We normally think that ‘I’ means body or mind. Most of the time we identify ourselves with mind or body. But these two keep on changing. Every second millions of cells are getting replaced with new ones. As per experts, the body replaces each and every cell within 7 to 10 years. So you don’t have even a single cell from your childhood. Then how can you say that you are the body ?
Similarly, the mind also changes every moment. New data keeps on coming from the senses and that is being added to your memory every moment. Your current thoughts will be entirely different from your thoughts 1 days ago, 1 year ago or 10 years ago. Similarly your emotions, feelings, perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, addictions, habits etc keep on changing. So none of these represent you. If it is you it should have been permanent from birth to death.
There is only one thing permanent always. That is “I” or “I am”. That is your real essence. True being. Consciousness or Atman or Soul. You are that. Unchanging. Eternal. Pervasive. You exist only because of it. Start watching it. Keep focusing on it when you are sitting idle. When you start focusing on it miracles will start happening. Your life will slowly change. Ask questions like “Who Am I ?’, “What is my true essence ?”, “”Where did I come from ?” Like this do self enquiry.
At present the problem is you are too identified with mind and body and we think that is you. You can’t be something that keeps on changing all the time. Even your friends may not be able to identify your childhood photo because the body changed so much. Mind’s content also keeps on changing. Don’t get attached to the psychological drama. Senses bring lots of data every moment and that gets added to your memory without even cross checking the validity of it most of the time. Your thoughts, perceptions and beliefs are based on this mostly inaccurate information. As new information comes in your thoughts and perceptions keep on changing. This is especially true in today’s world because we have been bombarded with tons of information every day. You will suffer if you are identified with something constantly changing like mind or body.
So the only permanent thing is consciousness. Awareness helps consciousness to experience something. It is like a flashlight. Being aware is the divine thing. That is always present. No beginning and end. We experience everything through awareness – thoughts, feelings, emotions, imaginations, external sensations etc. We are in touch with both the inside and outside world through awareness. When awareness is focused on something then it will become attention.
I am aware. Consciousness experiences everything through awareness. So contemplate on these two things. Consciousness and awareness are the only 2 permanent things in our life. That is you. All other things are only faculties or accessories to play in the physical world. Problem is now you are too much identified with all that and you forgot the real You. Consciousness and awareness are supposed to be master and mind and body supposed to be the slaves. But now what is happening is the master is sleeping and slaves are in charge. So always be aware about your consciousness and awareness. Keep on watching it. concentrate on “I’ or “I am”. Your life will be changed forever. Miracles will happen !