I AM and Identity Management: A Ladder of Abstraction

When we think about Identity Management, we often imagine usernames, passwords, and digital avatars. But what if identity goes beyond mere data points, connecting us to deeper layers of existence? Enter the concept of "I AM"—a powerful mantra that can be used not just to assert who we are, but also to explore how we identify with different levels of reality.

At its most basic, I = 1, the whole and complete self. This is the "I" that is fully integrated, self-aware, and autonomous. It is the core identity—our essential being—untethered to external labels or affiliations. But identity, much like consciousness, is not static. It can expand or contract depending on what we focus on, like a ladder of abstraction.

The Ladder of Identity Abstraction

Think of this ladder as a way to navigate through scales of identity. At each rung, the "I" shifts in its scope and connectivity:

1. I = 0.1 – Focus on the Self at a granular level, such as a specific organ or chakra. Here, identity is tethered to our biological or energetic systems—who we are as our heartbeat, breath, or the flow of energy through a specific chakra. This can represent self-awareness in meditation or healing practices where attention moves to different aspects of the body or energy field.

2. I = 0.0000000000000333 – Dive deeper, and we identify with a cell, the microcosmic building block of our being. At this level, we are one with our biology in the most fundamental way, focusing on the identity of a singular, atomic unit. This is akin to cellular consciousness, where we understand ourselves as living systems.

3. I > 1 – Now, we move into relationships. I = 2 refers to a partnership, the dual identity formed in connection with another person. This is the co-created "we," where individual identity merges with another, creating something new—a shared sense of self.

4. I >= 3 – Expand this to a family. Here, identity broadens to include a small collective—a family unit. The "I" is now intertwined with shared history, genetics, emotions, and experiences.

5. I >= 10 – As we continue up the ladder, we reach social circles like groups of friends or communities. At this level, identity is shaped by larger interactions and shared values, yet still retains individual distinctions.

6. I >= 100 – Here, we connect with society, the broader cultural or social identity we hold. Our sense of self is influenced by cultural norms, language, and the collective human experience.

7. I = ∞ – Finally, we reach the most expanded state, oneness with the Universe. Here, the "I" dissolves into the cosmic field. Identity is no longer confined to the self, but instead, it is part of the collective consciousness, the infinite web that binds everything together.

The I AM of Digital Identity

Now, let’s bring this back to Identity Management in the digital age. Just as "I" can expand or contract in the spiritual sense, so too can our digital identity. Online, we can be many things—professionals, friends, consumers, creators—each aspect of our identity engaging with different circles of interaction.

In cybersecurity, managing these layers of identity requires knowing which "I" we’re presenting and protecting. At work, we may be I = 1, the professional. In departments we share role-based responsibilities, I > 10, which we can both influence and be impacted by. In company-wide connections, I > 1000, where there is an interdependency of the company performance with our own.

Much like the spiritual "I AM", digital identity management is about knowing who you are, where you are, and what role you're playing at any given level of abstraction.

The Wholeness of I AM

Ultimately, identity is fluid and contextual. Whether in the spiritual, social, or digital realm, I AM encompasses all layers—micro to macro, self to universe. This constant flow between levels reminds us that we are both the particle and the wave. From the smallest cell to the cosmic whole, identity is not just something we possess—it's something we create, manage, and expand.

In embracing this ladder of abstraction, we open ourselves to deeper levels of awareness and connection, realizing that the "I" is infinite in its potential.

Where are you on the ladder today?