Breaking Down the Walls: From “I AM” to “WE ARE”

Hey everyone, it's me again, diving into some deep waters today. I've been pondering a lot lately about what it means to be truly connected in this chaotic world we live in. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs that make you question everything—your identity, your relationships, even your place in the universe. A while back, I scribbled down some thoughts that started as a simple rumination but evolved into something much bigger. It all circles around the idea of unity, the illusion of separation, and how our egos keep us trapped in our own little bubbles. Let me share it with you and unpack it step by step. This isn't just philosophy for philosophy's sake; it's stuff that's helped me navigate real-life messiness, from personal conflicts to those moments when the world feels overwhelmingly divided.

The Illusion of "I AM"

At the core of it all is this notion: We are, so we think "I AM." But what if that "I AM" is just a clever trick our minds play on us? It's like we're born into these physical bodies—corpoREAL, as I like to call it—and suddenly, we're convinced that we're separate entities floating in a sea of other separate entities. This sense of self is powerful; it drives us to achieve, to protect, to survive. But it also breeds fear. Fear of harm, fear of loss, fear of the unknown.

Think about it: From the moment we're aware, our senses kick in like sentinels on high alert. Sight spots danger from afar, smell warns us of something off, touch recoils from pain, taste rejects the bitter, sound startles us into action, and even our spirit— that intuitive gut feeling—guards against emotional wounds. These are our natural defenses, evolved over millennia to keep us safe. But in building these barriers, we often end up constructing walls so high that they become prisons.

I've experienced this firsthand. There was a time in my life when I was dealing with a tough breakup. I felt attacked, vulnerable, so I shut down. I put up emotional walls to shield myself from more pain, avoiding deep connections with anyone new. It worked, in a way—I didn't get hurt again immediately. But those walls also kept out joy, growth, and genuine human interaction. I was enslaved by my own defenses, limiting my world to a narrow, lonely view.

The Ego's Equation and the Role of the "Nemesis"

Here's where it gets interesting. Those "other I AMs" we see as threats? They're not really enemies. They're disruptors, challengers who come along to shake up the carefully balanced equation we've built around our egos. Our self-identity is like a fortress of beliefs, habits, and stories we tell ourselves: "I'm this kind of person," "I deserve this," "They are wrong." When someone or something unbalances that—through criticism, conflict, or even just differing perspectives—it feels like an attack.

But what if it's an invitation? An opportunity to look beyond the ego and see our own reflection in the world around us. That "nemesis" might be mirroring back parts of ourselves we don't want to acknowledge. Maybe the colleague who drives you crazy at work is highlighting your own impatience. Or the stranger who cuts you off in traffic is a reminder of how we all rush through life, disconnected.

I remember a heated argument with a friend over politics—it got personal, and I felt my ego flare up, ready to defend my "truth." But stepping back, I realized they weren't attacking me; they were challenging my rigid views. In that moment of discomfort, I saw a bit of myself in them: the same passion, the same fear of being wrong. It was a wake-up call to dismantle the equation I'd constructed and embrace a broader perspective.

Searching with Feelings: Discovering Unity in Uniqueness

So, how do we break free? It starts with searching out with our feelings, not just our intellect. Feelings are the bridge to realization. They allow us to sense the threads that connect us all, even as we celebrate our individuality. Each of us is entirely unique—our experiences, quirks, dreams—but beneath that, everything is already linked. We're not all that different after all.

This hits home in everyday life. Take a walk in a crowded city: People from all walks of life, rushing by, each with their own "I AM" story. But if you pause and really feel it—the shared humanity in a smile, a sigh, a helping hand—you start to see the connections. Science backs this up too, in a way; think about how quantum physics talks about entanglement, where particles influence each other instantly across distances. Or ecology, where every organism in an ecosystem relies on the others. It's like the universe is whispering, "You're not alone; you're part of something bigger."

In my own journey, meditation has been key. Sitting quietly, focusing on breath and emotions, I've had moments where the boundaries blur. Suddenly, the person who wronged me doesn't seem so "other." Their pain reflects mine, their joy could be shared. It's liberating to realize that while we're unique snowflakes, we all melt into the same ocean.

From "I AM" to "We Are": A Felt Truth

Ultimately, this rumination loops back: "I AM" as we feel, we are. It's a shift from isolated declaration to collective experience. The illusion dissolves when we feel our way into unity. It's not about erasing individuality; it's about enhancing it through connection. When we drop the walls, we don't lose ourselves—we expand.

Living this out isn't easy. In a world full of division—social media echo chambers, cultural clashes, global conflicts—it's tempting to retreat behind barriers. But every time I choose empathy over ego, connection over isolation, I feel more alive, more free.

If you're reading this and it resonates, try it. Next time conflict arises, pause and search with your feelings. See your reflection in the "other." You might just find that the prison doors were unlocked all along.

What do you think? Have you had moments where unity clicked for you? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear your stories. Until next time, keep questioning, keep connecting.

Cheers,
S