By Dana McClellan
Who am "I?" Undeniably the most persistent question we ask ourselves throughout the course of our lives. We all have glimpses at certain times where we realize we are far more than our thoughts. Moments where life becomes crystal clear with the revelation that the essence of us is something much bigger than our physical bodies. It's something that continuously lingers in the back of the mind of humanity. Individually, we go through phases where we are more tapped into that feeling of "knowing" than at other times. Although, some may try to resist or deny it.The Observer
For most of my life, I've been a very vivid dreamer. I went through a phase at around age thirty, where I kept a journal beside my bed so when I awoke from a dream, I could immediately jot everything down before the details disintegrated from my memory. I wouldn't always remember everything of course, but at one point I was so into dream-journaling, I had the ability to be consciously present while in the dream. I had trained myself to where I could be inside the dream and made it a point to remember little details of the environment I was in; like what time it was, what it felt like, who was present, what they looked like--all the way down to what jewelry they were wearing. I would purposefully remember these details, just so I could write them down when I came out of the dream. I was inside the dream, knowing I was dreaming. It was pretty crazy.One thing I remember about all of my dreams, there was always another consciousness present. One I could never identify. I didn't actually see another person, but it was definitely another consciousness that felt VERY familiar. That's the only way I can describe it. Now I know who that consciousness was. It was me! The REAL me. The awareness observing all of my thoughts. It use to bug me I couldn't figure out who this other entity was, because it felt much more than just familiar. It never said or did anything, nor did it give me a good or bad feeling; it was always just there "observing." I didn't put two and two together until I went to write this post, then for some reason, I remembered.
We all have that--ALL of the time. We may not be consciously aware of it, but the observer is always with us. It is the "I" in us which has the ability to view our individual thought-life from a objective point of view. It is the true essence of us that is at one with what I call the Holy Spirit. Others may call it consciousness, the universe, enlightenment, etc...
What is Thought?
One very important thing we all need to realize, is that our thoughts do not determine who we are. Initially, our thoughts are an unconscious physiological activity similar to breathing or digestion. We have no control over this unconscious thought-process. I don't know about you, but when I realized that it was quite a relief! We aren't completely off the hook though, we do have control over what we do with those thoughts and that's what determines the quality of our lives. If we are able to view these thoughts from the observer's perspective, we will be much more effective at taking our thoughts captive and bringing them to the obedience of God in us. The God in us is not selfish and fearful, and there is no ego. It wants the best for everyone and loves unconditionally. It is the spiritual root for our purpose on this earth and will not lead us astray.Again, we all have this in us and it can be tapped into at any given moment. There is nothing in the world of form that will make us feel as content as tapping into the force and "content" is such a lowly word for what I am trying to describe here. We all have the power of the universe at our fingertips. We all were created in the image of God. I for one, have only begun to understand what that means.
I do know this, I've never felt the peace I do now as an adult, and I know it's only going to get better. Knowing I have the ability to look at those negative, self-sabotaging thoughts from an objective perspective makes all the difference in the world. I know it's all conditioned thinking. I have the power to capture these thoughts and re-wire my own brain. That changes everything.
Changing the Physical Realm
#1 most effective way is by practicing mindfulness, which is to say, the act of being fully present in the moment and truly appreciating it. Not looking to the future for happiness or contentment, but grateful for everything you are now. When we are fully present in the moment, we become the conduit for which the Holy Spirit flows through and we see negative thoughts for what they really are--petty and meaningless in the grand scheme of things.#2 Visualize positive action. Practice it in your mind over and over again to re-wire the brain. It may take some time to develop this muscle, but if you come at it from a conscious perspective, it will help immensely.
If you want to know more about re-wiring the brain, read my post on "Neuroplasticity":
You May Be Addicted to Your Emotions! Learn About Neuroplasticity
Things to Meditate on When Life Gets a Little Crazy:
- There is a stillness which permeates everything and was there before anything.
- I am at one with this stillness, therefore I am at one with everything.
- I am eternal life. My body may pass away, but "I" will remain.
- God is always in the present moment, where time does not exist.
- I am at one with God, I have the Holy Spirit residing in me.
- "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
"Stillness is the Move" by the Dirty Projectors
"Stillness Is The Move"
When the child was just a child
It did not know what it was
Like a child it had no habits
No opinion about anything
Maybe I will get a job
Get a job as a waitress
Maybe waiting tables in a diner
In some remote city down the highway
After all that we've been through
I know we'll make it after the wait
The question is a truth
There is nothing we can't do
I'll see you along the way baby
The stillness is the move
On top of every mountain
There was a great longing
For another even higher mountain
In each city longing for a bigger city
After all that we've been through
I know that I will always love you
From now until forever baby
I can't imagine anything better
Isn't life under the sun just a crazy, crazy, crazy dream?
Isn't life just a mirage of the world before the world, before the world?
Why am I here and not over, over, over there?
Where did time begin
Where does space end
Where do you and I, where do you and I begin?
“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.”
~ Howard Thurman
~ Howard Thurman
See more inspirational quotes at:
1 LOVE!!!!!!!!
Dana
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