One’s sense of self is defined by being the one who generates and thinks their own thoughts, directs attention to internal and external stimuli, and feels connected to certain values or people.
The perspective of this sense of self – as a selfhood and as a center from which the world is viewed – is consistent and forms a constant, fundamental self-experience.
Surprising Inner Movements
Sometimes, however, one is surprised by the feelings and thoughts that arise unintentionally and spontaneously – comparable to physical reflexes, such as a hand being withdrawn from a nettle faster than a conscious intention. Often, the question arises afterwards: “Why did I say or do that? Was that really me?”
Not Just Advantages
Self-referentiality has evolutionary advantages, such as remembering one’s own continuous history, taking responsibility for one’s actions, or planning the future. On the other hand, the self-perspective requires a distinction from the environment. There is “me” and “the other,” thus a separation from the environment. Moreover, it is a continuously energy-intensive process to constantly renew the sense of self and to regularly recall and update a sense of selfhood through comparisons with others, distinguishing features, desires, or resistances.
Meditation and the Recognition of Automatic Processes
Even in meditation, these automated processes of consciousness and thought constantly arise. Through the practice of meditative awareness, these natural inner movements become increasingly familiar, allowing for neutral observation. Thoughts and emotional states are no longer judged or changed, but are accepted and allowed to be through inner silence.
The Practice of Inner Silence
Silence means no longer being in conscious, goal-oriented action. With this indiscriminate mindfulness, there is no longer control or focus; no selection is made, because everything is allowed to happen. A practice of silent stillness for the inner and outer. This inner non-doing is the fundamental prerequisite for autonomy, a liberation from the struggle against one’s own nature. It is a complete surrender and trust in the flow of one’s own being.
If you think back to the last spontaneous thoughts or feelings that surprised you:
Can you perceive them—without judgment—simply as a movement of the mind, just as the wind moves through the trees?
