Our true nature is consciousness itself and has no form. It is changeless, eternal, and full of unlimited potential. This is the Seer, the Perceiver, or Self with a capital "S." Its natural state is ananda, or bliss.

That which can be seen is self with a small "s."  Its nature is changeable, and can be perceived with the senses, meaning it has form. Its potential is limited, and is subject to change in an instant, depending on what is happening around us.

The Perceiver has to have something to perceive in order to know Itself. The two work together as a team, much like white letters on a black background. White on white would not be seen, so contrast is needed. This is known as samyoga.

We often confuse the Seer and the seen, thinking they are one and the same. If we are unable to distinguish the difference, it leads to suffering, and away from ananda. When we attach our identity with what we have (car, house, job, bling), or the roles we play (executive, mother, teacher, American, conservative or liberal), we've combined the Seer with the seen. That's the negative side of samyoga.

Here's an example of this negative side: In my nearly two decades as an executive assistant, I went through many layoffs.  Time and again I witnessed the rug being pulled out from under people's feet. Not only did they lose their source of income, they lost their identity along with it. Take away the title "executive," the coveted corner office, and front row parking space, and you take away people's perceived identity as well. It often led to an existential crisis of "Who am I," along with the question of how to pay the bills.

The rate of change our world is speeding up. It will continue to do so as old, outdated forms that no longer serve the greater good are released. Rather than trying desperately to hang on to the world of form and ego identifications, learn to let go and let life flow. The following are some suggestions on how to do that:

1. Realize that the nature of the Universe is change. Stay fluid and flexible as life shifts and things change much more quickly now.
2. Through discernment, realize the difference between the Seer and the seen. Become the observer of your thoughts and emotions without attaching to them. Let them pass through your mind like clouds passing in the sky. Come back again and again to the place of the unattached observer, just noticing what's going on in your life without attaching meaning to it.
3. Move from finite consciousness to a consciousness of infinity by realizing that you are not your belongings, your job, or the roles you play. Anything that can be perceived by the senses comes and goes. Refrain from attaching your identity to anything that can change.

Who you are is the Seer: changeless, formless, everlasting Spirit. No one can take that away from you. That's yours to keep no matter what changes in your outer world. It's the one thing we come into this world with, and the one thing we take with us when we leave. It's here that you will find bliss, not in the external world. The more you recognize this, the more bliss you will have.  

If you enjoyed this article, please consider passing it on to a friend so that they, too, can find their bliss. Thanks! :)

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