“I Am”: The Sacred Bridge Between Humanity and the Divine
What if the essence of the divine wasn’t in temples or rituals—but within you, within every breath you take, silently waiting to be acknowledged? What if “I Am,” the most unassuming phrase in our language, carried the weight of the universe and the signature of God?
This profound teaching is not confined to a single culture or faith. Across the tapestry of world religions, the concept of “I Am” serves as a foundational thread weaving through the labyrinth of divine understanding. But in a world dominated by ego-driven identity and a frenzied disconnect from spiritual essence, how can this sacred phrase regain its rightful place as a unifying guide?
During my time studying world religions at the University of Portland—a Catholic institution known for grounding its graduates in philosophy and theology—I encountered an unforgettable teaching about “YHWH,” the sacred and unutterable name of God in Judaism. For ancient Jews, even speaking this name threatened to fracture the immense Presence it represented. The four enigmatic letters encapsulated “I Am,” the ineffable pulse of divine being, grounding existence in eternal truth.
But herein lies the challenge and the paradox that faces every seeker of truth today—how do we go from an egoic “I am” to a divine “I Am” in an age dominated by noise, distraction, and division?
At the heart of this dilemma is one of the greatest barriers to spiritual growth—the ego. Religions and philosophies across cultures speak to this obstacle. Hinduism warns of the “ahankara,” the false self tied to material attachments, while Buddhist teachings address the “illusion of self” as a hurdle to enlightenment. Even within Christianity, Jesus’ words “I am the way, the truth, and the life” challenge believers to transcend the small, conditional self and instead align with the divine essence.
Yet, how do we reconcile the ego’s “I am”—an identity tethered to time, status, and possessions—with the timeless divine “I Am”?
The answer lies in understanding that the “I Am” presence is not something to be discovered externally but unearthed within. To ancient traditions, and any serious spiritual seeker, this is the work of a lifetime—a dismantling of falsehoods and a conscious return to the divine center.
The idea of “I Am” is not exclusive to Judaism or Christianity; it reverberates as a universal truth across faiths. Ancient Hindu scriptures describe Brahman, the ultimate reality, as the eternal presence that underpins all beings. The Upanishads’ declaration “Tat Tvam Asi” (“That Thou Art”) beckons seekers to recognize their oneness with the divine. Similarly, within Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, the truth of “I Am” is expressed in Rumi’s poetic whispers about annihilation of the self in the Beloved.
If religions are but different languages describing the same eternal truth, then the “I Am” presence transcends doctrines as the shared ground from which authentic spirituality emerges. But despite this shared origin, interpretations and approaches create division in a globalized world where religion often divides more than it unites.
This raises an urgent question for our time—how can humanity leverage this profound teaching to build bridges rather than walls?
The 21st century has introduced challenges to religion that our ancestors could not have envisioned. Globalization, interconnected economies, and the internet offer unprecedented access to varying perspectives, yet they have also exacerbated division. The very concept of the sacred “I Am” risks being drowned out by polarized debates on theology, secular ideologies, and political posturing.
Still, within this fragmentation lies an opportunity. The principle of “I Am” offers more than a metaphysical idea; it serves as an equalizer and a unifier. If understood deeply, it can bridge the cultural and theological divides by helping humanity focus on shared spiritual truths rather than differences. This means “I Am” must not remain a passive concept trapped in historical texts but should be actively realized and applied in everyday life.
If “I Am” is indeed the foundation of divine presence, how can it move from being an abstract philosophical principle to empowering people in their daily lives?
- Individual Spiritual Growth
To better understand “I Am,” seekers must quiet the chatter of the ego. Mindfulness practices, silent retreats, and meditation can aid in dismantling the false self and uncovering deeper spiritual awareness—tools endorsed not only within Buddhism and Hinduism but also by Christian mystic traditions like the contemplative practices of Centering Prayer.
- Interfaith Dialogue Built on Unity
Instead of focusing on doctrinal differences, scholars and leaders can use “I Am” as a starting point for respectful, unifying discourse between traditions. Recognizing its universal presence across faiths enables discussion on how we can collaborate to address pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental destruction, creating a more harmonious world.
- Daily Reminders of Presence
Practical spirituality can begin with intentional pauses throughout the day. Reflecting on the phrase “I Am” as a sacred mantra—whether whispered, thought, or prayed—grounds individuals in the present moment and connects them to their highest selves.
