LIVING FROM THE BODY MATRIX
Most of our struggles are self-created, arising from the wrong understanding of who we are in this world.
With this wrong understanding, we unconsciously exist in the body matrix- as mentioned in Part 1 of the series.
In body matrix, we live a life of cravings and attachments, where unconditional love of the self is non-existent.
The three marks of existence we will experience when we live from the Body Matrix are:
- Self-Pride
- Self-Rejection
- Self-Indulgence
To heal and thrive in the power of unconditional self-love, one must learn to release themselves from the clasps of these experiences that arise in body matrix.
SELF-PRIDE
The first mark of existence in the Body Matrix is Self-Pride.
Pride is described as a feeling of happiness when we achieve something or are recognized by another person, our social circle, community or this world.
Inherently, there is nothing wrong with accomplishments or recognition. The trouble begins when we identify our worth based on this.
Self-Pride creeps up when we believe this new story of importance or achievement as who we are in this world.
The more attached we become to this story, the more suffering awaits us.
Think back to a time how you felt- your level of happiness- when you received a bonus or promotion at work, or were recognized and flattered by someone for your talent, physical appearance or the car you owned. Did that level of happiness stay with you for the rest of your life? Or did it drop after a few days or perhaps a few weeks?
The answer will always be the latter.
This is because everything in this world, whether material or mental, is subject to continuous changes.
The pride we feel based on our accomplishments such as a new found fame, money, physique or status will always fade because of the impermanent nature of this world.
When we notice that prideful-happy-feeling slowly fading, we subconsciously begin to crave self-pride- that feeling of importance and validation from the world again.
Our unconscious minds will try to recreate that feeling through external ways. When we are unable to recreate that feeling of importance, our inner critic gets louder and louder and we begin to struggle and suffer.
This wrongful thinking and effort leads us down to the path of Self-Rejection, the second mark of existence in the Body Matrix.
We enter the stage of self-doubt and begin to question who we are:
-Was the story I had of myself incorrect?
-Are they thinking XYZ of me now?
-Am I not a great (parent, spouse, employee, writer, painter) as I thought?
While existing in the Body Matrix, we answer these questions negatively which leads to more misery.
This state of being is Self-Rejection- the second mark of existence in the Body Matrix.
Self-Rejection
Ignorant to the truth of who we are, we enter the phase of rejecting ourselves- with judgment and lack of compassion.
Voices in our heads begin to rumble- “we are inadequate, not important, not smart, not lovable, not beautiful”. THIS!- now becomes our new identity.
We attach ourselves to this new image our mind has created and begin to wallow in self-criticism.
The mind that once clinged to the ‘glorified image’ attached to Self-Pride shifts and now clings to the ‘repulsive image’ attached to Self-Rejection.
This behavior of Self-Rejection undoubtedly leads us to the third mark of existence in the body matrix: Self-Indulgence.
Self-Indulgence
Desperately wanting the dreadful feelings of Self-Rejection to stop, our mind begins to look for ways to resist this experience.
This resistance triggers our conditioned (learned) reaction to negative experiences. We begin to indulge ourselves in our habitual happiness-seeking behaviors.
We obsessively try to create scenarios hoping to experience Self-Pride again. When that fails, many of us reach for comfort food to numb the negative feelings while some use alcohol, sex, drugs or shopping to escape this inner conflict.
We become consumed by these excessive unrestrained behaviors arising from Self Indulgence-an intense desire for instant escape.
Time and time again, we will see that none of these self-indulging efforts will cease our suffering inflicted by the wrong understanding of who we are.
ESCAPING LIFE IN BODY MATRIX
We will continue to experience life in the body matrix until we awaken to these 3 marks of existence that has us trapped in the Body Matrix.
In order to escape the body matrix and find true joy, we must know who we are- without all the external accomplishments, labels and roles we play.
Finding out who we are leads to Self-Knowledge, the initial mark of existence in the Soul Matrix- where we begin to experience unconditional love of the self and live a life of less struggles and more joy.
Much Love,
Simi
P.S: Stay tuned for part 3- the final part of the Self-Love series- about the 3 marks of existence in the Soul Matrix (Self Knowledge, Self Acceptance and Self Discipline)
Enter Your Name & Email to Get Instant Access To The 5 Principles of Self-Love Here
Give a Reply