What is Self-Realisation? A Deep Dive into the Journey of Discovering Your True Self

Understanding Self-Realisation

The quest for self-realisation has captured the imagination and intellectual curiosity of deep thinkers, those engaged in spiritual pursuits, and experts in the field of psychology alike, spanning hundreds of years. Yet, despite its long-standing intrigue, there remains a question at its core:

What is the essence of self-realisation? To put it another way, self-realisation, which can also be termed self-actualisation, delves into the profound journey of comprehending and manifesting one's inherent essence and capacities to the fullest extent.

It encompasses the discovery and embodiment of the totality of your being, transcending the confines of the self-centric ego and the deep-seated beliefs that have been ingrained throughout your life. Self-realisation is not a destination but a continuous process, an unfolding path of growth and enlightenment. It involves peeling away the layers of social conditioning and personal inhibitions that obscure your true self.

Embracing All Of You

It's about embracing all facets of your personality, your strengths, as well as vulnerabilities, and converting potential into actuality. It beckons a person to live authentically and to operate from a place of genuine self-awareness.

This journey towards self-realisation demands courage to face oneself honestly and the determination to go beyond the superficial aspects of personality. It is a pursuit of inner clarity and a commitment to align one's life with one's deepest values and aspirations.

Self Realisation Means A Meaningful Existence

When one engages in the process of self-realisation, they begin to experience life not as a series of external events to which they are passively subjected, but as an opportunity to express and develop their deepest sense of self. In essence, self-realisation is the embodiment of understanding who you truly are, beyond the shadows of doubt and limitation imposed by external influences.

It is a state of being where one's actions, thoughts, and feelings are in harmonic alignment, resonating with the individual's core identity and purpose. True self-realisation illuminates the path towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence, wherein one lives in accordance with their true nature, embracing each moment with presence and authenticity.

Defining Self-Realisation

The Cambridge Dictionary defines self-realisation as "the act of realising (= achieving) all the possibilities of your character or abilities."

This definition highlights the aspect of personal growth and development inherent in the concept.

The Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy expands on this definition by stating that self-realisation is "the development and expression of characteristic attributes and potentials in a fashion which comprehensively discloses their subject’s real nature."

This definition emphasises the importance of uncovering one's authentic self in the process of self-realisation.

The Importance of Self-Realisation

Self-realisation transcends the bounds of mere philosophical discourse; it represents an expansive voyage of personal exploration that paves the way for a significant metamorphosis within oneself. This evolutionary process involves a profound awakening to one’s core identity as a spiritual entity experiencing the human condition.

Unveiling and embracing this truth is fundamental to the enrichment of one's life. In the absence of a connection with your innermost essence, prevailing feelings of void and unrest may surface, coupled with an overarching existential disorientation.

Conversely, the profound pursuit of self-realisation offers a beacon of transformation. Gradually aligning with your unfiltered self, you commence a rewarding odyssey that promises a tapestry woven with threads of exuberance, serenity, and a pervasive sense of kinship with the world and beyond.

Self Realisation Opens Up The Doors Of Perception

To recognise oneself in the truest sense is to open a portal to a life that breathes contentment and prudence. Without this alignment, one may wander through life caught in a labyrinth of superficial pursuits and unfulfilled desires, punctuated by bouts of anxiety, disconnection, and existential quandary.

Yet as you stride forward on this profound path to self-realisation, layers of pretense and societal constructs begin to shed, inviting a harmonious blend of self-awareness and intrinsic fulfillment. This alignment with your intrinsic nature heralds an era of well-being, drenched in the essence of tranquility and an unbreakable bond with a presence much grander than the tangible world around you.

My Experiences Of Self Realisation

I have had two out of body experiences in my life. Both quite close together. And it was an amazing experience. Actually looking back at my body, and realising the body was not me, but a vehicle for me to use on this material plane, was quite shocking. And it completely changed my paradigm.

It actually took a while for this new knowledge to sink in. I was on cloud 9 for weeks after, and people found it difficult to speak with me because I kept going on about how I felt. If you can imagine what it feels like to loose a lifetime of conditioning in one moment. And then allow that conditioning to slowly creep back as time passes on. I had lost all the emotional baggage I had from my past experiences, and it felt so liberating.

I have had a very traumatic childhood, and this was really the biggest relief for me at that time. And as I started to get into the mind body spirit world half was through my life, I wanted to find ways to get back in touch with the real me. I have done this with the Dream Method, but more on that later.

Pathways to Self-Realisation

There are many paths to self-realisation, each suited to different individuals and their unique disposition.Roberto Assagioli, the founder of psychosynthesis, outlines seven primary ways to achieve self-realisation.

1. The Way of Will: Embracing the Heroic Path

This path involves transcending the limitations of the ego through acts of self-sacrifice and dedication to a higher purpose.

It is about choosing to act in alignment with your values and principles, even when it is challenging.

Examples of individuals who have walked the path of will include:

● Saints: who dedicate their lives to serving God and humanity.

● Humanitarians: who work tirelessly to alleviate suffering and promote social justice.

● Patriots: who bravely defend their country and its ideals.

2. The Way of Love: Inner Illumination and Realisation

This path is focused on cultivating inner awareness through practices like meditation and contemplation.

It involves stilling the mind and turning your attention inwards to connect with your true self.

This path leads to:

● Illumination: a profound experience of inner light and understanding.

● Revelation: a deeper awareness of the divine within yourself and others.

3. The Way of Action: Karma Yoga

This path involves dedicating all actions to a higher purpose.

It is about acting with awareness and intention, offering your actions as a service to something greater than yourself.

Key principles of Karma Yoga include:

● Consecration: dedicating your actions to a higher power or ideal.

● Renunciation of the fruits of action: acting without attachment to the outcome.

