Delving into the “I Am”: Understanding the Fabric of Reality

There’s a shift in the air.

A beckoning to those looking to unravel the mysteries of existence. To those feeling the call to plunge into the unknown, it can feel both daunting and exhilarating. The nature of reality is a question that has plagued philosophers and spiritual seekers alike.

But what if the answer was simpler than we thought?

“I Am” as the Ultimate Truth

Late fall of 2019, my world was irrevocably altered.

An unexpected enlightenment tore down the walls of my previously held beliefs. A revelation dawned on me: The only verifiable truth is my existence, my sense of “I am.”

Consider this: You can question everything, from the cosmos to the ground beneath your feet. But one thing remains irrefutable: your existence. We’re often told that everything “out there” is external. But ponder this:

What if all the knowns, as well as unknowns, we stumble upon are just manifestations within our minds, observed by our innate sense of “I am”?

The Great Internal Cosmos

Moby-Dick, one of my cherished reads, delves deep into the human psyche’s vastness.

Much like the vast ocean, our internal realm is expansive, mysterious, and often treacherous. Everything we’ve come to “know” can be debunked when viewed from a non-dualistic perspective. In this view, the dichotomy of external versus internal shatters. The crux of it? All that you perceive, every phenomenon, every fleeting emotion, is but a ripple in the vast ocean of your consciousness.

The greats of history, like Einstein or Plato, all had one thing in common: they acknowledged that the true voyage of discovery wasn’t about finding new landscapes but having new eyes.

Grounding Ourselves in the Unknown

The allure of the unknown is intoxicating.

And it’s in this quest for the unknown that our true growth lies.

Every morning, during my predawn walks — a ritual born from my profound awakening — I delve into introspection. The deep silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic cadence of my footsteps, serves as my sanctuary. Here, cradled by nature’s embrace, I challenge myself with questions that toe the line between the known and the unknown.

You could embark on a similar journey, asking yourself:

• What does the sense of “I am” truly mean?
• How does the experience of “I am” differ from the stories and identities I’ve associated with myself?
• In moments of silence, can I find a space where duality ceases to exist?
• How does this realization alter my perception of the world around me?
• What remains when I strip away all my conditioned beliefs and perceptions?
• If everything arises from the “I am,” then what truly differentiates joy from sorrow, or love from indifference?
• How does recognizing the “I am” presence influence my interactions with others?
• In what ways does the constant “I am” awareness challenge the transient nature of emotions and thoughts?
• How does the experience of “I am” intersect with the impermanent nature of life and the world around me?

Like me, should you choose to embark on these meditative walks, you might find that with every step and every breath, you’re dancing with the unknown.

The Ultimate Quest for Truth

Beyond the Known lies the Truth. For those embarking on this journey, remember this:

The true essence of existence lies not in the world outside but within the confines of our minds. It’s not about seeking answers but asking the right questions. Dive deep into introspection, and you might just find that the universe you’ve been searching for has been within you all along.

Allow the unknown to be your guide, for it might just lead you to the most profound realization of all:

You are the universe, and the universe is in you.