Self Inquiry - Spiritual Introspection
"Who are you? The answer is not what you think. In fact the answer is located in the space in between your thoughts. If you are not clear on who you really are, and where you are looking from, whatever you will be looking at will be a distortion." ~ Joe Benjamin
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Introduction - "From Self Inquiry Into Lucidity"
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Who are you? At first consideration, this question might seem utterly perplexing. “Who am I? Surely, I know who I am,” many of us might assume. Yet, do we truly possess an understanding of ourselves? When confronted with the inquiry “who are you?” a surprising number of us respond with a litany of assertions that fail to address the essence of the question. Common responses include “my name is so-and-so,” “I am a so-and-so profession,” “I hold a particular status,” “I adhere to a specific religion,” “I am human,” “I am male,” “I am female,” “I belong to a certain nationality,” “I am X years old,” or even “I think; therefore, I am.” However, none of these answers truly reflect the inquiry's intent. The question “who are you?” seeks to uncover our true identity at its foundational level. All the responses mentioned earlier are subject to change over time or can be modified by our own choosing. Nevertheless, one constant remains: the experience of “I AM” exists in the present moment, unaltered and prior to any experience.
We have the ability to change our name, faith, biology (through genetic modification), gender, occupation, and social status. While our bodies inevitably age, the experience of “I AM” remains ageless and unchanged in our perception. We observe all these transformations from a profound space we refer to as “I AM.” This enigmatic space is situated in a formless realm called “HERE” and in an eternal moment referred to as “NOW.” Every individual has access to “I AM,” yet few direct their attention toward the HERE and NOW to truly recognize it. The truth is, you are already present in this moment; you are already the Self. Therefore, this exploration will not yield a transformation into something new; instead, it will draw your focus to who and what you have always been and will eternally remain. Importantly, these inquiries do not necessitate the adoption of new beliefs. The aim of this exploration is to dissolve our limiting perceptions through NAKED SEEING of our true nature in the present moment. With that clarified, let us embark on this journey.
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**I. The Body-Environment | Oneness**
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Every individual is intrinsically linked to the surrounding environment. We consume food, inhale air, drink water, traverse land, and bask in sunlight, all of which emanate from the environment. Entering a smoke-filled room results in choking, illustrating our profound connection to our surroundings. Conversely, relocating to a natural, healthy environment promotes our well-being. It truly is that straightforward. This leads us to ponder where the boundaries of the environment lie. Does it have definitive starting and ending points? If so, where are they located? Take a moment to pause and observe your surroundings. Does the environment conclude with your neighborhood, or does it extend to your state, country, continent, planet, solar system, galaxy, or the universe itself? Can you identify its origins or its limits? The reality is, we are unable to do so. We exist as part of a singular entity known as the universe—seemingly distinct, yet fundamentally one.
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**II. Time Is The Eternal Now**
We have all been extensively conditioned to perceive time as linear, segmented into past, present, and future. But does time truly follow this linear trajectory? It's important to recognize that we must be taught this concept of linear time in order to experience it. Prior to this understanding, we still experienced time—yet in a peaceful, harmonious way, which is likely why many of us associate our childhood with joy and contentment. Through this reflection, we aim to dissolve this restrictive belief and reconnect with our inherent experience of time. Now, I pose a straightforward question: Is there ever a moment that is not "now"? Take a few moments to observe the present; can you find any instance in your experience that was anything other than now? Clearly, nothing escapes the realm of the now.
However, this becomes a complex issue for the mind. We acknowledge that certain events have transpired, which we categorize as the "past," that there is a place referred to as the "present," and that future events are anticipated to occur. Yet, do these divisions truly exist? I will demonstrate that the "past," "present," and "future" might be constructs that have no real existence.
A. **The Past is Nothing More Than Memories**
If the "past" truly exists, shouldn't there be tangible evidence of it? Take a moment to reflect on your experience and search for any physical evidence of the "past" outside of your consciousness and beyond the now. What do you observe? Can you locate the past? Some might argue that documents, photographs, or videos serve as evidence of the past; however, let us investigate this claim. When a document, photograph, or video is created, it is produced in the present moment. When you engage with these items in real-time, you are invariably experiencing them in the now. Thus, the "past" is simply a memory—a thought, devoid of physical substance. The past only exists as a concept in our minds. In truth, all that exists is the here and now.
