Who am I?

This simple question seems easy to answer at first. However, as soon as I start to think about it, I realize that giving my name or a description of physical appearance does not describe the myriad of thoughts, moods, actions and reactions which comprise myself and my life. Even a description of what I do becomes confusing because, everyday, I wear so many different hats. I may start the day as a husband or a wife. At work I may become a engineer, secretary, a clerk or a teacher. At lunch I may meet a friend and in the evening an acquaintance. Which of these roles that I play is me?

In each role that I play a different facet of my personality emerges. Yet, I am quite aware that my true identity is not defined by the role I play. How can I think of myself? Who am I really? What is needed is something constant, safe and stable. We all know that gradually, over time, the human body is declining. It is not stable or constant. So in yoga while doing meditation instead of this bodily identification, we start with our thoughts. Because thoughts are always there, whatever age we are. Their content may change but our ability to think does not.

Soul is the only form that cannot be destroyed. It is something without any physical dimension. The soul is like a driver and the body is the car. To be in complete control, the driver has to sit in the place where he has access to the controls and also can collect all the necessary information to make decisions. Each thought, leading to words and actions, begins with an impulse from the brain. In Yoga it is considered that the soul is located in the center of the forehead in the vicinity of the brain. This knowledge provides me with a constant point of reference on which to focus my attention.

So, my identity is a soul which is a living, spiritual and eternal being, and all other identities - teacher, engineer, husband, wife and so on are simply different roles which my soul play. In meditation I create an awareness of myself as a soul. This naturally leads to an experience of these peaceful, positive qualities. This is what is called 'soul-consciousness'. In meditation I begin to think about my true identity. I let thoughts about the soul and its qualities fill my mind. Through understanding and experiencing my true qualities, I regain confidence and self-respect and am no longer pushed and pulled by expectation of others. By remaining soul-conscious, I will stay in my true state of peace. This is something which does, of course, take time and patient effort to practice. The reward of practice is enjoyable in itself and the greater benefits will accumulate over time.

MEDITATION PRACTICE

When you sit to meditate, choose the quietest place you can find, preferably in a room which you do not use very often. If this isn't possible, sit where the familiar objects around you won't distract your attention. This mental preparation will help your concentration. Start with 10 or 15 min. This will gradually lengthen naturally with experience. Soft or subdued lighting will help.

When you finish meditation, just take a moment to reflect on what you have experienced and note how your mood has changed. This will emphasize your experiences and help you appreciate what you are gaining through meditation. One more suggestion of great benefit is: Don't just meditate when you feel like it. The greatest progress is possible at the time when you really don't want to meditate or when you feel you can't. That's the time when you need to meditate the most.

THOUGHTS FOR MEDITATION 

These thoughts are only a suggestion. Create your own similar thoughts if you prefer. Any thoughts based on the awareness of the self as a soul are valid. Think slowly and aim to experience each thought before moving on.

You should withdraw your attention away from your physical body. You lie behind your eyes in the center of the forehead, an eternal spark of life energy. This energy empowers the body. You are a non-physical being, an eternal soul. You are an actor and your body is simply a costume. You find deep peace and contentment within. Know your true self, an eternal, pure and peaceful soul. You are in the ocean of peace.

Practical Meditation as a healer

Practical meditation is highly recommended for those who are beginning to discover the beauty and strength of their own inner world. More and more, we human beings are realizing the need to develop the power of the mind, as we try to keep up with the ever-increasing pace of life and its complexities. By introducing meditation into one's own practical life, one not only gains real peace of mind, but also a very positive and healthy attitude towards life. The aim of meditation is to provide a means by which you can become the master of your own mind and your own destiny, and thus acquire constant peace of mind. So, it is essential for you to proceed at your own pace, in a way which feels comfortable. Above all, you need to develop a faith in yourself. 

Having faith in yourself means not only having confidence in your previous experiences, but also having the courage to explore what you are going to experience. So, when you sit in meditation you can see if your experience matches up to the information you have been given. If you practice soul-consciousness during the day, you can see if it has the result that the knowledge predicts. By doing meditation you are not aiming for something you have never known before. Your aim is simply to rediscover that forgotten feeling of being so peaceful. When you experience peace in meditation, it feels so natural and easy. It is an effortless thing. Your aim is to be in that experience constantly. Whatever you are doing, whoever you are speaking to, whatever is happening around you, you remain 'Om Shanti', lost in the peace, spreading vibrations of peace to others. Faith needs both understanding and experience to sustain it.

So, make sure that you combine ongoing study of this knowledge with the practical experience of meditation. In this way your life becomes an inspiring source of positivity and happiness for yourself and for those with whom you interact.