transient, fleeting like clouds across a sky. Acknowledging this impermanence is essential to move forward, to compose the life we aspire to live.
So, if we are not our thoughts or the music in our heads, what defines us? It’s a question that echoes in the minds of many. Are we the sum of our beliefs, principles, and values? Does the love we share with others shape our identity?
Perhaps, it’s about the actions we take, the way we live in each moment. It could be about being present, disconnecting from the digital world to immerse in the natural symphony around us.
As we grow and evolve, our understanding of self changes. The person you are at 50 is distinct from who you were at 25. It’s a journey of discovering your unique melody, a tune that’s constantly being rewritten.
Forgiving and forgetting are not just acts but processes that help us discover our true selves. Letting go of negative memories, embracing the present, and recognising the impermanence of our thoughts can be liberating. It’s about learning to listen to the music of your heart, distinct from the fleeting songs of your mind.
Your identity is a spectral composition in progress, a blend of experiences, actions, and presence. It’s about finding harmony in the chaos of thoughts and melodies in your head.
Remember, you are the composer of your life’s symphony. Make it a masterpiece.
Jarmo Puolakanaho 
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