Regarding knowing recognition of our essential nature, it has been my experience that apparently “little” points can make a huge difference in the degree of our understanding. Through Grace, the gifts of clarity often arrive when we least expect them and displace more of our delusional beliefs. The following is the account of one such incident that occurred out of the blue:
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About three years ago, I was in a local store when I met a man whom I occasionally interacted with during my career as a paramedic. His formal career was as a respiratory therapist; but from our past discussions, I also knew that he was very knowledgable about our spiritual nature. Our meeting was an opportunity of which we took full advantage. For several minutes, we stood to the side of an aisle and allowed our enthusiasm to transport our conversation into the very depths of life.
At that time in “my” life, a lot of conditoned beliefs were still being shed. On some days, it felt as though “Art” had disappeared in the ocean of Truth; but on other days, it felt as though “Art” had reappeared to recite the details of “his” apparent life. In relating the situation, I believe that I said that some days I feel as though “It” (meaning my essential nature) is here, but that on other days as though “It” has left. In response to this, my friend made the following short comment, which serves as the foundation of this article. He said:
“Where would It go?”
I immediately smiled and nodded in agreement–expressing even a glimpse of self realization can be tricky. The comment that my ex-colleague had made was so relevant and CLEAR. On those days when it felt as though my essential nature had departed, that, of course, wasn’t the case. And it can never be the case for you, either! A seeming departure actually means that my old conditioning (the belief in being the person) had once again returned and attempted to take center stage. Although our essential nature can neither be described nor defined (for it is limitless), It is often expressed as being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent–meaning all knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere.
The main point of this article relates to this: We awaken to true Self when we knowingly recognize That which neither comes nor goes. It is the substratum of all that ever was, is, and will be. The Absolute is One, playing all of our apparent roles as persons. It does not arise in us–the persons; we–the persons–arise in It. Eternal and indivisible, It is the unchanging foundation of our Being.
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The photo at the top of this article is taken from my apartment. Several years ago, I felt inspired to attach the quote from St. Francis of Assisi to an old suitcase that had belonged to my parents. His message was that we are now–already–That which we are seeking. My point in attaching the message to the suitcase is actually the opposite of what persons might assume: We don’t have to pack our suitcase and travel anywhere to know That which we already are…here and now. We can unpack our history, take a deep breath, and just BE.
Dare to dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2022 – R. Arthur Russell
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If you enjoyed this article (originally published on my personal blog), you can find more of my writing at https://think2wice.me/. My YouTube videos may be found through this link. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. 🙏🧡
How wonderful Art and thank you for sharing your experience of awakening. Powerful and encouraging. Blessings. Peter
Hi Peter,
Thank you very much! I’m glad that you found the article powerful and encouraging! Blessings to you, too! 🙏
Is it true, though, that “That which neither comes nor goes” may not be fully “known” or “understood”, or “incorporated” in our being such that an instantaneous realization will actually “change” such a permanent presence? This is merely an honest question that popped into my reality as I pondered what you set out.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your honest question! It’s my experience that “That” which neither comes nor goes–the unchanging, eternal I Am That I Am–does not, indeed, change.
Wishing you a wonderful day! 🙏
I love this post Art, and the quote from St. Francis of Assisi is so true.
Thank you so much, Cristiana! I’m glad that you liked it! I agree–such wisdom from St. Assisi!
Do you ever feel that losing your separate self identity and merging with the one is evil? I think I am ordained separate, unique, a child from the womb of the One, our parent. I do know how much I need a parent’s care at any rate. Thanks for your post.