In the quiet of the mind, a timeless thought resides within each of us: “I AM.” This isn’t just a fleeting idea; it’s the essence of our being, untouched by age, experiences, or labels. The “I AM” in each of us shines like a steady light, coloring our reality yet remaining invisible itself—pure, transparent, like a mirror that reflects everything yet clings to nothing.
From “Ego” to I “AM”
From the earliest spark of awareness of ourselves, the thought “I AM” awakens within us, emerging as the very foundation of our being. This fundamental sense of being doesn’t carry age, personality, or experience—it is simply the recognition of existence. Yet as we move through life, “I AM” becomes layered with experiences, memories, and perceptions. We begin to identify with certain traits, stories, ideas and roles, taking on labels like “child,” “student,” “parent,” or “professional,” each adding its own color to the mirror of our consciousness.
In this way, “I AM” becomes intertwined with everything we experience. Every joy, sorrow, and milestone becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of our inner idea of ourselves, forming what we call the “ego.” The ego, then, is like a vast collection of these layered experiences that we carry and identify with. It’s made up of memories, accomplishments, regrets, fears, and hopes, yet it doesn’t truly define the essence of who we are. Instead, it’s a reflection—just as a mirror reflects the images before it but is not changed by them.
The beauty of this “I AM” lies in its unchanging, non-transient nature. Despite the ego’s ever-growing storylines, the core “I AM” remains timeless, untouched. Like a clear mirror, it holds each image—every thought, experience, and moment that arises in life—yet it retains its inherent transparency. When a scene passes, the mirror remains as it was before, unaffected by what was reflected. In the same way, our sense of “I AM” is the quiet, unchanging presence beneath the noise of our thoughts and memories.
Through mindfulness, we can begin to see the difference between the “I AM” that is constant and the egoic layers that form and dissolve over time. This distinction frees us from identifying too closely with the ego’s story, allowing us to return to the pure, uncolored essence of our being—the “I AM” that simply exists, present and whole, beyond all labels and experiences.
Returning to the Unchanging “I AM”
Through mindfulness, we can strip away the experiences, labels, and expectations, allowing us to return to our original, transparent nature—a place of peace and simplicity beyond any temporary identity.
Mindfulness brings us back to the state of “I AM,” free from the weight of context or expectation. It allows us to simply be. In the absence of noise created by the ego, the mind’s incessant searching, a deep contentment emerges—a peace that is untouched by past or future. In this space, joy exists naturally, not as a result of circumstances but as a reflection of our true nature.
A Return, Not a Search
In the quest for happiness, contentment, and peace of mind, we often feel compelled to search outside of ourselves—through achievements, relationships, and even self-improvement goals. Yet, mindfulness gently reminds us that the path to fulfillment is more a return than a search, not a journey to find something new. True fulfillment lies in coming back to the simple, timeless presence within us—the quiet “I AM” that has always been there, often unnoticed amidst the noise of everyday life.
When we connect with this pure, foundational “I AM,” we experience a deeper sense of self, one that is beyond labels, accomplishments, or temporary states. Mindfulness, then, becomes a practice of peeling away layers of identity and ego, guiding us back to the unchanging core of our being. It reveals that we are not our fleeting thoughts, feelings, or roles. Instead, we are the space that holds these experiences, just as the sky remains unchanged while clouds drift across it.
In rediscovering this essential presence, we uncover a peace that isn’t dependent on external circumstances or shifting emotions. This peace feels whole, vast, and profoundly enough just as it is. It allows us to experience life with a new depth, as even the simplest moments become imbued with meaning and joy. The beauty of mindfulness is that it leads us to this quiet completeness, the “I AM” that needs nothing, is complete in itself and has been patiently waiting within us all along.
In returning to this inner presence, we realize that what we sought was never outside us but was always present, subtly illuminating every moment with a sense of ease and fulfillment. Rather than striving for peace, happiness, or meaning, we find that it has been here all along, an ever-present sanctuary within ourselves, simply waiting to be rediscovered.
True peace isn’t found in the search—it’s in returning to the ‘I AM’ within. Rediscover your inner presence, where fulfillment and joy have always been waiting.
Returning to the “I AM”: A Simple Mindfulness Practice
Begin with Awareness: Find a quiet moment and let your mind settle. Pay attention to your breath and how it naturally moves through you. This grounds you in the present.
Observe Without Labels: Notice any thoughts, feelings, or sensations that arise. Rather than identifying with these experiences, observe them as passing clouds in the sky.
Connect with Your Presence: Bring your awareness to the sense of “I AM”—your basic existence beyond any name, role, or label. Simply sit with this awareness, allowing it to expand without attaching any meaning to it.
Return Often: With practice, return to this state of pure awareness regularly, even briefly. Over time, you’ll cultivate a deeper connection with your inner presence, finding peace in the simplicity of “I AM.”