The Self may at times be necessary but at other times best let go of in order to enter into a full relationship with the world and with others. Out in nature I am so often able to leave a sense of self preoccupation behind as I gaze upon the beauty of creation. At times sad or difficult memories or thoughts may come but I can gently recognise them while letting go. I can remember that all the things that happened to my ‘Self’ have now gone by and that even if they leave an effect I can pray for their affects not to limit my life too severely from breathing, opening, living and the loving as well as feeling true joy, peace and contentment.
That said at times as an empathic introvert I find the most comfort just staying quiet and cosy inside my home, reading something that uplifts my spirit or writing and reflecting or meditating, listening to the wind or the silence. This is my ideal way of living as I see it but I would like in the future to reach too for ways to give to others or connect in some kind of service which in and of itself is a way of self forgetting.
It may take time for some of us to find the values we want to nurture and to live by, to recognise those things that are full and those things that are empty of life. I think our spirit is something aside just from a sense of ‘Self’ as such or maybe I just sense lately that my spirit is really a life energy that wants to flow easily instead of remain all blocked or locked up. Beginning to tap into this level of alive energy means that depressive thoughts hold less sway. I can cry over the wounds of the past that hurt me and know they did affect the trajectory of my life but maybe led it onto a different pathway from a purely extraverted outward one. I remember all the happened as necessary to my life and awakening. I reject none of it any more and I feel connected even when it is difficult to connect.
Know God is alive in your heart
Always
Pause and reflect.
You can experience that the whole world is full of God
The Self is hidden in the hearts of everyone,
just as butter is hidden in cream.
This is the highest teaching.
Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Emerging From The Dark Night 