I

Ever wonder what the word I means ?  Most people identify the meaning of I on the basis of identity that is derived from the definitions that are provided by others. What do I mean by that - let me illustrate 

My name was provided by my parents ; it for sure is not the real “me” but the identity provided by someone else. My work title was provided by my company , and similarly other labels were provided by society - a father, a husband , a friend, a brother etc. All these labels point towards a particular course of action that is expected of a person ; it for sure does not identify the actual “me” .  

Then what is the real me ? I for sure am not a collection of definitions provided by others and for sure it’s not the physical space that is occupied by the body. And it’s most definitely not that feeling of centre that is behind your eyes in the middle of your skull when ones closes ones eyes - that most likely is your mind . The I would consist of your mind and your physical body would it not ? Or is it more ? Consider for a short time the question; when you die would the world continue? Your world ? Does it sease to exist ? I would guess it does - the uniqueness of the circumstances and interactions one has would end. Then the most logical conclusion would be that the “I” encompasses much more than the physical space or the mental space - it encompasses the entire universe. Wow I is equal to universe?  Am I a god ? Quantum physics has proven recently that one can influence the outcomes of matter interactions at a quantum level just by the act of observation. God like powers. Kind of makes sense why a lot of folks have gotten on to the manifestation ride - it would work .. you are the universe and you could influence the outcome if you truly knew how. But then that is not what the answer to who am I is ; nor is it, that the answer would be provided if I can figure out my purpose. Purpose would only add another label on behaviour. 

Bulleh Shah a Sufi poet captured this extremely well In a poem that has been converted into rock songs and the like. He identified what he was not in an attempt to answer the eternal question of who am I - “Bullah Ki Jaana Mai kaun” 

C