“I-am-ness” may be holding you back.
It excludes the possibility that you are NOT.
Indeed, you are what you are
and also what you are not.
Both are contained in this “I am.”
But depending upon
your spiritual perspective,
both imaginary sides of the coin
may not be apparent to you.
So you focus on one, and never see the other.
If you find “I-am-ness” lacking,
contemplate the NOT.
Say “I seem” rather than “I am.”
Lack disappears into nothing.
Trail Wood,
12/5
In the intricate dance of self-awareness and identity, we explore the concept of “I-am-ness” and its limitations. This introspection delves into the dual nature of being – encompassing both what we are and what we are not – and the potential for a more expansive understanding of self beyond the confines of “I am.”
The Limitation of “I-am-ness”
“I-am-ness,” the state of identifying strongly with certain aspects of oneself, can be limiting. It creates a fixed perception of self that excludes the fluidity and multiplicity of our true nature. By firmly stating “I am,” we inadvertently close off the possibility of not being, of existing beyond the defined boundaries of our perceived identity.
The Duality of Being and Non-Being
The notion that we are both what we are and what we are not introduces a duality within the concept of self. This duality acknowledges that our identity encompasses a spectrum of possibilities, including those that lie beyond our current understanding or expression of self. It challenges the notion of a singular, unchanging identity, suggesting that our being is more complex and multifaceted.
Expanding Beyond “I-am-ness”
To transcend the limitations of “I-am-ness,” one might explore the concept of “not being” or the aspects of self that are undefined or unexpressed. This exploration can lead to a more holistic understanding of self, where identity is not confined to rigid definitions or labels. By contemplating the “NOT,” we open ourselves to a broader spectrum of existence.
The Use of “I Seem” Instead of “I Am”
Replacing “I am” with “I seem” signifies a shift from certainty to possibility, from a definitive statement of identity to an acknowledgment of its fluid and transient nature. “I seem” suggests a perception of self that is subject to change and interpretation, more aligned with the ever-evolving nature of our being.
The Dissolution of Lack
In this context, lack is understood as a byproduct of limited self-perception. When we acknowledge both the “I am” and the “NOT,” the sense of lack dissipates into the broader understanding of our existence. This realization can be liberating, freeing us from the constraints of a narrowly defined self and opening us to the infinite possibilities of our being.
Summary
The concept of “I-am-ness” can be limiting, as it confines our understanding of self to certain defined aspects and excludes the potential of non-being. By embracing the duality of being and non-being, and shifting our language from “I am” to “I seem,” we can transcend these limitations. This broader perspective allows for a more fluid and expansive understanding of self, where the sense of lack dissolves into a recognition of our multifaceted nature.
Glossarium
- “I-am-ness”: The state of identifying strongly with a fixed perception of self.
- Duality of Being and Non-Being: The understanding that identity encompasses both what we are and what we are not.
- Fluid Self-Perception: The recognition that our identity is not fixed, but subject to change and interpretation.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
In the realm of self, perceptions shift and sway,
From “I am” to “I seem,” in the dance of the day.
In embracing the not, our identity frees,
To the boundless expanse of infinite seas.
We are Space Monkey.
We invite reflections on the journey from a fixed self-perception to an understanding of the fluidity and expansiveness of our identity.
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