Embracing Your True Self: Discovering the Essence of Being
Embracing your true self often sounds like a journey of grand adventures and profound discoveries. However, the essence of truly understanding who you are isn’t found in the vastness of the world but in the simple acknowledgment of your own existence. This concept, though seemingly straightforward, is profound and transformative.
Imagine you’re engaged in a conversation. It’s easy to get caught up in the flow of words and the dance of dialogue. But what if, amidst this exchange, you could hold onto the awareness of your very existence? This is not about controlling the conversation or meticulously monitoring your words due to fear or insecurity. It’s about being present, truly present, in the most fundamental way.
By simply recognizing “I exist,” without the layers of personality, titles, or roles, you tap into a deeper level of consciousness. It’s like pausing the narrative of your life to appreciate the fact that you are the awareness experiencing it all. This shift in focus from doing to being might sound minor, but its effects are profound.
In this awareness, you don’t dissolve into oblivion; instead, you become more connected to the essence of who you are, which is beyond any concept or identity you can adopt. Whether you choose to identify with your job, your family lineage, or even more whimsical ideas like a unicorn or a purple-legged creature, these are just concepts. They are not stable grounds of identity but merely roles we play.
To truly know yourself is to step back from these identities and witness the pure consciousness that you are. This is the seat of freedom. It’s from here that you can release fears and misconceptions about yourself. As you practice this awareness, something incredible happens: your perception shifts from seeing others as separate to experiencing a profound connection with everything around you.
This realization isn’t just philosophical—it has practical implications. When you operate from this space of connected consciousness, your interactions become more genuine and less about managing perceptions or controlling outcomes. You speak and act from a place of authenticity and love, not fear or comparison.
So how can you practice this in everyday life? Start by simply observing yourself during a conversation. Maintain the awareness of your existence. It might feel challenging at first, as our minds are trained to latch onto actions and reactions, but with practice, it becomes more accessible.
And the beauty of this practice? It’s universally accessible. You don’t need anything external to begin; just a moment, a breath, and a gentle reminder to yourself: “I am.” Say it silently as you look into someone’s eyes, or as you engage in any daily activity. Each time, it brings you back to the truth of your existence.
In spiritual texts, this concept echoes in the simplicity of God’s name in the Bible: “I AM.” This profound declaration (Exodus 3:14) is not just about God’s eternal existence but is also a call to recognize the eternal presence within ourselves.
Quote:
“The greatest realization is that you are not the thinker or the feeler. You are pure awareness.” – Mooji
Bible Reference
This practice reflects a timeless spiritual truth found in many traditions. In the book of Exodus, God reveals himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.”(Exodus 3:14). This statement points to the eternal, unchanging nature of being.
Summary Points
- Our true identity lies beyond external definitions and roles. It’s the simple awareness of being – the “I am”.
- We often lose touch with this simple truth due to the constant distractions and demands of daily life.
- The practice of focusing on the statement “I am” helps us reconnect with our true nature.
- As we maintain awareness of our existence, we experience greater peace, freedom, authenticity, and a sense of connection with others.
Actions
- Practice the “I am” exercise: Find a partner and practice saying “I am [your name]” while focusing on the sense of being itself.
- Notice moments of forgetting: Observe how quickly you tend to get caught up in thoughts and lose awareness of your existence.
- Create reminders: Set reminders to practice the “I am” statement throughout the day, integrating it into everyday tasks.
- Be patient and persistent: Like any new habit, cultivating continuous awareness takes time and practice. Be kind to yourself as you learn.