Your real or authentic self encounters your inner and outer worlds with awareness; your real self or authentic self does not encounter itself. There are ways, however, for the authentic self to recognize its own "tracks." Your real or authentic self is creative, aware of the present moment, is non-judgmental, and does not criticize or condemn itself.
Your authentic self is not that voice in your head that compares you to others, that tells you everyone else is to blame for how you feel, and that tells you that you are worthless and irresponsible. Your authentic self is the awareness that is aware of that negative voice in your head.
Meditation is one way to experience your authentic self. Since meditation is the practice of moving your attention to the here and now, and since your authentic self has the ability to focus your attention, you are being your authentic self as you purposefully meditate.
- Road rage
- Arguing with your spouse
- Resenting authority at work
- Losing control over your children
- Feeling cheated in a deal or transaction
- Feeling betrayed by a close friend
Imagine that you are swelling up with your feeling; it spreads out from you like the shock wave from a slow-motion explosion. Follow this wave as far as it wants to go, watching it grow fainter and fainter as it spreads to infinity, filling the whole universe if it wants to. Take deep breaths if you need to in order to get the wave of feeling to depart from you and travel outward. Don't time yourself. The feeling may be strong enough to take a while before it wants to expand.
Now, just as you see the wave disappearing into infinity, look at yourself and see if any of the following feelings are present:
- A giggle, the desire to laugh at it all
- A shrug, as if the whole thing is no big deal
- A sense of calmness or peace
- Looking at yourself as if at another person
- A deep sigh of relief or exhaustion
- A feeling of release or letting go
- A sudden realization that the other person may be right
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.