Who am I?

A plethora of self-help books have brought about transformational shifts in the lives of innumerable individuals. However, I ran across a literary marvel, a true masterpiece that rises above even the most acclaimed titles in the genre. The name of the book is “The Untethered Soul” by the distinguished Michael A. Singer. In the field of self-help literature, this work is a rare treasure, fraught with revolutionary insights. It maps the contours of the soul, the core of consciousness and the inner circuitry of thought.

It serves as a comforting elixir for the burdened spirit, gently guiding readers toward a life of inner peace, joy, and limitless energy. The essence of the book is to emphasize the importance of setting out on an inward journey to form a relationship with the authentic self, rather than constantly seeking fulfillment from the external world. To achieve this, the author asserts that there exists a constant mental chatter—an inner voice that never ceases. This voice acts like an internal roommate, continuously conversing, reacting, advising, and often misleading us.

The fascinating part is that we often mistake this voice as our own, simply because it has never been identified or observed. Yet, this is far from the truth. Much of our emotional distress stems from this inner voice. If you’re about to marry someone, it might whisper, “Perhaps this isn’t the right person.” If you come across someone more accomplished, it might declare, “You’re a failure.” If someone passes by in a luxurious car, it may sneer, “You’ve done nothing worthwhile.” This voice is the source of envy, fear, and inner turmoil, constantly generating negative vibrations.

To reclaim peace and connect with our true essence, we must observe this voice objectively, disengage from it, and develop conscious awareness. The author says that this inner roommate is never satisfied—it keeps feeding the idea that we are not “good enough” to live fully. He also sheds light on the nature of consciousness. If someone asks, “Who are you?”—we often reply with our name, job, or interests. But these are merely superficial labels. Our experiences, our upbringing, even our relationships, are just associations. In the midst of this, the deeper question remains: “Who am I?”

The book beautifully answers: “I am my consciousness.” I am the silent observer, the one who is aware. That awareness—often referred to as the soul or spirit—is our true identity. Once this understanding is internalized, life begins to feel peaceful and blissful.

Singer also explores the idea of inner energy, proposing that each individual possesses infinite energy—we just don’t know how to tap into it. When a negative thought arises, we unconsciously expend massive energy resisting or suppressing it. This constant mental battle drains us. Contrast this with the time you first fell in love—you felt radiant, alive, and unstoppably vibrant. That’s the power of unblocked energy. When you are inspired and open-hearted, every moment becomes magical.

So, how can one maintain this continuous flow of energy? The answer lies in the heart. If you keep your heart open, you will experience waves of elevating and positive energy. A generous heart not only attracts people but also invites joy, success, and fulfillment into your life.

Another profound idea the book explores is the fear of judgment. We live in a state of constant anxiety, tormenting ourselves with “What will people think of me?” A large portion of our life is spent living under this pressure. The author advises shifting toward a solution-oriented mindset, with a focus on serving others. In doing so, we move closer to genuine happiness.

What’s noteworthy is that liberation and self-realization are not without pain and struggle. But it is through this inner suffering that one achieves growth, wisdom, and transcendence.

Moreover, the book is filled with enlightening concepts, each leaving a profound imprint on the reader’s mind and contributing significantly to the betterment of one’s life.

Zahoor Farooq is a short story writer, and a book reviewer, hailing from the town, Khrew.