Created by Macala Rose | Find The Full Article on Mind, Meaning + Matter

A Practice in Identity Exploration

What This Practice Is

A structured exploration of how identity shapes what you can see and experience in your life. This practice helps you map your identity's boundaries and deliberately cross them to discover what lies beyond.

Important Note

Identity work can bring up intense emotions, disorientation, or grief. Some people experience little immediate response. Both are normal. This practice offers tools for beginning the work, but cannot guide you through every aspect of what might emerge. Go at your own pace and consider working with a therapist familiar with identity work if you need support. Also, if you’re in therapy, please ask your clinician if this is a proper activity for your mental health management.


Part 1: Recognition - Mapping the Boundaries

Purpose

<aside> 🧿 Track how identity filters your daily experience, acting as an invisible gatekeeper that decides what enters your awareness.

</aside>

Daily Instructions

Morning Setup

<aside>

Each morning, write down three ways you expect to describe yourself that day (e.g., "reliable," "busy," "helpful").

</aside>

Evening Tracking (5 minutes)

<aside>

Each evening, record 1-2 moments when identity made decisions for you. Look for:

Tracking Format

Day Situation & Identity Rule What This Blocked/Filtered
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Part 2: Selection - Choose Your Edge