When I first learned about the sacred prohibition of “YHWH” in Judaism, it felt distant—something deeply reverent yet seemingly inaccessible. But as my studies expanded to the teachings of other faiths and philosophies, I began to grasp the power of the “I Am” presence.
It became less about a theological concept and more about daily practice. Over time, it transformed how I viewed myself and others. For me, the significance of “I Am” is twofold: it serves as a reminder of the indescribable divine within but also as an invitation to see that presence reflected in every being I encounter. It is humbling, empowering, and beautifully disarming.
What would it look like if every individual, regardless of faith or worldview, embraced the sacred “I Am” as the core of their being? How might the world shift if “I Am” became not an egoic claim but a unifying mantra?
This is the invitation and the challenge. Take a moment to explore the notion of “I Am” within your own faith tradition or personal spiritual practice. Reflect on its significance, its role in bridging divides, and its ability to transform both your consciousness and how you engage with the world.
“I Am” is not merely a phrase. It is an eternal truth longing for your recognition. Dare to live it, embody it, and share it. For in doing so, you join the sacred task of dissolving the false dualities and returning humanity to its divine source.
“I AM”: The Lens Through Which We See the World and Ourselves
Who are you? A question so simple, yet it carries infinite weight. For some, the answer may be mundane—a name, a job title, a familial role. For others, it becomes more elusive, swirling into abstract notions of identity, purpose, and belonging. But at the heart of this inquiry lies the foundational premise we often overlook: “I AM.”
Two words. A phrase so brief, yet it carries the universe within it. It is the lens through which each of us views the world and, perhaps more poignantly, how we view ourselves. What follows “I AM” has the power to shape our reality, our beliefs, and ultimately, the world we create around us.
To say “I AM” is a declaration of existence. It carries not just the admission that I exist, but also the invitation to define what that existence means. “I AM strong.” “I AM unworthy.” “I AM a dreamer.” “I AM tired.” The descriptors that follow become more than words—they become the stories we tell ourselves, the way we categorize and limit, or expand, our very being.
But here is where the concept grows infinitely complex. Who determines what you attach to “I AM”? Is it shaped by society, endlessly conditioning us to fit into predefined identities? Is it whispered by the inner child that seeks validation and love? Or is it a reflection of something deeper—the soul’s yearning to express its boundlessness through the finite lens of human life?
Perhaps it is a dance between all three, a delicate interplay between external expectations, internalized beliefs, and the ineffable truth of our divine essence.
Imagine “I AM” as the lens of a camera. What it focuses on becomes the photograph of your reality. If I AM is directed toward external markers of success—possessions, achievements, or status—then life becomes a series of checkboxes, endlessly seeking but never arriving. Conversely, if I AM gazes inward, toward experience, connection, and creation, then the viewfinder shifts entirely.
The world you see is shaped by the lens of who you think you are. Those who define themselves as victims often find a world filled with injustices. Those who declare themselves as creators often reshape the very fabric of reality with their ideas. Neither perspective is inherently wrong, but both are limiting when one forgets that the lens itself can be swapped, adjusted, or discarded altogether.
“I AM” can blur the truth as much as it can clarify it.
But here is the paradox that many of us struggle to reconcile. “I AM” is at once a declaration of identity, and a force that transcends all labels. Whatever you attach after it is both a manifestation of your current self and a limitation to your higher potential.
Consider this: What happens when you strip “I AM” of all descriptors? When you resist the urge to tether it to roles, emotions, or societal expectations? What remains is pure awareness—the presence that observes without judgment, the witness that exists beyond the confines of the material world.
This, perhaps, is the ultimate truth. “I AM” is not your name, your job, your relationships, or even your physical form. Beneath all that, it is simply being. It is consciousness, untouched and infinite, waiting to express itself through whatever form it deems necessary.
Herein lies the power of “I AM.” It is not fixed, though we often live as though it were. Every moment offers the opportunity to reshape it, to explore new facets of the self, to consciously align what follows “I AM” with our truest desires and values.
“I AM overwhelmed” can become “I AM learning to create space.”
“I AM lost” can become “I AM discovering a new path.”
“I AM unworthy” can transform into “I AM enough just as I am.”
These shifts are more than wordplay. They are acts of liberation. They allow us to step out of the prisons we unwittingly build for ourselves and into the boundless horizon of possibility.
To reclaim “I AM” is to reclaim your power as a creator, a being capable of shaping not only your own story but the collective story we are all a part of. What we declare for ourselves ripples outward, affecting how we interact with others, how we contribute to society, how we nurture the planet.
