In the stillness of our consciousness, we become keen observers of our thoughts, fears, and self-imposed limitations. The mind operates like a relentless stream, revealing unconscious fears that we've clung onto. These fears are often not attached to the true meaning of life, but rather serve as defense mechanisms that prevent the expression of our authentic selves and our ability to get the most value out of our life. Fear of judgment, rejection, and responsibility cloud our essence, acting as barriers between our true selves and the divine.
Traditional teachings, such as the Rastafarian philosophy ‘I and I’ and the Lakota tradition's concepts of Niyan and Nagi, emphasize the unity of existence and the crucial role of the self in connecting with the divine. These profound teachings resonated within me as I embarked on a journey of introspection, shedding light on the deeply rooted narratives that prevented me from embracing the totality of my existence. Fears and feelings of unworthiness manifest as a protective armor, crafted to shield our vulnerable selves from anticipated pain and disappointment. Ironically, this armor, while offering an illusion of protection, blocks our inner light and obscures the divine connection within us.

My elder, Brian Gibson's words, "This is between you and the Creator," signify more than just the physical or spiritual distance between us and our divine source. They represent the metaphorical journey we undertake within ourselves to connect with our divine essence. This journey involves embracing and expressing our emotions, allowing them to flow through us, giving voice to our deepest feelings. Through this process, we acquire the ability to fully live our dreams and embrace our true potential.

Our life experiences serve as a mirror, reflecting our inner thoughts and feelings. We project our past narratives and future attachments onto the world around us, coloring our experiences with our sense of security or insecurity. If we feel secure in our truth, the world resonates with that energy. Conversely, if we harbor insecurities, we draw experiences that mirror these insecurities, providing opportunities for empowerment and growth.
In the grand scheme of existence, each of us is here to fully express our unique energy. However, this journey is often influenced by familial karma and energy imprints of different periods in our lives that shape the collective consciousness. God, in the divine realm, seeks to experience all aspects of life - chaos and calm, messy and beautiful.
As the talented musician Mike Love advises, if there is hate in our hearts, then sing it out, write it down, give it a voice and let it be heard. This transformation through expression and feeling facilitates the flow of love. If we fail to do this, we continue to manifest pain and trauma, narratives and experiences that we interpose between the "I and I."
As we navigate through the waves of cosmic energy undulating through space, ebbing and flowing, we reflect on how we will commune – which voice we will embrace, and what space we will give to either the victim - the ego or the victor - the higher self.
In Native American mythology, two significant figures, Iktomi and Coyote, possess profound wisdom that illuminates our understanding of the self. Iktomi, the trickster, embodies the intricate complexities of our human nature. Similar to Iktomi, we often deceive ourselves, hindered by our fears and insecurities that dwell in the shadows. On the other hand, Coyote symbolizes resilience and adaptability, guiding us on a path that may deviate, but ultimately provides valuable experiences to prepare us for our life's purpose. These qualities are essential as we navigate our personal journey of self-discovery and transformation.
The question then arises, will we continue to evade the illumination of the ‘Nagi’ – the spectral embodiments of our past incarnations – versions of selves that our ego deems unlovable and unworthy of being seen? These unresolved aspects of our past selves often subconsciously haunt our lives, creating a dissonance within our being. Such avoidance can lead us astray from our path of self-discovery, causing us to become estranged from our true essence. Only by confronting and reconciling with these ghosts of our past can we harmonize with our authentic selves and embrace the profound love and acceptance that is inherent in our divine nature.
Modern philosopher Carl Jung expands upon these profound themes, delving deeply into the process of self-realization and emotional authenticity. When we acknowledge our shadows, we unlock the full potential of our life force, refusing to deny any part of our existence.
Indeed, it is the stories that get entangled in the fibers of our being that instigate a mental rumination, a fermentation in our physical form that often paves the way for dis-ease and disease. These narratives are shadow resonances of unloved parts, like the haunting 'Nagi', stalking present experiences and influencing our dreams of tomorrow. Bringing these stories to light dissolves barriers to spiritual and emotional growth, fostering healing, acceptance, and self-love.
Just as the teachings of Iktomi and Coyote emphasize the importance of embracing our authentic selves, with all our complexities and contradictions, Jung’s philosophy serves as a powerful reminder to navigate the depths of our inner selves with courage and vulnerability.
When we confront our true selves and approach life with vulnerability, respect, humility, passion, discipline, devotion, adaptability, and acceptance, while also surrendering and trusting, we are empowered to love and establish boundaries for all of creation. Thus, we fully immerse ourselves in the present moment and connect with our divine nature, embracing all that is within us. In doing so, we align ourselves with the flow of cosmic energy and manifest our true purpose on this earth.
The journey of self-discovery and transformation requires dedication, patience, and unconditional self-love. As we navigate, let's embrace our authentic selves, trust the unfolding divine plan, release fears, insecurities, and attachments, and open ourselves to boundless potential. This is how we truly live our dreams and fulfill our purpose on this earth. So let us take a deep breath, surrender to the journey, knowing we're supported by the universe, we embrace growth, healing, and transformation as divine beings on a path to live our best lives.