Connectedness
"When people go within and connect with themselves, they realize they are connected to the universe and they are connected to all living things." — Armand DiMele
When we meditate we use our attention to clear away our egoic mind patterns and connect with our higher self or as some might call it, our spiritual self. But, aside from reconnecting with that part of our being that does not judge, separate, compete, or project, what else are we connecting with?
If we can quiet our "monkey mind" long enough to open up to the serene, loving, and compassionate self, we notice that we no longer foster the disconnectedness that exists as a result of our egoicly imposed separation. Our ego needs us to be separate from everyone and everything in the universe in order to define its existence. Once we discover the truth about our egoic mind and embrace our true nature, that separation collapses on itself and dissolves.
It is through this practice of realizing the false narrative our ego spins in our minds that we can find freedom and connectedness with everything and everyone in the universe.
So why isn't this our natural way of thinking? That is a question for the ages. It seems that we are built for success, but programmed for failure. It is through practice that we can see the truth of that programming and work (yes work!) to free ourselves from the illusion of separateness.
Many people feel the calming, connecting results of meditation, but fail to realize that the truth they have experienced while practicing is also the truth an hour, day, or month later, and has always been the truth. Through practice we can chip away at this illusion in our own minds and step into the light of truth. This is the dynamic experience that leads to enlightenment.
We can not only discover the truth that Armand DiMele talks about in the above quote, but we can integrate that truth and freedom into who we are. It has always been there and always will be. The work is in revealing it to ourselves and then in turn to others.
Practice with diligence, it is the most important work you will ever do.