If enough of us reimagine “I AM” not as a foundation of division, but as a reminder of our shared existence, what could that mean for humanity? Could we, as individuals, break free of the illusions of separateness and align with something greater—a collective “I AM” that celebrates unity over individuality?
“I AM” is not just a phrase; it is a practice, a mantra, a gateway. It is both the question and the answer, the problem and the solution. The power lies in how we choose to wield it.
Next time you whisper or even think the words “I AM,” pause. Reflect. Ask yourself not just what follows, but why it follows. Is it serving the life you wish to create? Or is it a residue of a past you are ready to release?
Because, in the end, what you say after “I AM” may be the most important sentence you will ever speak.
The Journey from “God Out There” to “I Am”: Unveiling the Divine Within~~Living On Universal Bandwidth
Throughout history, humanity’s understanding of God and the Divine has been in perpetual evolution. From the depictions of a distant, omnipotent force with unknown intentions to a deeply personal, experiential connection with the Divine, our collective concept of spirituality has undergone remarkable transformations.
The evolution of America’s belief system serves as a microcosm of this broader human exploration. While much of the 17th and 18th centuries adhered to an externalized, almost superstitious notion of God, a quiet but profound shift began to emerge over time. Today, for many, the Divine is less about an external force and more about the untapped cosmic potential within—encapsulated in the simple but profound concept of “I am.”
This seemingly ordinary phrase, exalted by mystics such as Moses, Jesus Christ, Several Hindu teachers, and, more recently, Joel Goldsmith, has become a powerful gateway to experiencing divinity. But how did we arrive at this understanding, and how can we access the fullness of this cosmic potential within each of us?
During the 17th and 18th centuries, prevalent beliefs in America painted God as a distant entity, wielding power over humanity according to some unknown grand cosmic agenda. This God was removed from human experience, a force to be feared and appeased rather than known or understood. Religion often leaned heavily on dogma and superstition, portraying the Divine as something external that acted upon humanity, far beyond the grasp of personal connection.
However, even in this period dominated by fear-based religiosity, there were those who saw God differently. Mystics, philosophers, and spiritually attuned individuals glimpsed a more profound truth. They experienced God not as an external judge but as an intimate presence—something accessible and deeply personal. Yet, such voices were drowned out by the louder crowd holding onto orthodox interpretations of an externalized deity.
This historical framework lays the foundation for the shift—an evolution of thought that brings us closer to divinity.
Over time, as humanity grew in intellectual and spiritual maturity, cracks began to form in the rigid edifice of externalized theology. The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason and exploration, sowed the seeds for questioning traditional concepts of God. Thinkers and mystics began to shift the narrative from a God separate from the world to a God experienced within.
This philosophical evolution culminated in the realization of a groundbreaking truth for many spiritual seekers—that the Divine isn’t “out there” but resides at the core of human consciousness. This understanding is distilled into the concept of “I am.”
“I am” is more than a grammatical phrase; it is a profound affirmation of existence and the connection between the individual self and the infinite. To state “I am” is to recognize oneself as both the expression and the experiencer of the Divine. Joel Goldsmith, a 20th-century healer and mystic, articulated this concept beautifully, stating,
“There is no power in heaven or on earth greater than I am.”
This shift in understanding emphasized the Divine nature of human consciousness. No longer a God bound to a distant throne, divinity is now a presence alive within every individual—ready to be accessed and experienced.
What happens when we truly connect with the essence of “I am”? The qualities that emerge from this connection are both profound and empowering, allowing us to transcend the limitations of the ego.
- Equanimity
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- The realization of “I am” brings deep inner calm. Anchored to the cosmic energy within, individuals find themselves less swayed by the turbulence of external circumstances.
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- Creativity
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- “I am” is the ultimate source of creation. When aligned with this energy, individuals unlock boundless creativity that transcends traditional thinking, enabling them to manifest ideas with clarity and purpose.
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- Compassion
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- Recognizing divinity within oneself naturally leads to seeing it in others. This fosters heightened empathy and compassion, creating deeper connections and dissolving barriers.
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- Freedom from Fear
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- A connection to “I am” dissolves fear rooted in ego-based illusions. Trusting the cosmic energy within leads to greater courage in facing challenges.
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- Alignment with Purpose
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- Perhaps the most enriching quality of “I am” is the sense of alignment it brings—clarity of purpose, guided not by ego-driven desires but by the flow of universal energy.
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These qualities are accessible to anyone who seeks to transcend egoic illusions and attune themselves to the pure essence of their being.
