Humans have a tendency to define ourselves by what we are against, rather than what we are for. It’s a way of trying to establish a solid identity, separate from the things that would trouble us. There are a few inherent problems with this mentality. First, it implies a separation which doesn’t actually exist (at least not in the way we think it does). Second, it tries to define the undefinable. Whatever we actually are is beyond words, it’s certainly well beyond likes and dislikes. Trying to separate and define ourselves is a function of the ego. Our true Self, is all encompassing, connected deeply to the world around us, and inside of us.
The ego’s need to define and create an identity is tied to our need for safety. From an eastern perspective anything “real” cannot be threatened. In fact in Taoist, Buddhist or Yogic Philosophy the word real is often tied directly to the word permanent. That is to say, anything real is also permanent. Our likes and dislikes aren’t so real. The sense of separation isn’t real either. These things are only as real as we allow them to be. Our deepest, truest Self on the other hand: very real. It can be said that this deepest version of ourselves is love. And love is never-ending, it cannot be threatened, it is permanent. It was here before our egoic self, and it will be around after everything we think we know has passed. Using our time on earth to connect to what’s real is an excellent use of our time. In fact it’s the entire purpose of time. We are meant to learn to see things clearly. The clearest vision is this: love is real, everything else is illusion, or at the very least, impermanent. We’ve been trying to stand on firm ground, but what we needed was to learn to swim.
No resistance. Love it the way it is and love as much as you can from wherever you are. Whether I feel it or not, I am one with all the love in universe. Thank you for your inspiring words this morning, Miguel. Best.