Becoming your many selves | Roger Evernden | TEDxFolkestone

Summary

The speaker explores the concept of becoming your 'many selves,' challenging the idea of a singular identity. They share personal experiences and techniques for identifying and nurturing different aspects of one's personality. By embracing diverse selves, the speaker argues, individuals can achieve greater fulfillment and potential in life. The talk emphasizes the importance of understanding both being and doing, and how recognizing and integrating multiple selves can lead to a more empowered and balanced existence.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The speaker explores the concept of 'becoming your many cells', suggesting that we are not just a single self but a collection of many selves or 'cells'.
• 🏠 The speaker's upbringing in a supportive environment encouraged independence and self-expression, but it was not until later that they questioned the true meaning of 'being oneself'.
• 📸 As a keen photographer, the speaker's early experiences of sharing photos with friends reflect a community aspect that may relate to the idea of multiple selves.
• 🤔 The speaker began to doubt the concept of a singular self and questioned the societal emphasis on 'doing' over 'being', which often overshadows the complexity of our identities.
• 🧐 The idea of multiple selves was liberating for the speaker, offering a new perspective on identity that is more aligned with the complexity of human nature.
• 📚 The speaker embarked on a quest to understand their many selves, drawing inspiration from philosophical and psychological theories but seeking a more balanced approach.
• 🔑 Five techniques are suggested for finding and nurturing one's many selves: awareness of different behaviors, personality profiles, distinguishing between being and doing, naming the selves, and seeking fulfilling situations.
• 🌟 Personality profiles and daily star signs can provide clues about one's type of personality, but the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being confined to a single type.
• 🌈 The speaker discovered a variety of 'cells' within themselves, each with unique traits and roles, highlighting the diversity within a single individual.
• 🚫 The quest also involved recognizing and overcoming 'false cells', or personas adopted for protection, which do not truly represent one's core self.
• 💪 Embracing one's many selves can lead to a greater sense of empowerment, self-confidence, and wholeness, providing a more balanced view of 'being' and 'doing'.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's journey in the transcript?

The main theme is the exploration of the concept of 'becoming your many cells,' which is about understanding and embracing the multiple aspects of one's self beyond the single dominant identity.

How does the speaker describe their upbringing and its influence on their self-perception?

The speaker was brought up to be independent, capable, and confident, and was encouraged to be themselves. However, as they grew older, they began to doubt this single self-concept and sought a deeper understanding of their multifaceted identity.

What societal factors does the speaker believe contribute to the emphasis on 'doing' over 'being'?

The speaker mentions that society, education systems, and many beliefs and sayings tend to prioritize achievements and actions over who a person truly is, leading to a focus on a single dominant self.

How does the speaker's interest in photography relate to their concept of 'many cells'?

The speaker's interest in photography and the way they used to invite friends for slideshows symbolizes their early inclination towards sharing and exploring different aspects of themselves with others.

What is the speaker's view on the traditional approach of psychology and self-help to understanding the self?

The speaker feels that psychology often focuses on the dark side, understanding troubled selves, and overcoming disorders, while self-help approaches do not fully embrace the concept of multiple selves.

What are the five techniques the speaker found helpful in their quest to understand their many cells?

The techniques include: 1) Being aware of different behaviors in various situations, 2) Exploring personality profiles for clues about one's character, 3) Distinguishing between 'being' and 'doing', 4) Naming the different selves, and 5) Seeking situations that enable and nurture the many selves.

How does the speaker use the Enneagram and daily star signs in their self-discovery process?

The speaker uses these tools to identify stereotypes about their personality, which they then customize by selecting phrases and words that resonate with them, grouping them into different 'cells' or aspects of their identity.

What is the significance of naming the different selves according to the speaker?

Naming the selves makes it easier for the speaker to remember and visualize them, aiding in the process of understanding and embracing the diversity within their identity.

How does the speaker define 'false cells' and what is their role in their self-discovery?

False cells are described as fake or pretend personas adopted for protection, often in response to traumatic situations. The speaker sees uncovering and overcoming these as part of the journey to true self-understanding.

What impact does the speaker believe embracing their many cells has had on their life?

Embracing the many cells has led to a sense of empowerment, self-confidence, and wholeness. It has also allowed the speaker to seek opportunities that engage all aspects of their being, leading to a more fulfilling life.

What is the speaker's final message to the audience regarding the potential of understanding one's many cells?

The speaker encourages the audience to step beyond the mundane, embrace their own diversity, and achieve their potential by understanding the many aspects of their being, which can lead to a more meaningful and successful life.