Howdy folks, it’s me, your friendly creative meditation teacher and mindset coach strolling through the vast landscapes of the mind, here to share a little wisdom about something close to my heart – knowing yourself.
Now, pull up a chair, let’s have a chat.
This morning, I remember reading about a saying etched on an ancient temple in Greece – “Know Thyself.” A simple phrase that carries the weight of centuries and calls us to explore the depths within. Back when I was 26, knee-deep in meditation, an ardent spiritual seeker, I stumbled upon the idea that knowing oneself is a journey worth taking.
Imagine this, you’re asked, “Who are you?” and you start listing roles – a parent, a sibling, a friend. But, hold on a minute, are you just the role you’re playing? Are you defined by your ever-changing body, fleeting thoughts, or the rollercoaster of emotions? It’s like trying to catch the wind in your hands, isn’t it?
As my buddy Heraclitus said, “No man crosses the same river twice. Different man, different river.” We’re in a constant state of change, especially our bodies. So, what about our thoughts? They’re like shirts we change – always evolving, always new. Emotions? Well, they’re as unpredictable as the waves dancing on the ocean.
Now, you might think, “If I’m not my body, thoughts, or emotions, what in the world am I?” It’s a question worth pondering, my friends. One way to approach it is to ask, “Who am I not?” Flip the script and see what unfolds.
I turned to the wise words of Ramana Maharshi, an old mystic I read back in the day. He said, “Enlightenment is courage – courage to look at oneself deeper and really, really see yourself.” So, if you’re up for the challenge, let’s take a journey within, find a quiet corner, and let’s talk about the art of knowing yourself in just 8 minutes.
Stillness: The Gateway to Self-Discovery
Picture this – a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir it up, and the particles float around. Let it be, and they settle down, revealing clarity. Meditation, contemplation, and reflection are like letting those swirling thoughts and experiences settle down. It’s a discipline, sure, but it’s in the stillness that you find the truth.
Ramana Maharshi said, “The purpose of our life is to recognize the nature of our true being.” So, in the quiet, when the dust settles, we find open awareness, spaciousness. We become aware. I am awareness, you are awareness. It’s a revelation that brings joy, a natural state unburdened by the chaos of the mind.
Why Bother Knowing Thyself?
Now, you might ask, “Why take this journey?” Well, let me tell you, knowing yourself is like having a superpower. It helps you understand your beliefs, values, strengths, and weaknesses. It guides your decisions, your goals, and your relationships. It’s the compass that leads you through the stormy seas of life.
Remember, where were you yesterday? Last week? Five years ago? You were there, right? Now, it gets a bit tricky when we ask, “Who was there?” That’s the esoteric part, the abstract dance of self-discovery.
Three Tips for the Road Ahead
Before I hit the road, let me leave you with three valuable tips for your journey:
1 – Embrace Stillness: Find a quiet space, let the mental particles settle, and discover the clarity within. It’s in the stillness that you find the true melody of your soul.
2 – Ask “Who am I Not?”: Flip the script and explore who you are not. Sometimes, knowing what you’re not is the key to unraveling the mystery of who you are.
3 – Practice Mindfulness: Develop the habit of being present without judgment. Accept life as it is, not as you think it should be. In that awareness, find the joy, the lightness, and the peace you seek.
So, my friends, there you have it – the art of knowing yourself in 8 minutes or less. Take a stroll in the garden of self-discovery, and who knows, you might find the roses blooming within.
Until next time, keep on rocking! 🌟✨
I help stressed-out creative entrepreneurs overcome overthinking, reset their mindset for better decisions, focus, peak productivity, and a burnout-free, best-life journey.
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