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​​​1. Reflect on Your “Given” and “Chosen” Identity

 

• Write down two columns on a sheet of paper:

  • Given Identity: The aspects of your identity shaped by your upbringing, culture, or societal expectations (e.g., ethnicity, family traditions, geographic roots).

  • Chosen Identity: The elements you have actively embraced or created through personal experiences, values, and choices (e.g., career, hobbies, beliefs).

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• Reflect: Which parts feel most authentic to you ? Are there aspects of your "given" identity you wish to evolve or reinterpret ?

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2. Create a Self-Portrait in Art or Writing

 

• Artistic Option: Use a medium of your choice (drawing, painting, collage) to visually represent your "crystallized self"—a combination of your given and chosen identities. Include symbols, colors, or textures that feel significant.

   

• Writing Option: Write a short narrative or poem that explores who you are today and how your identity has evolved over time. Highlight a pivotal moment that shaped you.

   

3. Identify Your Identity in Your Work

 

• Look at a recent piece of your creative work (song, writing, design, or any project). Ask yourself:

  • What parts of your identity are present in this work ?

  • How does it reflect your personal truth or experiences ?

     

• Write a short reflection (3–5 sentences) about how your identity influences your creative process.

   

4. Set an Intention for Your Evolving Identity

 

• Imagine your identity 5 or 10 years from now. What aspects of yourself do you want to nurture ?

   

• Write a simple mantra or affirmation that captures your intention for this evolution (e.g., "I embrace my roots while creating space for my growth," or "I honor my complexity and create without fear").

   

5. Share or Save Your Work

 

• If comfortable, share your self-portrait, narrative, or mantra with someone you trust to invite dialogue about identity.

   

• Alternatively, save it in a journal or folder as a snapshot of your journey. Revisit it later to see how your sense of self has evolved.

 

Why This Matters

 

This exercise turns introspection into action, aligning perfectly with the Identity article's message: self-discovery is a dynamic process. By engaging deeply with your given and chosen identities, you not only understand yourself better but also enrich the authenticity of your creative work.

 

Share Your Uniqueness !

 

I’d love to see your exploration of identity come to life. Share your self-portrait, your mantra, or a meaningful reflection in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #TheStillPoint. Let’s spark an authentic conversation and celebrate what makes each of us truly unique.

 

Why not turn it into a song ?

 

If music speaks to you, let this reflection inspire a melody, a lyric, or even a full composition. Share your musical creation with the same hashtag and join a collective celebration of self-expression through sound.​​