Embracing Your True Self: The Journey of Being
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. Often, we get caught up in roles, expectations, and external definitions that pull us away from our core essence. But what does it mean to truly know and embrace who you are? This journey of self-awareness can lead to profound peace and fulfillment.
Who Am I?
When we ask ourselves, “Who am I?” we often look for labels and descriptions. These can be based on our roles, relationships, achievements, or even our physical attributes. But these are just surface-level definitions. True self-awareness goes beyond these external identifiers. It’s about recognizing the essence of our being—the awareness that we exist.
The Essence of Being
At the core of our existence is a simple yet profound truth: we are. This awareness of our being is constant, regardless of the roles we play or the experiences we have. It’s not about identifying with concepts or external attributes. Instead, it’s about maintaining a continuous awareness of our existence. When we are truly aware of this, we can interact with the world from a place of stability and peace.
Practicing Presence
Maintaining awareness of our being while interacting with others can be challenging, but it’s a practice that can transform our relationships and our sense of self. Here’s an exercise to help cultivate this awareness:
- Find a Partner: Look for someone in the room or visualize someone in your mind.
- Maintain Eye Contact: Look into their eyes without saying anything. Just focus on being aware that you exist.
- Observe: Notice any discomfort or thoughts that arise. Don’t try to control them; just be aware of them.
- Say Your Name: While maintaining this awareness, say, “I am [your name]” three times. Focus more on the awareness of your being rather than the words.
This exercise helps to anchor your awareness in your being, rather than getting lost in descriptions or external perceptions.
Liberation Through Awareness
Knowing who you are is liberating. It helps dissolve fears and blockages, allowing your true nature to shine through. This liberation is not about controlling every aspect of your life but about surrendering to the natural flow of intelligence and love that operates through you. When you are aware of your true self, your actions become more natural, intelligent, and harmonious.
Spiritual Insight
The Bible offers profound wisdom on the essence of our being. In Exodus 3:14, God says to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” This statement highlights the fundamental truth of existence: simply being. This divine presence is within all of us. Recognizing and embracing this can lead to a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
“The Bhagavad Gita” – This ancient Hindu scripture offers profound teachings on the nature of the self, the path of self-realization, and the importance of living a life of dharma (purpose).
Quote to Reflect On
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” — Rumi
“The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
The Journey Continues
Embracing your true self is an ongoing journey. It requires practice and patience. As you continue to cultivate this awareness, you will find that life becomes more peaceful and fulfilling. You will begin to see the world and others through the lens of love and understanding.
By maintaining awareness of your true self, you can navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. This practice not only enriches your life but also positively impacts those around you. Remember, the journey of self-awareness is a path to profound peace and fulfillment. Embrace it fully, and let your true light shine.
Dive Deeper into the Video:
In the realm of spirituality and self-discovery, the question of “Who am I?” often arises. Bentinho Massaro, a renowned spiritual teacher, offers a profound insight: “That you are is what you are.” It encourages us to go beyond the labels and concepts we use to define ourselves and discover the fundamental truth of our existence. This understanding, when embraced, can transform our interactions with others and our perception of the world around us.
When engaged in conversations, it’s easy to get lost in descriptions, fears, and the need to control how we come across. However, Bentinho suggests a different approach. By maintaining awareness of the fact that we exist, we tap into a deeper sense of being. This awareness allows us to detach from the ego’s need for validation and control, leading to liberation and freedom.
To practice this awareness, Bentinho suggests looking into someone’s eyes and simply being present. Discomfort and thoughts may arise, but the key is to maintain awareness of your existence without getting caught up in judgments or self-definitions. This practice gradually helps dissolve the illusion of separation, allowing us to experience oneness and interconnectedness with others.
As we deepen our awareness of being, our actions become more effortless, intelligent, and harmonious. We tap into infinite consciousness and open ourselves to being a channel of love, light, and awareness. Fear dissipates, and our expressions become natural and aligned with the higher purpose of the collective. We realize that we are not merely confined to this physical realm but are interconnected with the vastness of existence.
It’s important to note that this practice requires persistence and dedication. We may forget and get caught up in the distractions of daily life. However, as we habituate this awareness, it becomes a strong foundation for our being. We become more aligned with our true essence, and the illusion of individuality begins to fade away.
Ultimately, Bentinho’s insight reminds us of the transformative power of self-realization. By recognizing and maintaining awareness of our existence, we move beyond the limitations of ego and tap into the infinite wellspring of love, light, and awareness that resides within us. As we integrate this understanding into our daily lives, we become conduits for positive change, effortlessly manifesting our highest potential in service to the world around us.