Who are you? Identity death to Freedom.

Have you been experiencing an identity death? This can continue over an extended period and will be challenging but also liberating. Experiencing an "identity death" in a spiritual context can refer to a transformative process where one goes beyond their conventional sense of self and explores a deeper understanding of their true nature or consciousness. It often involves letting go of attachments to personal identity, ego, and societal conditioning. Before discovering your true nature, or in the process of it, you will experience an identity death, where you no longer live life through a personal lense.

On my own journey, which continues to progress day by day, I have found that if there are screaming wounds within you not well seen, rather than simply trying to be awareness, it helps to give these parts of you some attention for a period first, as until they are recognised they will continue to dominate. Once held somewhat, it becomes easier to drop into a more expanded awareness. And the universe will continue to show us over the years, were parts of us remain unconscious, helping us to relax easier into this state of awareness. Others can advice the direct path, but I have found this to help, even in acknowledging they are part of the illusion, the story of ‘me’.

Many spiritual traditions and practices, such as certain forms of meditation, self-inquiry, or mindfulness, aim to facilitate this process of transcending limited self-identifications and accessing a more expansive state of awareness. The experience can be profound and may lead to a sense of unity with all things, a dissolution of boundaries between self and others, and a recognition of the interconnectedness of existence.

My favorite school is Advaita Vedanta. According to Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, the ultimate reality is non-dual consciousness, known as Brahman. The individual self, or jiva, is considered to be an illusory construct arising from ignorance. Advaita Vedanta teaches that the true nature of the individual is identical to Brahman, and realizing this identity leads to spiritual liberation.

From the Advaita Vedanta perspective, the question "Who am I?" is an inquiry into one's true nature, aiming to go beyond the limited identification with the body, mind, and ego. It encourages individuals to investigate the nature of the self and recognize that the true self is not separate from the universal consciousness (Brahman).

According to this philosophy, your true essence is not defined by your name, form, or individual characteristics, but rather by the eternal, unchanging consciousness that underlies all existence. By realizing your identity as Brahman, you transcend the illusory sense of individuality and experience the freedom and bliss of unity with the ultimate reality.

It's important to note that these concepts can be complex and deeply experiential. Advaita Vedanta encourages direct realization through contemplation, self-inquiry, and guidance from qualified teachers. The concept of "identity death" can be interpreted in various ways depending on the spiritual or philosophical framework one follows. Different traditions may have their own unique perspectives on this topic. Exploring spiritual texts, engaging in personal reflection, and seeking guidance can provide further insights into this subject. If you are interested in pursuing this further, studying the works of Advaita Vedanta philosophers like Adi Shankara or Sri Ramana Maharasi or seeking out satsangs (spiritual gatherings) can provide valuable insights and guidance on the path of self-realization. Recommended modern day teachers of non-dualism are Rupert Spira and Devaji. Otherwise, simply listen to your heart, silence the mind, and feel the universe inside of you.

In truth, as you pursue this path and shift from the personal to impersonal state of existence, you see that you are an empty field of Awareness in which conditioned thoughts and feelings arise.