The Real Meaning of “I Am” – A Gateway to the Self
- Sukhdev Virdee
- May 20
- 2 min read
Most of us say “I am” dozens of times a day.“
I am tired.”
“I am confused.”
“I am spiritual.”
But have you ever paused and just said: “I am”—without attaching anything to it?
This simple phrase holds the key to your true nature.
Beyond Labels and Roles
We often define ourselves by roles: I am a parent, a teacher, a seeker. Or by states: I am happy, I am lost, I am hopeful.But these are all passing conditions. When those labels fall away, what remains?
“I am” is the root of your experience.
It’s the first sense of being before thought arises.
It’s not a concept, not an emotion—just pure presence.
The Upanishadic Truth
In the nondual teachings of the Upanishads, “I am” is not personal. It’s not the ego’s voice. It’s the infinite Self becoming aware of itself.
This “I am” is Sat-Chit-Ananda:
Sat – existence
Chit – consciousness
Ananda – bliss
When you rest in that feeling—before any identity—it opens the door to Self-realization.
How to Practice This "I Am"
Next time you say “I am,” pause.
Drop everything that comes after.
No labels. No stories. No history.
Just sit with the raw experience of being. Feel the aliveness in your chest. The silence beneath your thoughts. That is your true Self—limitless and untouched.
This is not a belief. It is an immediate, living truth that can be accessed any moment.
Want to go deeper?
If you’re drawn to this path of self-inquiry and presence, I invite you to explore my guided courses and 1:1 sessions where we gently uncover what lies beneath “I am”:
And if you haven’t already, download my free guide to awaken beyond the illusions of identity:
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