Cogito ergo sum. It’s interesting how we self identify so with our thoughts. It’s as if “I think, therefore I am” was a Truth. Yet, what I think is no more who I am than what I see or hear. We don’t self identify with what we see and hear and yet we do with what we think?
In the same way that our autonomic nervous system triggers a flight or fight response based on what we sense, without conscious evaluation, it seems as if at times we are hardwired to react to our thoughts and emotions without conscious evaluation also. As if my thoughts and emotions are who I am – except they are not (the delusion of the ego).
I am – comes first; and therefore I think; and I feel; and I see; and I hear.
Our ego exists within the realm of our thoughts and emotions. But who we are comes from a deeper place. A self that transcends and enfolds our ego mind (small mind). To evolve beyond reactionary responses and feelings we have to first understand that how we feel or act is a choice. That our thoughts and emotions are simply sensory inputs to be evaluated.
I am angry. You made me angry! Really you are anger? That’s who you are? No, you are not anger. And no-one can make you angry. You have chosen to feel anger and act accordingly. Consciously or not.
With practice we are able to slow down, wake up and become aware of these choicepoints. After all, the choices we make dictate the life we lead.
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