Is Self an Illusion?

Is Self an Illusion?

What is essential to your being? Is there a version of self that exists when everything else is stripped away? In today’s episode, we talk about self, identity, and the enduring aspects of our being.

“To understand the immeasurable, the mind must be extraordinarily quiet, still.”
― Jiddu Krishnamurti

The concept of self has been integral to our spiritual development since ancient times. Some say it is an illusion, others regard it as ego. In Western culture, the individual is at the center of all things. Where does the value in seeing ourselves as individuals end and when does it serve us to see ourselves as part of the larger whole? Are we more than our worldviews, our roles, our thoughts, and beliefs? The answers to these questions are at the core of most spiritual contemplations and are fundamental to solving our modern challenges.

Self as Illusion

Some traditions believe that the self is an illusion. That there is really is no you or me. Instead, we are a dynamic process in constant flux that moves within an impermanent reality. From this perspective, it is only when we identify as a static entity that suffering, self-importance, envy, greed, and even addictions occur. 

Neuroscientists believe that the self can be quantified to some degree, by the correlations between what they consider the contents of our consciousness and our brain activity. For example, if someone feels fear, then there will be a corresponding activation in the amygdala. Because of this, they feel the self is really more a product of neurons firing in the brain, rather than an enduring Self. While this activation is predictable and quantifiable, the experience of fear will still be subjective. So at least in part, the self belongs to the first-person viewpoint. Furthermore, they can’t pinpoint the self in the brain. It doesn’t reside in a single area but across many, as a dynamic process. 

Self As Identity

Self and identity should be seen as two separate but interrelated concepts. Our idea of self answers the questions of Who am I? and What am I? And identity is our perception of other people’s ideas of who we are. However, in a society that puts the individual at the center of everything these two concepts have become interchangeable.  So much value has been placed on outcomes, what we can produce, and the attention that we can acquire, that the question of ‘who am I?’ is often answered by the roles we play and the thoughts and emotions we have as they relate to our perceived perception from others. Similar to the concept of the egoic mind.

“So then, the relationship of self to other is the complete realization that loving yourself is impossible without loving everything defined as other than yourself.”
~ Alan Wilson Watts

Self as Essence

Through techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or psychedelics, we can see beyond the first-person experience. We can witness the thoughts and emotions that we normally identify as self. Instead of saying ‘I am angry’, we move to the perspective that ‘this is the experience of anger’. We are able to step back and observe the contents of our consciousness rather than own and identify with them.

In some instances, we can even move into what I would call the unity consciousness. Or a connection to all that is. Some people might describe this as the oneness they feel in altered states of consciousness. Having these experiences are integral to our spiritual development because they are a reminder that we are more than just our identity or our thoughts. You can call this the spirit, soul, or essence, but there is an enduring part of us that connects the enduring part in everything. 

I often describe spirituality as the search for meaning and that meaning is connected to something bigger than the individual. This larger whole could be the universe or nature, but we understand that we are part of something that is integrative and interconnected. We understand that on many planes of our existence that we a whole human AND we are all one. 

“Let the drop of water that is you become a hundred mighty seas.
But do not think that the drop alone
becomes the Ocean— the Ocean, too, becomes the drop!

~ Rumi

Self as Collaborator

All things are collaborative. Between people, between us and the natural world. Even the body which we view as an independent and rational being, is really an ecosystem made up of billions of organisms. But we don’t perceive it that way. We dominate our natural world, we struggle for power in our relationships, we opt for conflict over cooperation. Maybe exploring the self is our entry to the whole. Not the self that produces or meets expectations, but the self that communicates with the meaningful.

There is value in viewing the self as a dynamic process, illusion, essence, or as an identity. Because each is an opportunity to see the world through different perspectives. It only becomes problematic when the first person self is always seen at the center of everything. The closer we get to our essence, the more we can live intimately with our world. We realize that all those beliefs, roles, preferences are just window dressing for our true nature – the place where my essence meets yours. 