4. The Aesthetic Way: Appreciating Beauty as a Reflection of the Divine

This path involves recognising the divine essence present in all forms of beauty.

It is about cultivating an appreciation for art, nature, and the inherent beauty in all things.

Plato's "Ladder of Beauty" describes this path as a journey:

● From appreciating physical beauty to recognising inner beauty (virtues and qualities).

● From inner beauty to contemplating the idea of beauty, the source of all beauty.

5. The Scientific Way: Discovering the Cosmic Order

This path involves exploring the wonders of the universe through the lens of science.

It is about understanding the laws of nature and the interconnectedness of all things, leading to an awe-inspiring sense of the divine order.

Key aspects of the scientific way include:

● Astronomy: appreciating the vastness and order of the cosmos.

● Physics: understanding the fundamental laws governing the universe.

● Realising the interconnectedness of all things: seeing the universe as a unified field of energy.

6. The Devotional Way: Mystical Union Through Love

This path, known as Bhakti Yoga, involves cultivating love and devotion to a higher power.

It is about experiencing a deep sense of connection and surrender to the divine through prayer, chanting, and other devotional practices.

This path leads to:

● Mystical union: a profound experience of oneness with the divine.

● Transcendence of the ego: dissolving the sense of separation and experiencing unity with all that is.

7. The Ritualistic or Ceremonial Way: Harnessing the Power of Symbols and Rituals

This path uses rituals, symbols, and ceremonies to connect with the divine.

It involves engaging in practices that have been passed down through generations, creating a sacred space for spiritual experience.

Key elements of the ritualistic way include:

● Sound: chanting, music, and sacred sounds.

● Colour: using colours that evoke specific energies and emotions.

● Perfume: incense and other scents to create a sacred atmosphere.

● Symbolic actions: gestures, postures, and movements that carry spiritual significance.

The Neuroscience of Self-Realisation

Modern neuroscience has started to illuminate our understanding of how certain practices, such as meditation, can have profound and transformative effects on the structure and functioning of the human brain.

As researchers dig deeper into the complexities of the brain, they are discovering that engaging in meditation can lead to significant changes in key areas responsible for processes such as emotion regulation, attention, and self-awareness.

The field of neuroplasticity, which explores how the brain can change in response to experience, supports the idea that consistent meditative practices can mold and reshape the neural pathways and synapses. These modifications within the brain's architecture are not only fascinating but may provide explanations for the anecdotal evidence of meditation's benefits that have been reported for thousands of years.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom

As the intersection between ancient practice and modern science becomes increasingly clear, the traditional views on the limits of brain development are being challenged. The evidence suggests that through the regular practice of meditation, individuals can effectively rewire their brains, potentially leading to enhanced mental capabilities and a better quality of life.

This new frontier in neuroscience is not only validating the importance of meditation for mental health and cognitive improvement but also pushing the boundaries of what we previously thought was possible in terms of personal transformation and brain adaptability.

Neuroplasticity: Rewiring the Brain for Self-Realisation

Our brains are not fixed; they are constantly changing and adapting based on our experiences. This ability of the brain to change is known as neuroplasticity.

Meditation plays a crucial role in rewiring the brain for self-realisation.

Through regular practice:

● We calm the "fireworks" of the mind: reducing the constant stream of thoughts, emotions, and sensory input.

● We activate the prefrontal cortex: the part of the brain associated with higher-level thinking, awareness, and self-regulation.

● We develop new neural circuits: supporting stillness, inward absorption, and subtle perception.

The Impact of Meditation on the Brain

Research has shown that meditation can:

● Increase theta waves: associated with deep relaxation and meditative states.

● Effect changes in the amygdala: the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, reducing fear and anxiety.

● Improve learning and memory: by enhancing focus and attention.

● Promote positive emotions and empathy.

The Role of Fear in Blocking Self-Realisation

One of the biggest obstacles to self-realisation is fear.

The ego, which is based on the illusion of separation, clings to its limited sense of self and resists change.

Transcending Fear Through Self-Awareness

To move beyond fear, we need to cultivate self-awareness.

This involves:

● Observing the mind: noticing our thoughts and emotions without judgment.

● Recognising the impermanent nature of thoughts and feelings: understanding that they come and go.

● Disidentifying from the ego: realising that we are not our thoughts or emotions.

The Fruits of Self-Realisation

The journey of self-realisation can lead to profound and lasting transformation.

Experiencing True Freedom and Happiness

When we realise our true nature, we experience:

● Freedom from suffering: as we detach from the ego's desires and fears.

● Lasting happiness: arising from within, independent of external circumstances.

● Inner peace: a deep sense of calmness and stillness.

Living a More Authentic and Purposeful Life

Self-realisation empowers us to:

● Live authentically: aligning our actions with our true values and purpose.

● Experience deeper connection with others: based on love and understanding.

● Contribute to the world in a meaningful way: using our unique gifts and talents to serve something greater than ourselves.

The Dream Method And Self Realisation

Self-realisation is not a destination; it is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. By understanding the different pathways, embracing practices like meditation, and transcending our fears, we can embark on this transformative adventure and realise the fullness of who we truly are.

I have created the Dream Method, which were the five steps I took to self realisation. And I realised, as mentioned before, it was my emotional childhood wounds from a traumatic childhood, that was really holding me back from achieving this.

Everything I have ever experienced in the mind body spirit world is in the Dream Method Programme. And it starts by healing your emotional childhood wounds.

If this sounds like something you are interested in, I have a free webinar that goes deeper into the Dream Method, and what it can do for you. It is a 5 step proven process that as not only worked for me, but many of the clients who have been on the programme. Click the link below for the free webinar.

Click This Link For The Free Webinar

I look forward to connecting with you again very soon.

Until then, be well and keep shining.

Peter. :)