The universal substance is what we might call the outer world. It encompasses everything of which you can be conscious in your experience. We have already discussed the question "Who am I?" and introspected upon different aspects of ourselves and what influences our perception of reality.
Consciousness is present in our experience; therefore, you can be conscious of yourself, things, people, events, and situations unfolding before you. You can also be conscious of the empty space between things, which is also the universal substance in a different form. Finally, you can be conscious of your state of being, which is essentially your self-perception.
When we define or label this substance, it can only exist within our dual world of time and space. The universal substance exists in different forms and degrees of vibration as matter, energy, mind, or spirit. In its purest state, it is essentially unlabeled; it simply is. When undefined, it is God, from which all comes. From this substance eventually evolve five elements of nature: water, fire, air, earth, and aether. Aether is a divine essence that helps hold everything together in our reality and, like the substance itself, can only exist within our dual world. God's essence is one with consciousness.
The universal substance changes and evolves over time, giving rise to our perception of time and space as we observe this change in our world. We are conscious of the outer world, the world of constant change and evolution. When we are one with the outer world, we are in alignment with God, and everything flows effortlessly. This is also sometimes called the flow state.
Consciousness provides us with a point of view through which we can see the outer world. This is why, it is argued, consciousness, which is one with God, helps hold everything together. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We first perceive a thing through the self, then give it meaning—the word. Our self is conscious of this thing because it is one with the Higher Self. When God created humankind, His essence, character, and being were placed within.
When we create a vase, we use a substance called clay. We shape this clay into the form of a vase, and although it is still just clay, we imbue it with meaning—the meaning of a vase. To give something meaning is to define it. Defining something requires a perspective and perception. We must first perceive it as a vase.
Accessing Your Higher Self
The concept of the "higher self" refers to the part of you that is connected to cosmic consciousness, the universal wisdom transcending the physical body and ego-based identity. At its core, the higher self embodies the essence of your true being, beneath layers of conditioning and societal expectations. It represents your most authentic self, the source of your intuition, insight, and inner guidance. Accessing this aspect of yourself can lead to a deeper connection with cosmic consciousness, universal wisdom, and alignment with your true self.
The higher self resides in the 6.5 density, one of seven densities in the evolution of consciousness. This evolution isn't linear; densities don't evolve sequentially from one to the next. Instead, imagine them as simultaneous dimensions in space, all existing and interacting with each other. We can't perceive the higher densities with our senses due to our limited perspective. Therefore, the self exists not only in the third density but also in higher densities, albeit in slightly different forms. Similarly, consider the seven energy centers in the body. The sixth energy center, the third eye, is associated with imagination and the ability to perceive beyond our three-dimensional reality. Our imagination, functioning through the sixth energy center, corresponds to our higher self in the 6.5 density.
Ignite Your Inner Will
We already know we possess a will, an intention that directs our attention. It's important to discover this inner will within ourselves to facilitate growth. Our higher self actually governs this will, for our will and divine will are one.
You can find your inner will by directing your attention to different parts of your body without using your senses. You can perform this exercise while reading. Focusing on the text won't create resistance or undue emphasis that would hinder the exercise's purpose: lightly focusing your attention on various body parts. This attention should be effortless and without force.
Begin at your toes and slowly move upward. It helps to silently recite each body part in your mind. Start by slowly becoming aware of your toes, ankles, and calves, then move to your knees and thighs, relaxing the lower body. There's no need to rush.
Next, become aware of your hips, abdomen, and stomach. Then slowly move upward to your other organs, heart, shoulders, hands, and fingers. Now become aware of your upper back, lower back, and spine. Relax your midsection and slowly move to the back of your neck, your head, the top of your head, your forehead, eyebrows, eyes and eyelids, nose, mouth, and teeth. Become aware of your cheeks, ears, and chin.
Now your body is completely relaxed from head to toe. Repeating this exercise several times will reveal the part of yourself that directs this attention. You will find your inner will, the inner center from which you can expand your state of being.