Self and Me: Dissolving the Burden of Emotion

Barry talks about a state of inner absence where one forgets emotional memory, past experiences, and even self-identity in order to access a deeper, purer level of consciousness. The true spiritual life, Barry says, involves letting go of all attachments, particularly emotional ones, and ceasing the constant activity of the mind. The "self," made up of accumulated hurts, disappointments, desires, and habitual thoughts, is contrasted with the "me"—a still, silent, and intimate presence within the body that exists beyond memory and emotion. This inner "me" is described as the place of true love, peace, and divine intelligence, akin to the state of deep dreamless sleep or even death, where nothing is held onto and everything is resolved. Barry underlines the difference between fleeting emotional excitement, which is often mistaken for love, and the lasting inner state of peace and stillness that resides in "me." To live spiritually is to continually let go of emotional and mental burdens, experiencing life directly through presence rather than reflection or emotional reaction.

The session concluded with a Q&A session. Barry offers practical guidance on navigating life's difficulties, he advises vigilance and common sense – particularly in relationships, and warns against confusing emotional excitement with genuine love, cautioning listeners to avoid being deceived by emotional impulses or the misleading behavior of others. True love requires constant vigilance and clarity, unclouded by emotional attachments. By reducing reliance on emotional memory and thought-based reflection, one achieves a harmonious alignment between one's inner consciousness, "me," and external actions, allowing life's circumstances to unfold naturally and peacefully.