“Life as you call it is an opportunity for you to know experientially what you already know conceptually. You need to learn nothing to do this. You need merely remember what you already know, and act on it.” 1
Neale Donald Walsch, Conversations with God, 1991
Understanding oneself is vital for a fulfilling life; the richness and depth of life experience hinge on self-knowledge.
The ancient Greek maxim “Know Thyself,” etched on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, has been interpreted diversely by intellectuals across history. Some see it as comprehending one’s limitations or being humble by “knowing your lot,” while others find it an inspiration for a profound understanding of humanity’s place in the vast universe.
The pursuit of ‘knowing oneself’ seems to be a timeless human endeavor. Yet, why does it persist as a seemingly elusive concept today? Have we overlooked the clues and delayed finding the answers?
Throughout history, various teachers have appeared to guide humanity toward enlightenment. Some teachings morphed into restrictive religious beliefs hindering our grasp of reality, while others served as sources of inspiration, urging humanity to transcend limitations.
Inevitably, during darker ages of human development, certain dogmas emerged, likely resisting radical ideas beyond patriarchal mindsets. Old teachings propose that “life is a school,” emphasizing the repetition of lessons until learned, akin to a “wheel of karma.” This perspective likens us to children learning under the guidance of teachers.
In the age of Aquarius, these outdated frames fail to satisfy; we sense a need for truer indications and seek fresh answers to truly understand ourselves.
At this stage, awareness emerges regarding previously unnoticed aspects. The source of this knowingness and the world’s thirst for answers become apparent.
The key to understanding our true nature lies in our inherent knowingness, untouched by external teachings but often overlooked. Grasping this inner knowingness brings us closer to understanding our place in the vast universe.
Contemplating the reason behind God’s creation of the universe 2, we find that the Creator aimed to experientially understand what He (or She or They) conceptually knows. To achieve this, the One divided Itself into many, taking various forms to gain experiential understanding.
As souls, we are part of that manyness, experiencing Magnificence in each other and reflecting on God’s Magnificence in every creation. If we failed to recognize our divine nature during the darkest ages, isn’t it time now to acknowledge it?
Shifting our perception profoundly alters our experience. Conversations with God highlight that a school is not where we go if we already know something and simply want to experience the knowingness. 3
In this context, life can be compared to a stage where we experience facets of divinity that we conceptually know. We are actors in human costumes, performing brilliantly and enjoying the experience. Throughout, we appreciate and respect fellow actors shaping their own experiences on this shared stage.
This transcends limited perceptions, embracing a more creative and liberated understanding, leading to a deeper, enriched life experience.
Jay
Note:
1. & 3.
Neale Donald Walsche, Conversations with God Book 1, 1995
published by Hodder & Stoughton
p21
2.
Essay: Unveiling Cosmic Origins: Contemplations on Creation Preceding the Big Bang
Leading by Reading 