One of You

I was just reading a chapter of a book, written by one of my favorite authors.  I love this author because of his humor.  But, as I read this particular chapter, and although he meant to be amusing, I realized that he was speaking of a universal truth that very few people are aware of.

He mused about his youth, and about books he was reading while he meandered through his childhood.  During this period of time, he elected to diffuse his personality, into patterns that he viewed.  Patterns, which were displayed in these books, by certain characters.

At this point in his life, he decided to impose these characteristics into his personality.  At that time, he saw them as a path.  A means of social interaction.  Or, simply a way to be.

He went on to describe the antics that these characters engaged in, and began to duplicate them in his own life.  He dressed like these people, used their verbal expressions, and imitated their antics.

Therefore, he became these characters – from books, for continuing periods of his life.  And, when they didn’t suit him anymore, he read a different book.  He chose a different character – and became them.

During my training, this peculiar habit of humanity was explained thoroughly.  It was indicated to me, that humans begin to emulate personalities from different influences that surround them.  In current times, these influences are derived from the media, and from personalities from authority figures.

Meaning, the human personality is composed of both the core of the certain individual, and what was referred to as “affectations.”  These affectations expose themselves in several ways.  This can go into several areas of speech and dialect, naturally.  But, what I found interesting is that it can also affect:

The way you walk

The way you comb your hair

Facial expressions

Hand gestures

Repeated phrases

If you pay attention to those around you, and are aware of your surroundings and the influences of the current media, you may note that your friends, family, and co-workers have taken on personality traits of characters in movies.  Or, in television shows.  Or radio disc jockeys.  Sports figures.

Their parents.

Their friends.

And, the list goes on.

What’s amazing, is that they aren’t even aware of it.  The blend is so effective, that there is virtually no seam between their core, and these affectations.

The core of a human, and its ability to be unique, is precious.  It is unfortunate that humans feel the need to duplicate each other in order to survive.  Removing affectations from a human being can result in returning that human to the particular core existence that it was meant to express.  And, that core existence, that unfettered, unaltered, non-duplicated personality – can be beautiful….

My suggestion for the New Year.

Look at yourself.  Just yourself.  Are you duplicating someone?  Your parents?  A character from a book?

If you are, attempt to shave these from your personality.  Return to your core, if you can find it.

Let go of the multiple personalities you have created.

And, become one.

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