To transcend the self, we must first see it clearly—not just its limitations but its glory, its wonder, and its intricacies. But how do we see beyond what lies outside our conscious awareness? It starts by observing the effects of the unconscious on our conscious actions.
Many of these influences are karmic—patterns and lessons ingrained through past experiences. They may not be at the forefront of our minds, but they still pull at us, shaping our decisions and stories. These unconscious drivers can seem invisible, but their effects are unmistakable.
Consider how scientists first discovered Pluto. They didn’t find it by directly observing the planet with a telescope. Instead, they noticed the impact Pluto had on the orbits of outer planets—a gentle, erratic pull that revealed its presence. Once they knew it was there, they knew where to look. With improved tools, they were eventually able to see what had once been invisible.
This is how we explore the self. We become curious students of our own beliefs, conscious and unconscious, observing how they pull us into stories and drive our actions. With patience and clarity, we begin to illuminate the edges of our awareness. Each step gently pushes the boundary of what we can see, expanding the window of conscious awareness until the line between inside and outside disappears entirely.
This isn’t about rejecting the small self or discarding it in pursuit of spiritual advancement. It’s about following the trail to its end, where we see it fully and clearly. When we do, the self drops away naturally, and we come to know who we truly are: boundless, without separation, whole.
But we must start where we stand. Shine the light of awareness on the edges of your experience. See the subtle influences that shape your thoughts and actions. Don’t fear or reject what you find; bring it all in gently, with curiosity and compassion.
As you expand your awareness, you’ll discover that there is no “outside” or “other.” The pull of the small self will fade, and you’ll realize that nothing lies beyond you—you are the whole, the boundless essence of life itself.
Start today. Look closely. Observe what pulls at you, what shapes your choices. Push the boundaries of your awareness, one step at a time, until there are no boundaries left.
And in that clarity, you’ll see: there is nothing outside.