What if we shift our framing and saw the self as the ultimate collaborator – which includes all other versions of self. This makes room for the whole human that has a unique perspective but it doesn’t make us separate rather complimentary. Our world requires us to have a deeper self-awareness at this time. Without it we move blindly through our lives and make choices that serve the individual without regard for the greater good. So spend time in community, meditation, nature, and move intimately knowing we are all connected.

If you are interested in more perspectives on the self, listen to this episode of the Chaos & Light Podcast called The Inner Self and the No Self. 

 

Resources:

Your Elusive Creative Genius by Elizabeth Gilbert

Atkins, Paul & Styles, Robert. (2015). Mindfulness, identity and work: Mindfulness training creates a more flexible sense of self. 10.1017/CBO9781107587793.008.

Sam Harris: The Self is an Illusion | Big Think 


(c) Can Stock Photo / Nejron

Iva Kenaz on Sacred Geometry and the Shapes of Creation

Iva Kenaz on Sacred Geometry and the Shapes of Creation

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Sacred geometry has been found at sacred sites all around the world and can be seen everywhere in nature. What do they mean and how can we use them to connect to our unconscious mind? In this episode, Iva Kenaz and Angela Levesque talk about the basic symbols, what they symbolize and how we can work with them in our daily lives. We also explore the significance of Metatron’s Cube, the Platonic solids, and the flower of life. Iva also shares how working with these sacred shapes deepens our interconnectedness with the natural world.

 

 

About the Guest

Iva Kenaz is an award-winning author, publisher, and speaker from Prague, Bohemia, whose books are significantly influenced by metaphysics and nature magic. She studied Screenwriting at the Prague Film Academy and holds an MA in Creative Writing. She’s also an avid researcher of ancient wisdom and teachings, especially those of the magic symbols, sacred geometry, runes, and the World Tree of Life.

Iva’s many visionary books include The Witch Within, The Goddess Within, The Merkaba Mystery, Alchemist Awakening: An Alchemical Journey Through the Zodiac among many others.

For more information please visit her website: www.ivakenaz.com

 

Links

Metatron's Cube

Mandalora/Vesica Piscis

Metatron's Cube

Metatron’s Cube

3rd Eye/Awakening

Star of David/Unity of Opposites

Water/Feminine

Platonic Solids

Fire/Masculine

Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

Jeanne Michele on Spiritual Equality

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What does the resurgence of the sacred feminine look like? How do we make space for both men and women to evolve? How does one have a courageous conversation?  In this episode, Jeanne Michele and Angela Levesque explore the messages that Mary Magdalene has for us as we move into spiritual equality and the Age of Partnership. We discuss moving out of resistance and getting out of the ‘fight’ mentality, and how to break through our collective molds and allow space for our evolution. Jeanne also shares stories from her pilgrimage to the ancient Mary Magdalene sites in France.

Receive your special gift of a sacred anointing rite that allows you to give and receive a blessing. 

You can find it here at https://drjmichele.ac-page.com/the-anointing-and-blessing

About the Guest

Woman by a treeDr. Jeanne Michele is many things: Part teacher. Part modern-day philosopher. Part change agent. Part Coach.

Her dynamic and engaging mentorship with individuals, couples, leaders, and so many others takes a departure from traditional counseling or marriage counseling in that she encourages people to identify what they really want in life and helps them design a plan to create it.

Through her work with people from many different spiritual backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to help them get in touch with the deeper truth of who they are and how they want to walk in the world. She then merges her passion for helping people create extraordinary relationships with her strong business background to deliver personalized programs to men, women, and couples helping them create and sustain dynamic lives, relationships, and business partnerships.

Dr. Jeanne believes in the power of relationships to help heal the past, and teach us about ourselves. Her relational work helps people deepen their connections with themselves and their partners, and to clarify and live more joy-filled and passionate lives.

