we all erroneously identify with the ego, or the combination of body and mind, all efforts to realize the Self are falsely felt as an attempt of self-destruction.
~ Paramahansa Yogananda
So what is self realization? Webster's Dictionary defines self-realizationism as:
"The ethical theory that the highest good for man consists in realizing or fulfilling himself usually on the assumption that he has certain inborn abilities constituting his real or ideal self." That's sounds very convoluted to me! So I'll put it simply, self realization is not about the self at all - it's not mind and body awareness,it's about awareness of our oneness with the universe, with the God of our understanding.
And what does that have to do with meditation? Meditation is about self realization. Letting go of our thoughts and perceptions through mindful awareness allows us to realize that without thinking -we still exist. Thinking is ego - ego is I. Are you following me?
In mindfulness meditation the intent is to objectively watch your thoughts as they go by. You do not follow them you are simply aware of them. There are many benefits to mindfulness meditation one of them being - self realization. Self realization is the awareness that we can exist without thinking. Where there is no thinking, there is no ego.
Meditation:
1. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
2. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed and your mind open.
3. Take 3 deep relaxing breaths.
4. Watch your thoughts as they pass through your conscious awareness.
