In my last (recent) blog posting — just prior to this one — in the comments, Marlene thanked me and wisely mentioned how our conditioning causes us to forget (or fail to deeply see) the more realistic unity and wholeness (beyond the individual “I”). One answered back to her, responding that there are endless subtle ways that the isolating self tries to manifest… such that most of us, unfortunately, are hardly perceptive of it.
We are hardwired (by our crude society) to refer to the self habitually, automatically, without question. Going beyond the “I” is considered by many to be heading for insecurity, instability, and chaos. In reality, however, it may be that this limited (but deeply ingrained) notion of a central “I” (in each one of us) is what contributes greatly to the conflict, disorder, selfishness, instability, chaos, and lack of true harmony in the world.
And this constant, deeply ingrained referral to the “I” happens to so many of us, even to those of us who see the unintelligence of doing so. People will automatically, for example, say, “Well I’m working on my meditation or… I am trying to work on my mindfulness more.” So they still — either subtlety or grossly — are maintaining the “I” as a controller and power-source of regulation. Of course, our language itself is designed and structured to often refer to and depend upon the “I.” The “I” is a habitual obtrusion of thought (and it is not truly “in control” as we were programmed to think it is); it reinforces gross separation, selfishness, and (often) indifference. Truly transcending this takes one to a realm of real wholeness — beyond the limited image of “me” — a wholeness of real order, compassion, perception, and true harmony. (One can still, in communication, cautiously use the word “I” but nevertheless be acutely aware of its limiting, superficial aspect.)
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“Going beyond the “I” is considered by many to be heading for insecurity, instability, and chaos.” I think you nail it here Tom. People are afraid….this is one reason I love dreams – they remind me all the time that the “I” in me is little.
Yes, but i feel that dreams are limited too (in a big way). Unless i eat some food that disagrees with me (like with pepper in it) i rarely dream whatsoever and the mind is free in beautiful silence. 🙂
uhhmm you know why as an analyst I must disagree – BUT not all people are dreamers – we have many ways to access truth – dreams are but one!
It’s amazing how many ways humanity can do it wrong, just by a tweak in beliefs or language. Certainly keeps things interesting.
Great point, Jim! 🙂 Yes, there are innumerable ways in which humanity manages — or mismanages — to get things wrong. Reminds one of that Yes song (Close to the Edge), with the lyrics of: How many millions do we deceive each day?
“I” like it, Tom
😁 It’s a day for good irony, Michael, it’s a day for good irony! 😁
Yup!
Ok, now I have to ask, Tom, how do you order your pizza “One would like a pepperoni and cheese”?🤔
I might use the “I” in ordering, but all the while realizing its gross, limited aspect. But (more likely) one would just say, “Pepperoni and Cheese, please.” However, there really would not ever be any pepperoni in my order, since i am primarily a vegetarian. Lately, one has been eating fish also; it has to do with essential DHA in fish that is lacking in vegetables; most people cannot fabricate it internally (especially men and adults). DHA is necessary for good brain and heart function. 🙂
Consider “I” slang for “We” … Using the slang in conversation makes listeners less defensive … though all the Is (We) are in this energetic swirl together. [An aside: each bit of We contributes unique perspectives and talents.]
Very good points, Jazz! One often — even usually — says “we” to my pets, for example. One says, for example, “We are opening the shades now.” Oftentimes, internally, one psychologically says, “This movement…” That removes some of the solid-noun-like aspect (i.e., the group object-noun connotation) of the I or we. It’s so easy to fall into a quagmire! 😆
Great post dear ❤️
Thank you! 🙂
You are most welcome ❤️