I AM

Mindfulness can be seen as a practice that helps us detach from the mundane aspects of life and, in doing so, allows us to return to a heightened state of self-awareness. By cultivating mindfulness, we are able to transcend our habitual patterns of thought and behavior that often keep us tethered to mundane concerns.

This heightened state of self-awareness helps us reconnect with our Higher Self – the part of us that lives in light, joy, and freedom. In this sense, mindfulness is not so much a trick as it is a tool for self-discovery and personal transformation.

By practicing mindfulness, we are able to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, which enables us to gain insight into the nature of our minds and the workings of our inner world. This self-awareness helps us recognize the ways in which we may be holding ourselves back from experiencing the fullness of life and the joy and freedom that come from living in alignment with our Higher Self.

In essence, mindfulness is a pathway to self-realization and a deeper connection with our innermost essence, which is inherently joyful, free, and full of light.

david@davidmcclanahan.com

expand on Self-realization

Self-realization is the process of discovering and embodying one’s true nature, transcending the limitations imposed by the ego, and realizing the unity of one’s individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. It is the ultimate goal of various spiritual and personal growth practices and is often considered the pinnacle of human evolution and spiritual development.

There are several aspects to self-realization:

  1. Self-awareness: The first step in self-realization is becoming aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors. Through introspection and mindfulness, one can gain insight into the workings of the mind and start to identify and question the deeply ingrained patterns that influence one’s actions and reactions.
  2. Self-discovery: As self-awareness deepens, individuals begin to recognize their true essence beyond the ego, personality, and societal conditioning. This involves exploring the inner dimensions of the self and identifying with the timeless, unchanging aspect of consciousness that lies beneath the surface of everyday experience.
  3. Self-transcendence: Through spiritual practices such as meditation, contemplation, and self-inquiry, individuals can gradually transcend the ego and experience a state of non-dual awareness, where the sense of separation between the individual self and the universal consciousness dissolves. In this state, one realizes that the true self is not limited by the body or the mind but is, in fact, an inseparable part of the infinite, eternal consciousness.
  4. Self-actualization: As individuals awaken to their true nature, they become increasingly capable of actualizing their full potential and living in alignment with their highest values and aspirations. This involves cultivating qualities such as compassion, wisdom, creativity, and resilience, and using one’s unique talents and abilities to contribute to the greater good of all beings.
  5. Living in unity: The ultimate stage of self-realization is the recognition that all life is interconnected and that the well-being of the individual is inseparable from the well-being of the whole. This understanding leads to a profound sense of responsibility for the welfare of others and the planet, and a commitment to living in harmony with all of creation.

In conclusion, self-realization is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual awakening. It involves recognizing and embodying one’s true nature, transcending the limitations of the ego, and realizing the interconnectedness of all life. By pursuing self-realization, individuals can experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment, and contribute to the betterment of the world around them.

Early on

I am so fascinated by photography and it’s capability to bring your imagination to amazing places. Early on, I fell in love with the idea of filming my own productions, so I set out to learn everything I could.

Current

I have been teaching myself filmmaking for the past four and a half years and I’m still learning every day. I am building my business as a freelance filmmaker, as well as working on my own photo shoots.