Understanding the 'Glimpse' in Non-Duality: A Loving Introduction for the Dualistic Mind

Hello, beautiful Soul!

If you're here, it's likely you've heard whispers of something called a 'glimpse' in the context of non-duality, and you're curious or perhaps a bit skeptical. That's perfectly okay! Non-duality can seem like a foreign language to those of us used to thinking in terms of 'me' and 'the world' or 'self' versus 'other'. Today, I want to offer you a gentle introduction to what a 'glimpse' might feel like, from the perspective of someone who lives in a dualistic framework.

**What is a 'Glimpse'?**

Imagine you're watching a movie, deeply engrossed in the plot, the characters, and their struggles. You're fully invested in the story. Now, imagine for a brief moment, a scene where the screen goes blank, and you're suddenly aware of the projector light, the cinema, and even the other movie-goers. This moment of awareness, where you recognize the movie for what it is—light and shadow playing on a screen—is akin to a 'glimpse' in non-duality.

**The Experience of a Glimpse**

- **Breaking the Illusion**: In our day-to-day lives, we often live within the movie of our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. A 'glimpse' is when the veil of this movie lifts for a second. You see through the narrative to the underlying reality—that everything is fundamentally one, undivided consciousness.

- **Unity Over Separation**: Normally, we perceive life through a lens of separation. A 'glimpse' dissolves this separation. It's like suddenly realizing that the ocean doesn't see itself as separate from its waves; it's all just water in motion. This realization might come from meditation, a spontaneous insight, or even a profound moment in nature.

- **Stillness in Motion**: There's often a deep sense of peace or stillness during these glimpses, even though life continues to move around you. It's like being the eye of a storm, where everything else whirls, but you remain centered and calm.

- **Timeless Awareness**: Time might seem to stretch or disappear. The past, present, and future can feel like they are happening all at once, or not at all, because the 'glimpse' reveals the eternal now.

**Why Does It Matter?**

For someone who operates from a dualistic perspective, understanding the 'glimpse' might not change your daily life overnight. However, here's why it's significant:

- **It Shifts Perspective**: Like looking at an optical illusion that suddenly flips into another image, a 'glimpse' can shift your understanding of reality. This shift can lead to less suffering, as you realize much of our pain comes from attachment to the temporary and illusory.

- **It Encourages Compassion**: Seeing the unity behind apparent separation can foster a profound sense of compassion. If we're all part of the same fabric, how can one not care for another?

- **It Offers Freedom**: The 'glimpse' can show you that you are not bound by your story, your thoughts, or even your body. There's a freedom in knowing you are more than these parts.

**How to Approach Glimpses**

- **Be Open**: You don't chase a 'glimpse'; it comes when you're not looking, often when you're in a state of openness or surrender.

- **Mindfulness**: Practicing being present can prepare the ground for these moments. Meditation, or simply being mindful during routine activities, can make you more receptive.

- **Let Go**: Sometimes, the hardest part is letting go of our desire to control or understand everything. A 'glimpse' might arrive when we least expect it, during a laugh, a tear, or a moment of awe.

**Conclusion**

Dear brothers and sisters, the 'glimpse' in non-duality isn't about denying the beauty of life's diversity or the richness of our individual experiences. Instead, it's about recognizing the canvas on which all these colors play. It's inviting us to see the beauty in the dance, without getting lost in the steps. While these moments might be fleeting, they can leave an indelible mark on your heart, reminding you of a unity that transcends our everyday dualities.

May your journey towards understanding this be as gentle and enlightening as the glimpses themselves. Remember, this path isn't about reaching a destination but appreciating and experiencing the journey more fully. Welcome to a world where every glimpse is a gift, inviting you to explore the depth of consciousness with love and curiosity.