The Illusion of Separateness
Plus, 3 self-inquiry questions to keep ourselves present to the experience of connectedness.
There are many paths to knowing the true Self, a universal essence that transcends name and form, death and decay. It resides deep within us, existing before we had a name and enduring beyond the body. It is eternal, radiant, and free from all sorrow.
Some of us have journeyed to distant lands, ashrams, temples, and teachers in search of the door to the true Self. But what if this sacred door is closer than we realize? What if the pathway to knowing the true Self is hidden in the everyday encounters with our neighbors, the laughter of those in line at the grocery store, or the tears of a stranger? These seemingly mundane moments carry the potential for profound connection and understanding.
The illusion of separateness keeps us in pain, suffering, and sorrow. When we see others as separate, we can more easily harm the “other.” Who are “those people”? Where is "over there," if not right inside the cave of our own hearts?
I still remember the moment I had with a stranger almost twenty years ago, which led me to a deep knowing that we are all connected. Not a word had been exchanged as the rising sun expressed its fractal beauty through the kitchen window one morning at the ashram. There was no mantra playing, and no breathing technique was employed. This was a pure moment of connection expressed through a transactionless smile. The luminous light fully burst through the window, weaving a thread between our hearts as we stood six feet apart. In that moment's silence, we remembered a timeless connection to all things, both ancient and new. It was magically profound. We never uttered a word to each other or saw each other again.
In my heart, I believe that this is the remembering that will save us. The key to our remembering is the understanding that we are not separate from Earth; we are Earth, and the land of our body is the land of Earth. Giving ourselves as many opportunities to experience and reclaim this knowledge is a key to our collective healing. This remembering is a doorway to feeling the connected roots of our humanity.
As a teacher of self-inquiry, I ask myself these questions to keep myself present to the experience of connectedness. I hope you find them helpful.
Who Am I?
How is my legacy connected to collective liberation?
Have I touched Earth today and offered my gratitude?
We Are ALL Related
This fall I will be sharing the practices of collective deep rest and meditation at We Are ALL Related: Unearthing the Roots of Our Shared Humanity in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Friday, October 25 and Sunday, October 27.
This is an unprecedented gathering with the founding members of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, their children, relatives, and special guests. This community has supported the mission for peace, prayer and spiritual activism, bringing healing and hope to thousands around the world for the past two decades.
Experience Your Inner Light
Also, in October, Dr. Chanti Tacoronte-Perez and I are hosting a day of connection and exploration of the inner light of the true Self. Join us for the Inner Light Day Retreat, a sacred time together to remember our connections to ourselves, each other, and nature. It takes place Saturday, October 19 at The Roundhouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico.