Be you. A phrase commonly uttered by well-meaning encouragers to embrace our authentic selves. Perhaps a bit trite. We don't have much of a choice, after all.
Be you.
Despite its seemingly simple parlance, this two-word statement actually contains much profundity when understood from the depths of spiritual awakening.
Be, as in exist. You, your true self. Rest in the is-ness of your true being.
Sadly, all our problems stem from the choice to reject the sublime state attained through be you. In fact, all pain, all sorrow, all distress are the result of not embodying such counsel.
But aren't we always in a state of being ourself?
We, indeed, ceaselessly toil toward satisfying the demands of the name & body self. The personality "me". The one that sees itself as an impermanent body living amongst other such transient souls. The certain I on which all thoughts center.
But that is not you. Not the real you.
The true Self is beyond form, beyond thought. It is an essence at the highest level of awareness; a subject-less subject without object. The is in is-ness.
And while such abstract notions are beyond perception, they are not beyond practice. To glimpse the perfect peace wherein the true Self resides we need merely look with gentleness at our persistent insistence on serving the sense of "me".
This is the path of direct transcendence, leading to the end of suffering. As these lovely lines from A Course in Miracles proclaim: "Be you blessed. Holy are you, and in your light the world reflects your holiness."
Join me in Thursday's class where we'll explore what it means to "be you" and practices we can develop for inner peace. I look forward to seeing you then.