Now that we’ve explored the power of “I am,” the question arises—how can we access this potential and integrate its profound qualities into our daily lives?
- Cultivate Stillness
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- Start with meditation or mindful breathing exercises. Create a space where the chatter of the ego diminishes, allowing the voice of your inner self to emerge.
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- Affirm “I Am”
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- Begin each day with affirmations that acknowledge your connection to the Divine. Phrases like “I am connected,” “I am love,” or simply “I am” can center your awareness.
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- Release Egoic Attachments
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- Identify illusions perpetuated by the ego, such as fears, insecurities, and attachments to external validation. Use this awareness to consciously release them.
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- Seek Presence
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- Practice being fully engaged in the present moment. Whether you’re drinking a cup of tea or walking in nature, approach each action with mindfulness and reverence.
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- Trust the Process
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- The shift to “I am” doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and trust that each step of the process is leading you toward greater awareness and connection.
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- Reflect and Journal
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- Allocate time to journal your experiences, allowing you to observe and celebrate subtle shifts in your understanding and connection with “I am.”
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The understanding of the Divine has come a long way—from a fearful reverence of an unknowable deity to the realization that divinity is as near as our breath and as accessible as our consciousness. By connecting with the essence of “I am,” we awaken a cosmic potential within that transforms not only our understanding of God but also our experience of being human.
“I am” is not just a phrase; it’s an invitation—a call to remember the Divine presence within ourselves.
Are you ready to explore the fullness of “I am”?
Begin with stillness, affirmations, and presence, and witness the profound changes that unfold.
I AM
I am the brightest of mornings, I am the cloudiest of days,
I am the silent night altar upon which mankind prays and preys.
I am the Olmec and Mayan of times old, recent, and new,
I am all civilization’s ruins, and I am the ever-evolving life that regrew.
I am the bird’s call, I am its flight, and the wind beneath its wings,
I am the music and its spirit that joyously lifts all hearts up to sing.
I am the water, I am the lagoon and the bay,
I am the infinite ocean where my children are birthed, live, love and play.
I am the blue sky, I am the weather changes, and the gathering of clouds,
I am the lightning storms that are now appearing so dangerous and loud.
I am the wind and the sun, I am the warm soothing breeze,
I am even our cold’s most raucous cleansing sneeze.
I am the dolphin and manatee, I am the mangrove lined shores,
I am waves crashing against rocks, that photographers adore.
I am the mind, and I am the end to its lonely thoughts,
I am the heart’s loving web in which we are miraculously caught.
I am the boisterous protests, and I am the crowd made quiet,
I can be even be found witnessing the white supremacists’ riot.
I am the wealthy, and I am the hurt, oppressed and poor,
I am your heritage, history, and future until we all are no more.
I am the Sanders’ and Harris’, I am the Putins and Trumps,
I am love’s warriors, and I am also hate’s chumps.
I am the Christian, and the Hindu, I am the Muslim and the Jew
I am the Atheist and Buddhist who you never thought that you knew.
I am the cancer and its treatment, I am the movement towards health,
I am the healing balm that works mysteriously in stealth.
I am the grief, and I am the pain and the sorrow,
I am the deepest well of hope from which we eternally borrow.
I am your lifetime, I am your body and its breath,
I am the blessed last moment before each of our deaths.
I am the death of the false self that leads to the only true heaven,
Our denial of this truth brings the hellish news on channel two at eleven.
I am the sacred, and I am even the profane,
I am the source of all that we treasure, resisting me only adds to life’s pain.
I am not the movement of our thoughts, while we cling to concepts of time,
I am the emergence from all shadows, we all must reach for the sublime
What is my name, and where is my place?
Being ONE is seeing Me on every smiling and suffering sentient beings’ face.
(inspired by our trip to Belize in January, 2019)
Bruce Paullin
In honor of all of the innocent oppressed, bullied, victimized, traumatized, gassed, misogynized, persecuted, marginalized, neglected, abused, murdered, alienated, and institutionalized human beings, and all of the animals that are being driven into extinction, as we are all overrun by the principles of toxic masculinity in it’s almost infinite varieties of forms.. Toxic masculinity, toxic fatherhood, and toxic religion are cultural and historical impediments to achieving and maintaining happiness and good health.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Set out, pilgrim. Set out into the freedom and the wandering. Find your people. God is much bigger, wilder, more generous, and more wonderful than you imagined. – Sarah Bessey
See Matthew 16:26 from Bible for comparison
