Self-absorption is preoccupation with the contents of the ego mind. It’s a mild version of self-importance. Self-awareness is being awake to the unboundedness of your true self, your universal existence. What can happen in the beginning of spiritual practice is a mistaken mix of the two. The expansion of the higher self feels unfamiliar and Deepak Chopra, MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation and co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing and Jiyo, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Clinical Professor Response: Real self-esteem starts with knowing your true self. For that I recommend a simple meditation practice, such as Primordial Sound Meditation, that gives you experience of your core self. Many people find a simple breathing meditation using the So Hum mantra useful in getting started. Let this practice begin to build an awareness of Rudolph E. Tanzi, Ph.D., Deepak Chopra (2012). “Super Brain: Unleashing the Explosive Power of Your Mind to Maximize Health, Happiness, and Spiritual Well-Being”, p.16, Harmony Synchronicity is choreographed by a great, pervasive intelligence that lies at the heart of nature, and is manifest in each of us through intuitive knowledge. Response: I believe that giving and gratitude are essential aspects of our spiritual maturity. Giving is not merely about offering physical gifts, it is a gesture of the heart that reflects back love, abundance and beauty to others. That giving can be done with a kind word, a helping hand or a smile. And from the way you describe’ taking on Going beyond karma means our sense of self is no longer defined by our thoughts and actions—our ego self. The idea of transcending karma through meditation is that by experiencing your non-local self, you identify, or know your real self as unlimited pure awareness and thereby become detached from actions you were previously identified with Here are Chopra’s six tips to maintaining wellness: 1. Set goals and priorities. “Goals is to establish a baseline health status and decide where you want to be, and what it’s going to take 11. “Learn to love yourself enough to be happy in your own company, not needing to use anyone as an escape.”. – Samantha Camargo. 12. “You are what you believe yourself to be Love is who you are. Your true self is pure love, infinite awareness, and unbounded joyAs you realize this, you will feel a small light in your heart. At first it will be the size of a spark, then a candle flame, then a raging bonfire. Deepak Chopra. Heart, Love Is, Light. kJR9.