The Dawning of an Old Day

Everyone will obviously have their own unique process leading to the acceptance their true nature. But this is a rough accounting of what seems to be a fairly typical progression.

It begins when one starts to get a sense that there's something missing in their life, some bigger meaning they need to find or some purpose that they need to fulfill. The spark may come from meeting someone inspirational, hearing tales from others or an intense personal experience.

“I want to be calm, happy, grounded, respected, commendable, empowered, balanced, inspired … and I've heard tales that meditation could be a way for me to de-stress, find inner peace, train my focus, hone my intentions, connect with others and life, achieve some extraordinary knowledge or power …”

So, the journey begins with the “little self”, wearing the “big Self's” shoes and fancying itself to be the big Self. Consequently, the motivation has to be something that the little self finds alluring. Practice begins. It's momentum may strengthen or stray, but some exploration takes place.

For some, this is about as far as they get, as they have an aversion to what they sense they will find, or haven't the patience to persevere long enough to make meaningful progress.

But if one continues, sooner or later, (s)he will begin to be surprised by fleeting moments of clarity, quietude and connectedness. These will be taken as proof of one's “greatness”, and an indication of one's nearing success or a source for personal gain.

This attitude is an impediment that can be too strong for some to penetrate. There's so much invested in one's character, world view and belief system that facing the notion of disempowering it, can seem unbearable/unimaginable/unthinkable. But if one presses on through that fear fueled near sightedness, attitudes slowly soften.

“When “I'm” gone, there remains a presence, which isn't the self professed “me”. In fact, it doesn't waste its time acknowledging “me”. It sees without any concern for “my” circumstances or personal whims. It's seems to be always there, watching, absorbing, knowing, caring. It's overwhelming in its simultaneous inspiration of awe and wonder (and fear).”

There's an awareness of this “greater than me” presence. Yet, the belief in the self's realness perpetuates an idea of separation that interferes with the full integration of the truth of one's full nature.

In time, the spaces of quiet get longer and more common place. As one learns to settle in, it becomes undeniably clear (as it always was) that “I'm” just a fairy tale that's been composing itself throughout the entire progression of this life. “I” am a child's role playing game that's grown into an overwhelming obsession. Superman, after having a kryptonite anvil land on his head, believing that he's Clark Kent. And this clarity of vision dispels the illusion of the conceived self, like a strong breeze to a puff of smoke.

Then, it's apparent that, that mysterious, un-graspable, ever-elusive, separate being from another realm that's been one's quarry for all these years, has been the “real me” all along. There's not something that has to be learned, done or achieved, it just needs to be seen, accepted and allowed.

There are those who feel lost without the structure that their habits provided for them, and do their best to continue to ignore what is plainly known. But for most, the illusion has been dispelled, understanding abounds, inspiration bubbles and momentum seems perpetual.

The irony is undeniable ... and irresistibly laughable, as one realizes the relative irrelevance of what set him/her on the path in the first place.

Then, living is practice, and success is as simple as a smile.