The problem of forming a consistent self-identity consists of addressing one’s existential security in order to undergo self-realization. A person who has decided to depart from their familiar identity and to explore their selfhood loses a sense of security which should be re-acquired during development of self-identity.
A prerequisite for a self-identity is self-identification. Methodologically, one can imagine this process as a person self-inquiring "Who am I?," "What am I?" and "What is the meaning of my life?" It constitutes the Western approach for developing the consistent self-identity.
One explores the question "Who am I?" by means of discovering one’s human nature. For a deeper understanding of it, one needs to temporarily identify or compare themselves with "inhuman." At the body level, it is beneficial to consider themselves in relation to technology. At the soul level, a man can compare themselves with animals, and at the spirit level – with other spiritual entities. Such research can give a man a sense of human nature and comprehension, understanding, and sense of what it means to be human.
The answer to the question "What am I?" can be found through distinction of their psychic qualities, which for our purpose can be considered male and female. By prioritizing spirituality, a person can discover their qualities within their soul and acquire integrity, which will pave the path to selfhood.
To develop this way of life, one needs to develop the love for themselves and acquire "meta-consciousness." These two conditions are prerequisite for answering the question "What is the meaning of my life?"
The Eastern approach to development of consistent self-identity includes a personal culture of self-care on three levels: body, soul, and spirit. The body of a person can provide support and a sense of security. To achieve this, one needs to build a relationship with their own body.
An important part in maintaining consistency of self-awareness is awareness of one's own motivation. At the body level, motives of human action must be guided by the goal of maintaining the sense of support provided by the body. At the soul level, one needs to focus on the development of their own male and female qualities, which can be done through sexuality.
Motivation at the spirit level is based on the fulfillment of one’s own purpose of life. Openness to one's own spirit directs man to higher values. Therefore, one’s actions that are guided by such principle always result in increased manifestation of higher values in the world. To discern them, one needs to master the art of thinking. By doing so, the person will be able to distinguish higher values from other values.
Study of sociocultural practices that can contribute to the development of the consistent self-identity shows that the majority of such practices appeared in Buddhist civilization. But Christian and Muslim civilizations also have some sociocultural practices that can help develop the consistent self-identity. In general, it is beneficial to unite the Eastern and Western approaches to development of the consistent self-identity.
Analyzing the situation in Ukraine, it can be argued that the number of people with the consistent self-identity is growing. We believe that the creation the courses of identity studies could enhance this process.
