Who Am I?

I’m finally getting around to memorializing some of the “self-help” books that have helped me over the years. The thread that runs through this grouping is the difference between “I” and “me” (or “true self” vs. “false self” or “observing self” vs. “observed self”—this has been described in various ways).

“Me,” the conceptual self, can suffer; “I,” which is pure awareness or consciousness, never can. The end of suffering involves withdrawing your attention from “me” and resting in “I.”

This can be a little difficult to understand, let alone practice, which is why I seldom use it psychotherapeutically. But for those who are ready, it can be liberating.

Anthony de Mello’s Stripping Down to the “I” (starts on Page 46) is a great place to start. If it seems like nonsense, don’t be troubled and simply ignore this post. If, however, you’re intrigued, consider reading on.

• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (Namaste Publishing, 1997)
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• Awareness by Anthony de Mello (Doubleday, 1990)
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• This is Water by David Foster Wallace (Little, Brown & Co., 2009)
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• Being Aware of Being Aware by Rupert Spira (Sahaja Publications, 2017)
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• The Power of Awareness by Neville [Goddard] (G. & J. Publishing, 1952)
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