The Unified Self: Beyond Body and Mind

In our quest to understand who we truly are, it is important to look beyond the common conceptions of the body and mind. The true “I” turns out to be a dynamic process that involves not only physical components but also a deep, immaterial essence—the soul. By engaging in an inner dialogue, we open up an internal world filled with emotions, spiritual experiences, and a search for meaning that goes beyond mundane thoughts. The core essence is revealed in our relationship with the surrounding environment—our existence is intricately intertwined with the world we live in, whether through our connection to nature or the sense of unity with the cosmos. This perspective helps us overcome the limitations of everyday mentality and aligns us with higher levels of consciousness, where personal experience merges with universal truth. In conclusion, it is worth noting that only by recognizing and accepting all facets of our being—physical, soulful, and spiritual—can we achieve a wholeness capable of transforming our perception of the world and ourselves.

How can one determine their true “I” if it is not confined solely to the body and thoughts?
One can determine their true “I” by understanding their essence as a holistic process that is not limited solely to physical components or streams of thought. As the text demonstrates, the true “I” is not merely the sum of bodily characteristics and mental activity, but a complete manifestation of existence that embraces both the material and the immaterial.

For example, one source states:
"Each of us consists not only of the body: bones, muscles, tendons, skin, internal organs—we have a soul... our thoughts, feelings, attitude towards people, prayer are not products of the body, but of the soul. This is what differentiates a human from an animal." (source: link )

This quotation emphasizes that the true “I” manifests through the soul, which underpins our consciousness and emotional life. That is, if we try to detach ourselves from the limitations of a physical body and mere thoughts, we find that our nature also possesses an immaterial dimension.

Additionally, another excerpt from a literary source reflects the idea of perceiving one’s “I” as part of an all-encompassing whole:
"My true body is the corporeality of the entire world, 'Mother Earth', our all-encompassing materiality, our very creaturehood..." (source: link )

This passage highlights that our true “I” is deeply connected to the surrounding world, and understanding our essence requires recognizing this interconnectedness. We cannot reduce ourselves to just parts (body or thoughts) but must view our essence as an integrated unity that intertwines the material with the immaterial.

Furthermore, understanding our inner dimensions through consciousness allows us to view ourselves in a broader context. One source notes:
"It is only as such that the truth constitutes what is sought by my consciousness and cognition. I can rise, in the act of consciousness, to the suprapsychological meaning of my experiences; I can grasp with my thought something that transcends my fluctuating psychological states..." (source: link )

This indicates that the pursuit of truly knowing our “I” goes beyond ordinary thought processes—it involves transcending typical psychological boundaries and reaching for something deeper and more objective.

Thus, by defining your true “I”, you are connecting with that oneness which includes not only your physical body and mind but also your soul and universal unity with the world around you. This understanding can be achieved through deep introspection and the recognition of the unique synergy that makes you a whole being.

Supporting citation(s):
"Each of us consists not only of the body: bones, muscles, tendons, skin, internal organs—we have a soul... our thoughts, feelings, attitude towards people, prayer are not products of the body, but of the soul. This is what differentiates a human from an animal." (source: link )
"My true body is the corporeality of the entire world, 'Mother Earth', our all-encompassing materiality, our very creaturehood..." (source: link )
"It is only as such that the truth constitutes what is sought by my consciousness and cognition. I can rise, in the act of consciousness, to the suprapsychological meaning of my experiences; I can grasp with my thought something that transcends my fluctuating psychological states..." (source: link )