Hold On to Not Holding On To

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves swayed by opinions, comments, and judgments from others, especially about our physical appearance, attitudes, and behaviors. But the fundamental question remains—should these opinions truly affect us? The answer lies in understanding who we truly are beyond these superficial aspects.

You Are Not Just the Body

Most of us identify with our physical bodies. We attach our self-worth to how we look and how others perceive us. But, have you ever pondered the fact that you existed even before your birth and that you will continue to exist even after death? This simple realization reveals that your existence is not limited to your body. You are not defined by physical features or the transient beauty that comes with them. Instead, you are something much more profound, eternal, and unchanging.

The body, like a garment, is something you wear temporarily in this life. And just as clothes don’t define who you are, neither should your physical appearance. The body will grow, age, and eventually decay, but your true self—the unchanging consciousness—remains constant. When you truly understand this, the opinions others have about your looks begin to lose their power over you.

You Are Not Just the Mind or Emotions

Let’s go one step further. People might judge you based on your actions, your attitude, or your behavior. They might label you as “good,” “bad,” “friendly,” or “difficult.” But are you truly defined by your actions, feelings, or emotions?

Consider this: your thoughts and emotions are constantly shifting. One moment you might feel joy, and the next, you might experience sadness. Sometimes you’re filled with confidence, while at other times, you might be consumed by doubt. If these aspects are constantly changing, how can they define you?

You are not your mind, emotions, or attitudes. These are merely temporary experiences that arise and fade away. What you truly are is the unchanging witness—the awareness that observes these passing states. This awareness is eternal, pure, and unaffected by the transient waves of the mind.

The True Self: One with All

When you strip away the layers of physical appearance, emotions, and attitudes, you come face-to-face with the essence of your being—your true self. This self is not different from the essence that resides in others. It is pure consciousness, the unchanging existence that pervades every living being.

In this realization, you understand that we are all one, interconnected and inseparable. There is no ‘you’ versus ‘them.’ The judgments, opinions, and labels we attach to ourselves and others are rooted in ignorance, a misunderstanding of our true nature.

The Art of Not Holding On

To “hold on to not holding on” means embracing the reality that opinions, judgments, and external validations have no bearing on your true self. It means letting go of the need to conform, to impress, or to seek approval. It’s about resting in the understanding that you are complete as you are, beyond the body and mind.

When you no longer hold on to what others think of your appearance or behavior, you liberate yourself from the chains of societal expectations. You become free to live authentically, to express yourself genuinely, and to connect with others from a place of true understanding and compassion.

Embrace the Real You

Next time someone comments on your appearance or judges your behavior, pause for a moment and reflect on this deeper truth: you are not the body, you are not the mind—you are the eternal, unchanging consciousness. In this awareness, opinions lose their grip, and you rise above the transient waves of external judgments.

You are not just a fleeting form or a set of emotions; you are the vast, boundless existence that has always been and will always be. So why let anything or anyone disturb that unshakeable peace within?

Remember, the journey isn’t about ignoring the world or withdrawing from life. It’s about participating in life fully, while always remembering that you are much more than the roles you play, the body you inhabit, or the emotions you experience.

Hold on to not holding on. Embrace your true self, and let the opinions of others fade away like passing clouds in the sky. The sun of your true self will always shine, unblemished, and eternal.

Yugendra Shreepati Bhonsle 

(30-09-2024)