We are all grounded in the flowing movement of life itself.

Some researchers refer to the non-conceptual self as “ipseity” (i.e. derived from the latin word- “ipse” meaning itself)  or “suchness of self”. The “suchness of self” lies veiled beneath our narrative layers of memory, emotional reactivity, and force of habit. It sees through prior learning or conditioning- as close as we get to our “beginner’s mind”, where we engage with “freshness”, “newness”, and spontaneity using free attention, open awareness, and expansively tender curiosity. It is here in the process of our emerging nature that we experience the world from the “bottom up”- where sense and sensibility allow our intuition to link coherently with our intellect.

The receptive self is responsively spontaneous, flexible, and open to what is- the receptive mind respects its capacity for good stewardship and hospitality in inviting all aspects of experience. We manifest integration from our spaciousness, and fullness from our emptiness. We are able to stay present with our own vulnerabilities and embrace the ever-changing uncertainties in our lives with the resolve and resilience fostered from our mindful-awareness training.

As we continue to emerge from who we think we are- we transcend the confining limits of “I”, “me”, and “mine” to become part of the bigger, more universal “whole”. The reflective skills of our practice have opened us up into this new Way of being- internally and interpersonally- we now relate to a truer sense of interconnectedness- a Way of interbeing. The emerging self sees the significance and meaning to link its differentiated parts. We embrace our insights and lessons to reach in and reach out- to attune and to connect, with deeper, more expansive serenity, compassion, and wisdom.

The mind uses the brain to create itself. The emerging self uses the mind to open and transcend itself. With intention and focus of attention, we emerge deeper and closer to the mystery of what it means to be truly human. Advancing the nature of mind is an extraordinary undertaking, but it is a process no bigger than is feasible for ordinary people who aspire to change the way they look, perceive, and live their lives moment to moment.

To be an integral part of our own “becoming” lends to a state of consciousness- to a quality of mind where harmonious flow gives way to deeply meaningful and clear sanity. We accept our connection to the “flow” and all that is flowing in and around our existence. Our ability to be an abstract or watchful observer in our own emergence is sitting apart from clinging to any concrete realities about who we are or who we may become. Our sense- our knowledge- and our wisdom is grounded in the flowing movement of constant transience. It is in this process of flowing movement that we attune our intelligent perception– our discerning awareness to openly see and respond to experiences in a fresh, original, and unconditioned way. In participating directly with the art form of our awakening- we observe with watchful attention the “dance of the mind”.

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