Exploring this in-depth brings you face-to-face with your Spirit and pure existence. It’s about sensing the raw presence within you that doesn’t need words to justify its being. This shows you that before any thought or label, existence itself is enough.
The human mind is a fascinating entity, capable of both great imagination and endless chatter. It helps us build stories about who we are, what we want, and what we dislike. But ever notice how it keeps up a constant noise in your head? This is where the trouble begins.
Many of us become so engrossed in our thoughts that we lose sight of an important truth; We’re not what our minds show us. What comes up in the mind is not the self. The mind acts as a processor of experiences and perceptions, attempting to make sense of the world and our place in it.
Our mind’s habit of labelling and storytelling stems from its survival instinct. It’s wired to protect us, keep us safe, and make snappy judgments. ‘This situation is bad.’ ‘I want this.’ Every label it churns out builds layers of identification that can stick to us like glue, shaping how we see ourselves and interact with the world.
Here’s the twist, though: all that commentary and labelling is only part of the picture. Because the mind changes its stories, sometimes faster than we can catch them, what does that say about its reliability? When ideas and emotions shift, what’s left beneath that surface turmoil?
When the mind’s noise is mistaken for the self, you’re bound to feel like you’re in a constant state of upheaval. But by understanding its double-edged role, you can start seeing it for what it is, a tool. Whose tool is it or who or what is using this tool?
Exploring the Essence of Being
Beneath all the mental chatter lies the heart of who we truly are, the essence of being. Unlike the mind’s ever-changing narratives, this essence is steady, calm, and unchanging. It’s the quiet presence in those rare moments of stillness, like when waking up before thoughts rush in.
This essence isn’t busy making judgments or constructing stories. It’s simply present, a silent observer, those silent moments of pure sense of existence, a raw ‘I am’ without the need to define or explain.
In these moments, there is experiencing of a deep sense of peace, a release from the endless labelling that the mind is so fond of. It’s a state of being that isn’t about effort or achievement but just being without any of the mind’s commentary.
Being this essence might seem elusive, but, it isn’t about reaching some far-off place. Meditation, mindfulness, and conscious breathing are practical ways to regularly connect with it. These practices encourage you to sit with yourself, notice the mind’s noise, and then gently set it aside. Through these practices, you’re invited to explore the essence that’s always present but often overlooked amidst the busy-ness of thoughts.
Being aware of this essence turns existence into something richer and more meaningful, a reminder that there’s more to life than the stories we tell ourselves. It’s not about negating the mind but giving space to the quieter, deeper you.
Distinguishing Mind from Essence: Why It Matters
Recognizing the difference between the mind and the essence of being can transform how you experience life. When you’re caught in the mind’s whirlwind, life can feel like an endless cycle of chaos, emotions all over the place, thoughts constantly racing, and a feeling of just trying to keep up.
Misidentifying what goes on in the mind as the self leads to living in a perpetual state of reaction, like your life is tossed around by every gust of thought or emotion. Realizing the mind is just a tool can be a game-changer. It means there’s a deeper layer to live from, one that remains calm even in life’s storms.
Appreciating this distinction invites your spirit forward which brings a space of peace. You start using the mind as a tool, an incredible tool for creation rather than letting it run the show. This shift doesn’t mean abandoning your thoughts or ignoring your emotions. It means understanding they are not the be-all and end-all of your existence.
Living from the essence or spirit lets you approach life from a place of presence rather than reaction. Actions become more intentional, less susceptible to the fleeting impulses of reactive thinking. Creativity blossoms here, free from the constraints of judgment.
This matters because it fosters a healthier relationship with your life, one where you’re not weighed down by critical narratives or dictated by the constant need for validation. You know that you’re not shaped by thought but belong to the vastness of being, that beneath that stormy exterior is a peaceful core.
Practical Ways to Transcend the Mind
Getting caught up in the mind’s whirlwind can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be the default state. There are practical ways to rise above the mental noise and connect with the spirit or essence of Being. This journey begins with simple yet powerful techniques that help you observe the mind without getting entangled in its chatter.
Mindful meditation stands out as a fantastic tool. It involves sitting quietly, observing your thoughts as they come and go without judging or clinging to them. Think of it like watching clouds drift by in the sky, you’re there, present, but not getting carried away by any passing shadow. It’s an exercise in letting thoughts be, acknowledging their presence, and then gently letting them float away.
Incorporating silence into your daily routine also works wonders. Whether it’s finding five minutes in your busy morning or taking a moment before bed, sitting in silence encourages you to sink beneath the surface chaos into the peaceful essence of your being. In this silence, you discover a space that remains untouched by the mind’s ceaseless hum, bringing clarity and calm.
These practices may sound easy, but they require commitment. The rewards are fostering a shift from mind-driven chaos to a more centred and peaceful way of living; navigating life with authenticity, grounded in the steadiness that the essence of being offers.
Integrating the Concepts for Lasting Change
Bringing the essence of being into daily life isn’t just a fleeting experience, it’s a lifestyle shift. Having the essence of being in-charge of the mind requires ongoing effort, but just figuring it out can lead to a deeper sense of fulfilment and joy.
Begin by setting up a personal practice that centres on essence awareness. Whether it’s morning meditation, evening reflection, or regular mindful pauses throughout your day, consistency is key. Create a routine that allows you to connect with your essence regularly, helping reinforce this internal anchor.
Transform the way you engage with the world by approaching life more mindfully. Notice when reactions spring from the mind, those knee-jerk impulses that often lead to stress or unnecessary conflict and choose instead to act from your spirit. This might look like taking a breath before responding or simply acknowledging a situation before reacting. It’s about choosing presence over automatic pilot.
Embrace the transformation that follows commitment to these practices. Observe how life flows smoother when you’re less entangled in mental noise and more in touch with your deeper self. You’ll likely notice a natural increase in creativity and problem-solving skills, as your mind becomes more a tool for creation than an endless source of tension.
In this dance between mind and essence, you’re not aiming for perfection but growth. Every moment you spend being your essence strengthens that state, making it easier to access amidst life’s chaos. It’s a journey, one that invites patience and compassion as you explore the depth of who you truly are.
In the next article we’ll explore: “How to Return to Your Primal Nature.” If you’d like to keep walking this path, follow along , each post is a step deeper into the Source of Being., or go straight to have an in-depth discussion in my new book entitled You Are That I Am.