B. **The Future is a Thought Projection Based on The Past**
If the future exists, there should likewise be evidence of it in the present. Take a moment to seek the future outside of your consciousness and beyond the here and now. Is there any manifestation of it? As you can observe, the future is merely a projection of thought derived from memories of the past. This indicates that what we term the "future" is intrinsically linked to the past. To reiterate: what we refer to as the "future" is merely a mental fabrication that combines past experiences to foresee potential outcomes in what we call the "future"; therefore, our conceptualization of the "future" is effectively rooted in the "past." Neither the past nor the future, in any real sense, exists.
C. **The Present Moment, When Captured in The Mind Becomes Past**
What constitutes the present moment? When we conceptualize the present, our minds freeze a specific moment in time and label it as the "present." Yet, the instant we visualize this moment, it instantly becomes the past since the now is perpetually evolving. Take a moment to visualize what you consider the present. Observe it in your mind’s eye. Now, witness the perpetually changing nature of the here and now. Can you see how that "present" image is merely a recollection from the past? We can never truly grasp the now because it is in a constant state of flux. Our perception of the present is nothing more than a reflection of the past.
**Conclusion: Now is all that exists.**
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**III. Wherever You Are, You Are Always"HERE"**
Take a moment to consider your current location. Is there any possibility of being anywhere but "here," in this precise moment? What does it mean to be "here," and can it be defined as a tangible place? As we transition from one location to another, does the notion of "here" follow us? No matter where we go, we always exist in the "HERE" and the "NOW." So, what exactly does "here" signify? It transcends a mere physical location; it represents our present experience. Every observable entity is consistently situated in this singular moment of "here." Thus, "here" is not confined to a specific geographical point, but is rather an infinite space where we perpetually reside, making it impossible to be anywhere but "here." It embodies the paradox of being both everywhere and nowhere concurrently. While we sense ourselves moving through space, this perception is largely illusory. In truth, our essence—Consciousness—remains anchored in the timeless and placeless existence known as the "HERE and NOW."
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**IV. The Mind Is Incapable of Solving Problems in The Ever-Changing Now**
Many of us mistakenly believe that our minds can resolve issues happening in the present moment. But what if I told you this is impossible if we rely solely on thought? In Lucid Living, we aim to understand rather than merely believe, so let’s explore this idea together. Focus your attention on the present and search for your thoughts. Notice whether your mind generates thoughts when you are fully engaged in the here and now. Do thoughts materialize when you look for them?
You will soon discover that thoughts don't truly exist in the present; they are merely recollections of the past. The only reality is the now. We refer to this awareness of time as 'The Lucid State.' In this state, the mind is absent, as it consists only of past experiences. To address a problem in the present, one must observe the now to gain fresh perspectives. This is why it's said that "great thinkers don't think." When we are constantly thinking without observing, we merely recycle old ideas, leading to repeated mistakes. The key to resolving today’s challenges is LUCIDITY!
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**V. We Are Not Defined by Our Emotions or Sensations**
In this moment, take a step back and immerse yourself in the present. Observe your emotions and sensations as they ebb and flow like waves on the shore. As you watch, ask yourself: do you allow these emotions to sweep you away, or do you remain a calm and indifferent observer, witnessing these feelings as they arise and pass? Similarly, when sensations wash over you, do you get caught up in their current, or can you remain the passive witness, simply aware of their presence? Consider moments when you might feel a sense of non-being. If non-being exists, who or what is it that perceives that experience?
The truth is, we cannot truly grasp the concept of non-being; we are always anchored in the present moment, actively participating in our journey. As we reflect on this, let’s remember that we are not our emotions nor our sensations. We are so much more than the fleeting feelings we encounter. Instead of identifying ourselves with them, we can recognize that we are the essence that observes and experiences these phenomena. Embrace this understanding, for it is a source of empowerment and liberation. By realizing that we are the witnesses of our experiences, we can navigate through life with greater peace and clarity, no longer imprisoned by our emotional fluctuations or sensory engagements.
**VI. You Are Located in The Space in Between Your Thoughts**
Take a moment to notice the space that lies between your thoughts in this very moment. Can you sense where you are in this gap? The truth is, you are right here, right now. Thoughts may arise and fade away, but you—the observer of those thoughts—remain anchored in the present.
Consider what it is that observes your thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions. What part of you is perpetually aware in this moment? To explore this more deeply, let’s ask a few fundamental questions: How do you know that you exist? What proof do you have of your existence? Are you aware of the fact that you are present in this moment?
Now, pause for a second! What’s the essence that is aware of your existence? What is it that defines your consciousness? It’s consciousness itself!
This awareness we experience is a powerful gift. By recognizing that you are the conscious observer, you begin to peel away the layers of distraction and anxiety that often cloud our minds. In those quiet spaces between thoughts, we can reconnect with our true selves, reawakening a sense of presence and peace. Embrace this opportunity to explore the depths of your consciousness and celebrate the sheer wonder of simply being. In this space, you can find clarity, strength, and inspiration to navigate the world around you with renewed vigor and purpose.
