One Step Behind Myself

Sometimes profound lessons hide in the most ordinary moments. Like standing for a photograph, and hearing that strange instruction from the photographer's gentle voice: Please step one step back behind yourself.

At first it seems—is it even possible to step behind oneself? What an odd, almost laughable sentence. But after a moment, you realize—hidden within these words lies a deep spiritual hint.

To step one pace behind yourself means—to move away from the coverings of body and ego and settle into that inner being who is merely a "witness"—one who sees all, knows all, but remains unentangled.

Your true identity is this witness-consciousness, which always exists "behind" the physical form and mental roles.

Teachers don't always arrive in ochre robes. Sometimes they hide within ordinary people, leaving in a simple sentence the key to unlock the door of illumined awareness. Step one pace back into the witness within yourself, and you'll discover your real identity.