The true Self is the spiritual self.

The true Self is the single self; it is not scattered, disorganised or divided. 

The true Self has no ego. 

The true Self does not crave attention, fame, status, wealth, or ambition.

The true Self is clear, calm and focussed. 

The true Self is not discouraged.

The true Self is not restless.

The true Self is devoted.

The true Self is dedicated.

The true Self is rhythmic. 

The true Self comes through supreme effort.

The true Self is independent and free.

The true Self is noble.

The true Self is like a brilliant, internal light.

The true Self is one with the universe.

Written after reading the book Concentration and Meditation 1974 by Swami Paramananda 

The Swami describes the True Self as being a higher Self – one that is only reached through living a life of devotion, practising higher moral values, sacrifice and meditation. If found, our True Self rewards us with enormous illumination and insight. And let’s be clear on this, I am still on the bottom rung of the ladder of discovering my True Self, but it’s a ladder I am hoping to climb.

With that in mind, there’s a lovely, simple little exercise you can do to help you focus your life on the things that matter most and that have most meaning. It is something you can do to begin your own journey to enlightenment.

Take a piece of paper and write two headings: 

• True Self
• False Self

Next, write under each heading things that represent your True Self, when you are most genuine and faithful to your personality; and things that make you unhappy, things you do that are fake and false. It’s an exercise that really highlights how to live your life more genuinely, with integrity and truth. Try it, you’ll get something positive from it, I promise!