I'm talking to myself and the trap of certainty.

I strongly believe that whatever we say or write, we are talking to ourselves.

We are talking from our experience and our own conditioning since we were born, from what we inherited from generations, good and bad, and from what society wants or imposes on us.

When I am asked for advice, I try to remember that I am talking to myself.

I try to remember that I know nothing about what I could know of consciousness.

Consciousness isn’t us isolated, I feel; it is the entire field of consciousness. Our brains and bodies are antennas, perceiving very little but perceiving not only what’s inside of us but a fraction of the universal consciousness. Then we think, speak, and act based on the limited information we have about the universe.

This is why giving advice is so tricky. We are giving ourselves advice, really, nothing more. I remember to apply any advice I give to myself first.

With this approach, I always need to talk as “maybe.” I should never talk as being certain of anything.

In the past three days, I have had friends using language with me as if they are absolutely certain of their beliefs and giving me advice (sometimes using should and must do) based on those uncertain beliefs.

I always thank them for their advice and welcome it, but also always distance myself from it and remember what feels true to me.

Please remind me if I fall again into the trap of certainty and telling others they “must” do anything.

I will post it here again: “Who is there to tell you what to do…?”

I am absolutely certain that I know almost nothing.