Self and Self-Realisation: The Journey to Wholeness
At the core of our being lies something vast, steady, and luminous – Self. It remains untouched by the changing tides of life and the wounds we endure, unaffected by the masks we wear or the stories we tell ourselves. It simply is a quiet presence, patient and whole, waiting to be rediscovered.
In our daily lives, we may feel fragmented – pulled in different directions by responsibilities, expectations, and past experiences. Beneath these layers lies a deeper reality. We are not merely the sum of our struggles or achievements. We are something far greater.
Self in Different Traditions
Many traditions and philosophies have sought to name this mysterious presence: the Tao, the Soul, the Atman, the Divine Spark, the Unchanging Witness. Some describe it as an infinite, vast, boundless sky; others as a still, unwavering point of light. In some teachings, it is even called No-Self, a paradox that invites us beyond identity into something more spacious and free.
Imagine an ancient well, deep and undisturbed. The water at the bottom is clear, reflecting the sky. This is Self – pure and untouched, even if the surface is briefly clouded by dust and movement. No matter how often we forget, this deeper presence is always there.
The Sun Within: A Metaphor for Self
Self is like the sun, radiating warmth and clarity from the core of our being. At times, clouds – representing our fears, doubts, and past wounds – obscure its light. However, the sun never ceases to shine. Even when we cannot perceive it, it remains, steady and unwavering.
Moments of profound love, silence, or awe – standing before the ocean, hearing a child laugh, gazing into the eyes of someone who genuinely sees us – can lift the veil and allow the light to shine through. In these moments, we remember what we truly are.
The Journey of Self-Realisation
Self-realisation is not a final destination; it is a lifelong journey, an unfolding of our highest potential. Like a flower blooming, like a river carving its path through rock, we are continually evolving. From childhood to old age, through joy and suffering, we move towards greater wholeness.
Life sometimes propels us forward effortlessly, like a gentle breeze guiding a boat. At other times, it challenges us through loss, uncertainty, or change. These experiences are not obstacles; they are opportunities. They invite us to pause, listen, and go deeper. What is life asking of us? What part of ourselves is ready to awaken?
Growth does not occur all at once. We glimpse, forget, and remember again. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to our true nature.
How Do We Connect with Self?
Stillness nurtures connection. A quiet walk in nature. A deep breath. Sitting by a window, observing the rain. In these moments of pause, Self whispers.
Creativity unlocks awareness. Writing, painting, dancing—any act that flows from deep within us connects us to something beyond the surface of our minds.
Love transforms. When we genuinely see another and are truly seen, something changes. We soften, we expand, and we remember.
Psychosynthesis provides a way to reconnect with Self. It offers a guide for those moments when we feel adrift, reminding us that what we seek is already within us.
The Invitation to Wholeness
Self-realisation is not about becoming someone new; it is about remembering who we already are. It involves uncovering the light within and allowing it to shine in every aspect of our lives – our relationships, our work, and our smallest interactions.
Every moment presents an opportunity to awaken – to pause, breathe, and fully engage with life. To wholeheartedly embrace all that we are without hesitation.
As Rumi beautifully reminds us:
“You were born with wings. Why prefer to crawl through life?”
The journey home to the Self begins right here, in this moment.