The Sense of Self

Ego Manifestation

Sense of self forms by filtering awareness through the lens of our ego, which identifies with our physical body through our five senses, and with time by remembering and thinking of past events in our life as we continuously plan for the future.

The Common Thread

Pure Awareness

Our mindful self which only know what we are, not what we have. It does not cling to physical things, or experiences we have, or emotions we feel. This is a state of pure awareness and equanimity, and we feel at one with every other being.

The Living World

Physical Body Manifestation

Our physical bodies are incredibly complex and well adapted ecosystems that allow us the privilege of experiencing the wonderous physical world via our senses. They also provide us the core form of existence as a living being.

Three-layer illustration: individual selves above, luminous pure awareness at center, physical and biological elements below

The Sense of Self

Practicing Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness by focusing on the present moment either by paying attention to the breath, or via meditation, or other means, without judging our thoughts, allows us to spend just a little more time living in a state of awareness.

The Common Thread

Less Attachment

As we continue practicing mindfulness, we begin living in a state of true appreciation of our present, with less clinging to the past or worry about the future. We see other beings as extensions of ourselves, so we work to relieve their suffering, just as we would our own.

The Living World

Living Fully

As we walk the path of mindful living, we become more aware of how wonderful, and even miraculous, it is that we are alive to experience this physical reality as human beings. We begin living each moment with more zest, curiosity, and engagement.

Three-layer illustration: individual selves above, luminous pure awareness at center, physical and biological elements below

The Sense of Self — Individual Self

Ego Manifestation

Sense of self forms by filtering awareness through the lens of our ego, which identifies with our physical body through our five senses, and with time by remembering and thinking of past events in our life as we continuously plan for the future.

Practicing Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness by focusing on the present moment either by paying attention to the breath, or via meditation, or other means, without judging our thoughts, allows us to spend just a little more time living in a state of awareness.

The Common Thread — Pure Awareness

Pure Awareness

Our mindful self which only know what we are, not what we have. It does not cling to physical things, or experiences we have, or emotions we feel. This is a state of pure awareness and equanimity, and we feel at one with every other being.

Less Attachment

As we continue practicing mindfulness, we begin living in a state of true appreciation of our present, with less clinging to the past or worry about the future. We see other beings as extensions of ourselves, so we work to relieve their suffering, just as we would our own.

The Living World — Physical Manifestation

Physical Body Manifestation

Our physical bodies are incredibly complex and well adapted ecosystems that allow us the privilege of experiencing the wonderous physical world via our senses. They also provide us the core form of existence as a living being.

Living Fully

As we walk the path of mindful living, we become more aware of how wonderful, and even miraculous, it is that we are alive to experience this physical reality as human beings. We begin living each moment with more zest, curiosity, and engagement.