Who Am I? – Oprah & Deepak Meditation Challenge Day 2
The second day of the 21 Day Meditation Challenge is probably too early to declare this, but I think today’s centering thought is one of the most powerful messages ever. I am a Radiant Spiritual Being. I know it doesn’t make so much sense when you read it now, but I am sure you will agree when you read the complete post, or better yet, join in the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Challenge on Miraculous Relationships and attend today’s class.
Deepak Answers my Question
Before I move to the powerful thought for Day 2 and my meditation experience, let me update you on an unresolved issue that could have been carried forward had it not been addressed by Deepak Chopra himself. Yesterday, on Day 1 of the challenge, I mentioned I was having distracting thoughts while trying to meditate. Well, it turns out I am in good company because the question seems to be foremost on the minds of many other meditators. An email from Deepak Chopra to all those who had successfully completed their Day 1 challenge confirmed it. I was not really surprised to discover that many others have the same problem when trying to meditate. I had the same issue when I started meditating first, in my teenage years. And the email gave me the same answer that I had received long back – but conveniently forgotten.
Here’s quoting Deepak Chopra:
“Thoughts will inevitably drift in and dance around your mind, but that’s normal. Don’t try to do anything with them—let them be. If you find yourself thinking about what’s passing through your mind, just return to focusing your awareness on the mantra or your breath. With continued practice, you will slip into the space between thoughts.”
Did it help? Yes, it did! Just like it had all those years back. Day 2 was so much easier and enriching.
Day 2
Like I mentioned above, the centering thought for the Day was:
I am a Radiant Spiritual Being.
Doesn’t make sense? Try this:
“The one you are looking for is the one who is looking.”
– Francis of Assisi
Still nothing? Well, here is the condensed version of what I have learned through countless spiritual discourses, books and teachings. We are not what we think we are. That is, not the body or the successful or unsuccessful persons we describe ourselves us as. Not even the roles we play in our lives or our ambitions and dreams. All these things are temporary external factors connected with our being. And if you will think about it – none of them remains unchanged. Everything, right from our body to our roles, change with time. How can something that is not permanent, be regarded as our true identity? You are right – it cannot!
So Who Am I? Other than the body and our person, there is one more thing inside us that actually witnesses all these changes while remaining unchanged itself. That thing is the SOUL. Or the spirit – or the Core. If you can for once, not let your mind dwell on the fact that your body is who you are, and try to focus on the Soul that witnesses the body and your person, you will become aware of its existence. Hence the above – “The one you are looking for is the one who is looking.” It means the only thing you should be looking for is the soul that is within you and who is looking at you!
And what exactly do we gain from this awareness?
1. To stop fretting over all the other unimportant issues in life and remove the unnecessary stress and tension caused by negative image and material issues.
2. The realization that we are not ordinary mortals with limited resources.
3. No matter what we feel when life metes out hard times, we need to understand that our core is an enlightened spirit that is nothing but love and compassion.
4. All the love we ever need is present within.
5. Even when we feel alone, we are not. The spirit inside us is always there.
6. We are Radiant, Spiritual Beings connected to the universe.
The centering thought begins to make it clear how this is going to help build Miraculous Relationships. Only when we realize who we really are, can be begin to improve our relationships with other. It is possible that I got the message quickly because I have been on a personal spiritual journey for some time now. Constant teachings and staying in touch with your spiritual side help you grasp many such aspects clearly. But if you can, listen to today’s discourse by Deepak Chopra and you will surely gain some understanding of what is the core, what is important and what to let go off.
But what I just wrote above does not mean that the body is not important. It is actually the medium for your soul in this journey. Read Oprah’s post on the harmony of mind, body and spirit and how to learn to become aware of your body signals.
Meditation
Like yesterday, the discourse was followed by peaceful meditation of a different Mantra that translates to ‘I Am’. Unlike yesterday, I did not have a wild bout of thoughts and the meditating process was easier. I did have distracting thoughts, but keeping in mind the message I have shared above, I let the thoughts pass, and went back to concentrating on my mantra. I clearly remembered the sanctifying spot I had discovered when meditating yesterday while chanting the mantra with closed eyes, and I wasn’t once tempted to open my eyes today. In short, meditating today was much more easier today and I am hopeful I am going to get it right.
Namaste.
