What is the Self?
We all have heard about connecting to the self. The divine spark inside each and every one of you. What is the self? What does it mean? According to Webster’s Dictionary the self is defined as : a : having a single character or quality throughout; specifically : having one color only <a self flower> b : of the same kind (as in color, material, or pattern) as something with which it is used <self trimming>. According to the Hindu/Eastern perspective the self is defined as: Ātman: a Sanskrit word that means 'self'; the true self of an individual beyond identification with phenomena, the essence of an individual.
Carl Jung discusses that the self is: Considered that from birth every individual has an original sense of wholeness - of the Self - but that with development a separate ego-consciousness crystallizes out of the original feeling of unity.
With all these definitions we become programmed that the self is something inside of us that we are to obtain. What we must realize is that the self is something that is automatic and present whether our attention is to it or not. In the moments we hear of Enlightenment, the thing that so many seek, we are turning our attention to the self. However, enlightenment (recognition of the self), is not something that we must devote our entire life to bringing our attention to. It is something that happens every moment of every day.
Meditation:
Get into a comfortable position and allow you to become centered. Once you do that focus your energy on the root chakra. This is the chakra of connection to the Earth, to your life. This chakra brings with it the awareness of being grounded. While you are focusing on this chakra really become aware of the feeling of that Chakra. Really become present in the feeling of this Chakra. Now move up to the Sacral Chakra. This chakra allows you to own your energy in regards to creating, sexuality, artistic expression. Allow yourself to truly become present with this chakra. Feeling it in its entirety. Now move up to the Solar Plexus. Allow this chakra to glow and grow. This is the powerhouse of the body. This is where energy, our everlasting battery inside of us is located. Become present with this energy and this chakra. Now move yourself up to the Heart Chakra. Really become present with this Chakra. Letting love not only be in this space but in every cell of the body. Be truly and ever present with this energy. Now move yourself up to your throat chakra. Let yourself become truly present with that energy of the throat and let that energy vibrate all through the body. The ability to communicate and to be heard. Be present with this energy. Now move to the third eye. Let this energy glow. The intuition and the ability to sense things not in the normal visible world. Become fully present with this feeling. Now moving to your crown chakra, feel that connection to the divine. Really become present with the power and connection to the divine. Going in both directions. Allow that energy to become whole and pure. Really become present with this energy.
2 myMagazine/January, 2012