Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Who Is This "I"?


















Scientists estimate that, on average, people think about 60,000 thoughts per day. Many of those thoughts begin with the word “I.”

I am a teacher, a poet, a bank president, a slut. I am going to the store, to the doctor, to school, to rob a bank. I need money, I’m hungry, I must have these shoes. I feel good, I feel bad. I hate him, I love her, but I lust after her. I want to quit my job. I am afraid.

Quite a busy beaver, this “I.”

If we can stop, calm our minds, and Have a Moment, we might begin to wonder who the “I” really is. Who is the “I” that wants this dress? Who is the “I” that worries? Who is the “I” that helps these sick people, and gives all this money to charity? Who is the “I” that sleeps around, and takes drugs, and continually does these self-destructive things?

Most of us realize that we are not our bodies. A growing number of us also know that we are not our feelings, and we are not our thoughts. We aren’t the knowledge we’ve accumulated, or the roles we play. If we are none of these things, then who are we? Or more to the point, who is the “I”?

In Hindu tradition, there is an idea called Maya. Maya is illusion, and specifically, the illusion that there is any difference between “I” and god, or GOD, or Unity, or the Universe. In fact, there is no “I.” There is no separation between us and the creative force of the Universe. We are GOD, experiencing Itself, watching, tasting, loving, wondering in awe at Itself. That’s all we are. Everything.

When we forget this, that’s where the suffering comes from. But that’s also where the fun begins. The curse of being human is the pain of separation. It is also the gift we are given – the gift of feeling this world fully.

GOD wants us to wade into this world without any trepidation or self-consciousness. GOD is infinitely replicating Itself into infinite form because GOD wants to feel it all – the pain of cancer, the joy of sex, love, motherhood, fatherhood, taking a shit, fear, awe, ennui, falling, dying, being born – GOD wants to feel it all and not miss a beat, to suck it all up.

The great suck GOD is not merely watching over or simply listening. GOD is experiencing this world directly though us. We are beings of light and feeling machines for GOD.

And that’s who the “I” is. No more or less than GOD.

That’s who you are.

28 comments:

Sylvia said...

Uuuufff. That's a difficult one, being an extension of God. Imagine, what a responsability. I'll think about it. Question: why would God want to feel pain, or loneliness or abandonment? Why would God want to be caught in thee middle of a war? Difficult...

Mama Bear said...

"I" completely agree with you that we are here, as god, to fully experience being human. And that means every aspect, good and bad. You cannot know one without the other.

Mark said...

Amen and well stated! We are of source so therefore we are source, i.e. God!

Michelle said...

Oh patrick..a very powerful post. This to me was one of the hardest things to get at first but when I found this principle it was one of the most freeing things I have ever felt.

Erica said...

Wow...my goodness...this is a lot to take in. Interesting thoughts. I kind of like the idea of the Hindu tradition.

I would love to give private booty kicking sessions of cardio mixed with a little lower and upper body conditioning :) Its amazing how hard you can work with NO equipment (Body Attack is all done without equipment and believe me...it is by FAR the hardest class I have ever taken or taught). Loveeeeeee it!

Brian said...

Amazing post.

I wanted to put this out there to folks I was not able to email that Patick and I are not going to be around on Saturday for the barbecue, but please all do still come!

Liam said...

I never knew that.

Anonymous said...

That was a really interesting and thought provoking post.
Im still trying to work my head around it, its a bit like your saying God is really living a life through each one of us?

Renee said...

xoxoxo

Margie said...

Thank you for this wonderful post!
I really appreciated it very much!

Will come & read it again, I am sure!

Margie:)

Ronda Laveen said...

The time is ripe. The Masters have the grid in place for us to remember who we truly are. More and more, beings of Light are remembering and taking their place as pillars, as beacons to help others see.
It has been a long time since I've seen you, brother.

Anonymous said...

So if you think of this way, for every one thought the average person has I'm having about 10 (severe OCD)....

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

I um, wait, um..agree! Very well said. I love reading your words!

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this post!
I totally believe that GOD is living through me, every step of the way, and that I AM indeed a manifestation of His glory and power and love.

Kathy B! said...

I love the way you write and the perspective you bring to things. Very clear, yet fluid.

This was a great post.

Dulçe ♥ said...

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your comment on my blog. It's so sweet of you.
I love your writing too. And feel happy because I've met you in this wonderful path of us bloggers...

Visiting you soon again.
I invite you to follow me. I will f. U!for sure
:)

Gypsy Butterfly said...

Hello Michelle,
I've never thought of things in the light you are explaining. It makes so much sense. I truly believe you are right in your explanation for the word "I".
Thank you for sharing!
Have a nice day,
Lydia

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Great post! I'm excited to reflect on this during the day.

{The Perfect Palette} said...

thanks so much for your comment on the Perfect Palette!

Shane Shirley said...

Wonderful. I have never really had it layed out like that before. Much to think about...

Greener Bangalore said...

Lovely Thought Michelle!

Liam said...

Where did you Go? haven't seen you in a while

L said...

That's interesting, I haven't heard that before.

rebecca said...

I've always felt we are all the embodiment of God and we carry him/her (however this translates to you) inside of us. The Divine is in us and we need to look no further than our own thoughts thru stillness and self-reflection. "I" is nothing but an extension of the ego and we all know the havoc ego can make in our daily lives. Good thought-provoking post.

Rachel C Miller said...

I tried emailing you Michelle,but not sure if it made it to the trash file or not..let me know.
Hope all is well with you.
Rachel

human being said...

so
i
am
just
an
eye

eh?

Grace said...

I am happy to be here in your blog tonight. I read your post and I am greatly bless. Thanks for sharing your thoughts to us, Patrick.

Jamerson-Rising said...

Bravo goodness some one with acute understanding yes and yes you got it. Sorry my manners My name is Jamerson. To see so clearly is a rare gift!!! Thank you for sharing!!! Have a great day and enjoy the experience.