montalk wrote:But these are all masks, and the face beneath them all must be the Real I, that which is consistent throughout external changes, the focal point of awareness. Like a lightbulb with layers of filters around it...what remains the same through changes of filters other than the internal white light source? When we die and drop all our masks, the Real I is what remains. The more something changes, the more it is a product of linear time and therefore illusion, yes? So that which remains the most permanent, the "I AM" must be that which is most real.
When you look at a Natal Chart in astrology you see a blank circle in the centre (providing there are no lines drawn linking the aspects between planets), surrounded by the 12 houses in which are placed, the symbols of the planets (etc). To me, the clear space in the centre is I AM, the Real Self, the Real "I". The ego "i" filters that alter the light that is emitted from this Real Self are charted by the planets and the aspects between them, as they are placed in the 12 segments of the chart. Astrology is a beautifully simple, yet complex way of seeing the many "i's" that our "Real I" has designated for us to experience and grow with/through in this lifetime. Its a great tool for (ego) self-discovery, on the way to Self discovery! 
Lastly, if you accept the idea that time can be nonlinear (where the future and past are happening now) then the more evolved aspect of our being can co-exist and thus communicate with the less-evolved aspect (you now in 3D). And since that more evolved part is what you will eventually consciously become, striving in that direction can only help you get there along a straighter path. Therefore, seeking to find your Real I, and think, feel, and act like your Real I, helps you fully manifest it within yourself. Rather than getting caught up identifying with the masks you wear and change from moment to moment, you hitch your awareness on the only permanent spot within you, the focal point of your own self-awareness.
I intuit that we cannot find our Real I through thinking alone. Thinking, until we become more aware of what we are thinking, generally serves one ego "I" or another. On its own, most thinking is generally a result of the ego "i's" running away with themselves. To really come to my inner wisdom - the voice of my Real Self, I try and stand back from my thoughts. One (abstract) way could be to meditate on the (seemingly) blank centre of the Natal Chart, recognizing any thoughts that arise as originating mainly from the outer circle's ego selves.
To hear the voice of my Real Self, I feel it is necessary to use what I call my heart-mind. "Heart-mind" is a term I use to best explain another way of perceiving that isn't really use the lower thinking centre, but higher mind connected to heart. Thinking then, is best used to serve the heart-mind's inner promptings that arise from the Real Self. Then conscious thinking can be used to 'hear' the inner instruction, acknowledge, understand, and initiate any required action (or inaction) - including communication.
That best explains in my way, how I see two different ways I perceive thoughts/information. Can anyone confirm or clarify this?
Cipher
"And your truth will set you free!" Cipher
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift. The rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society which honours the servant but has forgotten the gift." Albert Einstein