Her personal spiritual sojourns have taken her to the heart of Bali, as well as explorations into France and Italy to explore the influence of Art and Myth in the reclamation of spiritual legends. From the small gypsy town of Sts. Marie de la Mer to the caves of Southern France, she has engaged in dynamic discoveries of the powerful legends of the Mary Magdalene Mysteries. She is planning on leading a group pilgrimage to France in 2022.

Links

Jeanne’s Websites

Jonathan de Potter on Psychedelics and Higher States of Consciousness

Jonathan de Potter on Psychedelics and Higher States of Consciousness

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What can someone expect from working with psychedelics? Which one is right for you? How can we get the most out of these experiences? In this episode, Jonathan de Potter and Angela Levesque discuss various plant-based medicines. We explore how we use it to sustain higher levels of consciousness and why this is the real value of this work. We also talk about the different types available, how to prepare for a retreat and why the mental and emotional work is a critical part of the transformation.

About the Guest

Jonathan de Potter is the Founder & CEO of Behold Retreats, a bespoke wellness service that facilitates journeys of self-discovery and transformation, supported by the scientifically proven benefits of plant medicine therapy.

Jonathan is passionate about raising awareness on the benefits of plant medicine therapy, and its potential to improve wellbeing and mental health outcomes. 

Originally from Hawaii, USA, Jonathan is currently based in Bangkok, Thailand, traveling often to continue his research into the best plant medicine retreat centers around the world.

He enjoys yoga, meditation, surfing, and is energized by big, bold ideas.

 

Links

Behold Retreat https://www.behold-retreats.com/

chaosandlight.com

Virginia Oman on the Power of Sound, Hope & Mind

Virginia Oman on the Power of Sound, Hope & Mind

 

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Why is hope so important for realizing our human potential? How does Positive Psychology differ from traditional talk therapy? How do our thoughts influence our bodies, and our bodies influence our thoughts? In this episode, Virginia Oman shares her powerful message of hope that led her to dive deep into the mind/body relationship. She also shares with us tools and techniques to shift our thinking and tap into our limitless potential. We also explore the magic of movement, transforming our cultural view of death, and the healing power of sound.

About the Guest

Virginia Oman goes by her nickname “Gin” has been described as the physical form of the mythological symbol of the Phoenix. Rising out of the ashes of death and into a life of freedom, joy and exhilaration. After the devastation of the progressive neurological disease ( MS) took her physical functioning away and robbed her of hope for having a meaningful future she seriously considered opting out of life. It was at that moment that she took matters in her own hands to bring back her body. Listening to her own intuition she developed a specific path to transform her body, mind and soul and is now happier, with more energy and love for life than ever before. She decided to dedicate her life to helping others who for whatever reason have lost hope and feel trapped in despair. Through implementing the tools she has developed, anyone can get out of a place of darkness and into the light of a life full of great health and happiness.

 

 

Links

Virginia Oman’s Website https://virginiaoman.com

chaosandlight.com

 

Stephen Hawley Martin on the Salem Witch Trials

Stephen Hawley Martin on the Salem Witch Trials

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In This Episode:

What really happened during the Salem witch trials? What was the scale, how many women were executed? What were the historical conditions that led to the witch hunt? On this episode of the Chaos and Light Podcast, Angela Levesque speaks with Stephen Hawley Martin about his latest book The Witch of Amesbury. Stephen has a personal connection to these trials and gives us the social and religious context for these infamous trials. We also explore the possibility of a modern-day ‘witch hunt’, due to the dogmatic view of scientific rationalism.

About the Guest

As the talk show host of a popular weekly internet podcast, “The Truth About Life,” it became clear to bestselling author Stephen Hawley Martin as he interviewed dozens of near-death survivors, psychics, paranormal,  researchers, quantum physicists, and medical doctors, that humankind is on the cusp of a transition to a new understanding of the true nature of reality. To share what he has learned and to help speed the transition, which he believes will result in a rebirth of optimism and the world becoming a better place to live and work, he has written well over a dozen books, many of which have achieved bestseller status on Amazon. For more information visit www.shmartin.com

Links

Stephen’s Website  

www.chaosandlight.com