02. Who Are We Really?
Welcome back to Emerald Tao. In this second episode I dive deep into the nature of identity, the soul, and the journey toward spirit. Below is a distilled version of the conversation, organized into bite‑size sections for readers.
Opening Thoughts – “You’re Not What You Think
Everything that you think you are, at your essence, you’re not.
I start by challenging the common habit of defining ourselves by roles, labels, or achievements. The core of who we are isn’t a collection of external attributes—it’s something far subtler.
The Purest Part of Us: An Idea
What it is: An idea—a unique, ineffable blueprint that underlies every personality trait, memory, and desire.
Why it matters: Discovering this idea gives us a compass for self‑understanding and purposeful living.
“Finding out what that idea is will help you immensely in understanding yourself.”
From Idea to Soul: The Seed Metaphor
I compare the soul to a seed that needs nurturing:
Seed = Soul: A fragile container for the idea.
Nurture = Experience & Practice: Meditation, reflection, and intentional living help the seed grow.
Your soul is a seed you’re supposed to develop…into spirit.
Glimpses Beyond the Ordinary
a. Vision Between Sleep and Wakefulness During that liminal state, I experienced a vivid “screen” appearing before me—a metaphorical interface delivering a purpose statement. The emotions on the screen were stronger than the words, hinting that feeling often precedes rational comprehension.
b. A Karmic Release With My Partner A shared “chime” signaled a mutual realization that our relationship had served its purpose. We could have walked away, but chose to stay, allowing new layers of growth and “magic” to unfold.
These moments illustrate how insight can surface in unexpected, almost cinematic ways.
The Path from Soul to Spirit
| Stage | What It Represents | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Idea | The abstract blueprint of who you are |
|
| Soul | The “seed” that houses the idea |
|
| Spirit | The evolved state that can touch the universal source |
|
I view spirit as not a planetary phenomenon but a transcendent quality that descends onto a being, guiding it toward higher awareness.
Meditation Practices: From Vipassana to “Consciousness Meditations”
Vipassana (10‑day silent retreat): Grounded in Buddhist tradition, focusing on bodily sensations to cultivate insight.
Consciousness Meditations (my current practice): A dynamic, intention‑driven approach where each session builds a “brick” on the path forward. I plan to devote an entire future episode to unpacking these techniques in detail.
Learning From the Great Traditions
I’ve drawn wisdom from:
Buddhism – The notion that the teacher shows the path, but the student must walk it.
The Bible – Themes of inner light, compassion, and the “heaven on earth” ideal.
Tao De Jing – Emphasis on natural flow and aligning with the Tao.
Each offers a different lens on the same fundamental quest: discovering the idea behind the self.
The Power of “Not‑Being”
Instead of cataloguing who we are, I propose asking “Who am I not?”
Declaring what we dislike or reject can unintentionally cement those traits.
Recognizing that our aversions may hide hidden strengths opens a pathway to growth.
“The more structure we impose on ourselves, the harder it becomes to break free.”
Energy, Body, and the “House” Metaphor
Our bodies act as houses for countless subtle energies:
Positive thoughts nurture the inner light.
Negative thoughts stab that light, akin to a dark fog trying to consume it.
Staying attuned to bodily signals—whether it’s a craving for movement, a feeling of heaviness, or an intuitive warning—helps us guard against unwanted energetic intrusions.
Closing Reflection – The Cosmic Role
Ultimately, each of us is an idea wrapped in a soul, striving toward spirit. The journey is personal, yet universally resonant. By continually questioning, meditating, and listening to our inner “house,” we inch closer to that elusive truth.
Who am I not? What part do I play in the cosmos?
These remain open invitations for every reader—and listener—to explore.
Takeaway for Readers
Identify your core idea – journal, meditate, or discuss with a trusted confidant.
Nurture your soul – treat it like a seed: give it rest, nourishment, and protection.
Embrace the unknown – allow visions, feelings, and “chimes” to guide you, even when logic falls short.
Practice conscious meditation – build your path brick by brick, staying present to each step.
Next Steps
Share your reflections in the comments or on social media with #EmeraldTaoJourney.
Subscribe for upcoming episodes where I’ll dive deeper into specific meditation techniques and spiritual experiences.
Connect if you’d like a personalized guide on uncovering your own idea.
Thank you for joining me on this exploratory trek. Until the next episode, keep looking inward and stay curious.