Cut the Noise

6 Identity: Core beliefs and identity

One afternoon in Byron Bay I collected my thoughts about ‘core beliefs’ and ‘identity’ and how they make ‘useful beliefs’ work even better.

I pulled into the parking lot at Wategos Bay. I had presented at a conference in the morning and decided to take some time this afternoon to write and to enjoy this magical part of the world. Travelling around Australia is pure joy. It is such a beautiful and wonderful place to live my life, and though it would once have seemed so unlikely that I would end up here, I am so grateful.

I had just been up to the lighthouse, the easternmost point of Australia, and had spent 45 minutes staring out over the ocean. The sun was shining and the water was electric blue, a colour I couldn’t even begin to describe. Walking around the lighthouse I felt like I was a part of something incredible. I felt in awe of the world around me and had a sense of gratitude about the journey that had shaped my life. It is joyful to be awake and aware of the awesomeness around us.

Sometimes I worry that we are losing our ability as a society to be in awe of natural things. It may be a cliché to say that we need to stop and smell the roses, but it is worrisome that most people don’t take enough time to take in the beauty that surrounds us. It’s not easy, though. Why does it seem so hard to stop, look around and take it all in? Why is it so hard to pull ourselves away from our continual technological stimulation?

Firstly, we are busy. ...