How can I conclude that I am not my thoughts? If I were my thoughts, once they disappear from my mind, I would feel as if something in me was shrinking. But I don’t! Apparently, we have between 6,500 and 65,000 thoughts per day. Imagine! If a part of me were to disappear with each thought, I would have shrunk to nothing by age 63.
We can say the same for emotions, sensations and experiences. We have had millions of emotions and experiences since we were born. When they fade or pass, I still can say I am present and I am aware.
What gives me the sense of being aware and being present, despite the coming and going of thoughts, emotions, sensations and experiences? There must be something in us that is consistent, as compared to everything else that is temporary or ephemeral, such as, thoughts, emotions, sensations, and experiences.
What is that? We can call it Consciousness with a capital ‘C’. By Consciousness, I am not talking about the content of our mind; that would be consciousness with a small ‘c.’
What I mean by Consciousness is the essence of our beingness; ‘something’ that sustains all of the activities of body and mind. If you know Eckhart Tolle, he calls it Presence.
Most of us tend to focus on what comes and goes. I suggest turning your attention to what seems to be more permanent than what’s shifts and changes so quickly. The sages say that we can only find stable joy, peace, satisfaction and happiness there. That’s what I am interested in! Are you?
Let’s take that journey together!
Réjeanne
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