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**VII. THE ALL IS CONSCIOUSNESS**
Everything we have ever encountered exists within the realm of conscious awareness, which we often refer to as "I AM." If it weren't for consciousness, we wouldn't have the ability to perceive or recognize anything at all. Think of consciousness as a vast television screen. On this screen, various images and events appear—some awe-inspiring, others terrifying—but in truth, there is only the screen itself that provides the foundation for all these phenomena.
What happens on the screen doesn't alter its fundamental nature; the screen itself remains completely untouched by the sights and sounds that play out before it. While the images depend on the screen for their existence, the screen remains independent of those images. It exists on its own, regardless of what appears in front of it.
In much the same way, all the experiences that manifest in the realm of consciousness owe their very essence to consciousness itself. The universe we perceive, filled with our thoughts, emotions, senses, and sensations, unfolds within this screen of consciousness—meaning they are all fundamentally made up of consciousness.
Take a moment to explore the idea of experiencing anything outside of consciousness. You may find that it’s impossible to do so since without consciousness, there can be no awareness. The profound truth is that consciousness, the great "I AM," is everything. It is eternal and unchanging, and we are constantly reflecting upon ourselves through this lens. Embrace this understanding, for it reveals the interconnectedness of all existence and the divine essence residing within each of us. Let this realization inspire you, as you witness the beauty and complexity of life arising from the same source we all share: consciousness itself.
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**VIII. The Power of Consciousness in Shaping Reality and Dreams**
What defines reality? What does it mean for something to be real? As we explore this idea together, we learn that "real" denotes an experience within consciousness—what we call the “I AM” presence. So who, or what, creates our reality? The answer is consciousness itself. But how does this process unfold? It happens through vibration. This vibration acts as an energetic intelligence, sculpting and animating the universe around us. This truth has been scientifically proven and illustrated in Quantum Mechanics in what is known as "The Double Slit Experiment". The experiment was repeated hundreds of times over and over again yielding the same results. Nothing in this reality is solid; everything vibrates, including but not limited to our thoughts, emotions, convictions, and feelings.
Interestingly, consciousness itself doesn’t have a vibrational frequency. Instead, it has the ability to observe and experience and emanate all types of vibrations without being confined to any single one. If consciousness held a specific frequency, it would limit our capacity to experience anything outside that particular wavelength. Instead, consciousness exists at the zero-point vibration, effortlessly bringing reality into existence by vibrating the universe into being. This means that our experience of reality emerges spontaneously from the void—no-thing. Just as consciousness creates a dream, it generates reality, showing that when we shift our vibration, we simultaneously transform our reality.
**IX. I AM | Everything is No-Thing**
Take a moment to observe your current experience. What is the essence of your consciousness? Does awareness (the “I AM”) possess a form or shape, or do all forms and shapes simply manifest within the space of awareness? It's important to remember that we can only perceive what appears within this broader awareness. Does your consciousness have inherent qualities, or are all qualities simply experienced within it? Is consciousness a physical or tangible entity, or is everything we perceive merely a phenomenon within consciousness?
In your journey as consciousness, have you ever felt a sense of non-existence? If that’s the case, who is having that experience? Can your awareness fade away? Does your consciousness come and go, or are you merely the silent observer of your body’s aging process? Does your awareness have a beginning or an end? Where does your conscious experience truly start and close? Have you ever been in deep sleep—when no thoughts arise—and if so, how do you recall that restful state? What is consciousness at its core? The answer is consciousness is both the infinite container of everything, every experience, and is not a thing all at the same time.
**X. The Essence of Infinite Unconditional Love**
Love stands as the most profound vibrational energy in the universe. By awakening to our true nature, we can learn to love and forgive others, recognizing that all beings are interconnected expressions of the same collective "I AM." Love serves as the delightful fragrance of awareness. When we peel away the layers of our ego, what remains is a serene state of peace and an infinite well of unconditional love for our universal self.
**THE GRAND CONCLUSION: THE GREAT AWAKENING**
In conclusion, the essence of “I AM” consciousness is not a tangible object. Everything we perceive exists within consciousness, which transcends all forms and concepts; thus, everything ultimately equals no-thing. Consciousness is the architect of reality. It is reality itself. Consciousness embodies the divine essence known as God—the great “I AM”—and you, dear reader, are an integral part of this magnificent truth. When we embrace this realization, we open ourselves to a world of endless possibilities and profound love.