Albert Einstein once said, "If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes."
Unlike statements or opinions, questions open the door to creativity and new possibilities. When it comes to living a life of unconditional fulfillment - the focus of this blog - the most important question we could ask ourselves is, "Who am I?"
Rumor has it, there was once an enlightened being who asked himself this question on a daily basis. Perhaps this was why he became enlightened.
When we inquire into the nature of our being, we take the most important journey we could ever take - the journey inward.
So many of us are fixed to our profession, our interests, our families - everything that's considered a life condition. But what about life itself?
Just like water isn't defined by the waves, you aren't defined your life conditions. Waves are constantly changing, but water in its essence isn't. Your life conditions are always changing, but you, underneath, are eternal.
Was it not the same you who looked at your childhood self in the mirror as the you that looks at your adult self? Of course the body has changed, but what about you who sees the body?
Everything changed, but you who looks out through your eyes haven't changed one iota. Who is that? Who are you that looks out of your eyes, that experiences things through your senses?
When you're frustrated, ask yourself, "who am I that's frustrated? Is it really me who's frustrated? Or am I noticing a mind being frustrated?"
When you make this inquiry, you cut through all the content of your mind. You create the space for an answer to arise, without you having to think of something. What arises out of that space?
You can't be your life conditions, because those are always changing.
When we identify with our life conditions, we only scratch the surface as to who we really are. But when we ask ourselves, "Who am I?" without trying to think of an answer, we give space to a deeper realm of being.
What is it that emerges? Never stop inquiring who you are at your core.
Live with substance!
Gabe Orlowitz
