It happens to all of us, especially when we are younger and admire older role models. We begin to compare ourselves to other people, and at times, we wish we were more like them. It certainly happened to me. But the Yogis understand there's no point in dwelling on such thoughts because, obviously, you can’t be someone else.

No matter how humble your position may be—no matter how challenging your circumstances may be—no matter how limited your educational advantages may be—you would still not trade your 'I' with the most fortunate, wisest, richest, and highest man or woman in the world.

You may doubt this, but if you take a moment to reflect, you'll see that when you say you 'would like to be' this person or that, you really mean that you'd like to possess their level of intelligence, power, wealth, position, material possessions, or what not. What you desire is something that is theirs or to exchange roles, not to become them outright.

To be the other person, you would have to let your current self fade away, and instead of being yourself, you would become the other person. The real 'you' would be wiped out of existence, and you would not be 'you' at all; instead, you'd be them. All your experiences, knowledge, desires, and character would be erased. You'd cease being yourself and become someone else. Doesn't sound as appealing now, does it?

If you can grasp this idea, you'll realize that, in reality, you wouldn't be willing to make such an exchange. Of course, such an exchange is impossible. The 'I' within you, the true 'you,' cannot be erased. It's eternal and will continue to evolve, reaching higher and higher states, but it will always be the same 'I.' You'll gain knowledge, experience, power, and wisdom in the years to come, and that same 'I' will remain. The 'I' is the Divine Spark and cannot be extinguished.

Wishing to be someone else is futile, and deep down, you don't truly desire that. What you may want are certain attributes or possessions that the other person has, but you don't genuinely wish to become someone else. You know you are unique and love yourself, and you wouldn't wish to erase all you've experienced.

So, the next time you catch yourself wishing to be someone else, pause and remember: Your 'I' is unique and eternal. Embrace your individuality, strive to develop the qualities you admire in others, and continue on your journey of self-discovery.

Listen to this email on your favorite podcast platform

Read previous posts here.