What does saying "I Am" do?

[Honza]

In my understanding there are only two possibilities in life. Either join I AM or escape from it. There are no other choices. I am trying to escape, through Christ our Lord (and other means).

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Honza

Either join I AM or escape from it.

That is very nice and you have a thread on this, but it does not help me understand this repetition of saying "I AM".
*What has it done for you ... *how do you apply it? * "Join'' I Am...what does that mean...to you?
That confused me more. It seems to me whatever one thinks - this I Am 'practice' is wanting to be at one?
Is that incorrect? Why would you want to 'escape' that....Because non-duality is too hard to live daily? OK.

My idea of this repeating I Am is simply a way to focus the mind in hopes of reaching that state of Oneness....would that be accurate?
If so, I would have no more questions about it! Yay!
Then, it's a mantra with the expectation of reaching Oneness - by diff names.

I'm sorry I have not read the books. I'm taking the easier way asking someone that practiced it.
And thank you in advance if you explain it to me like I was a 5th grader. :)

(This is not to say I haven't appreciated all the other posts. But, I've been waiting for Honza who has been
talking about I Am so often.
There are so many new people that have no idea what this is all about.)

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

'Just say I AM'.
What does that DO??!
What has it done for you or to you?

My earlier response to 'I am' was in the spiritual context where it's oft-quoted without commensurate experience.

In day to day it can be very good affirmation where one keeps repeating it be a desirable role/position/capability without any mischievous ill-conceived thoughts.

It can be ego-bursting over-confident feelings belittling others aggrandizing false unworthy self.

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by HITESH SHAH

It can be ego-bursting over-confident feelings belittling others aggrandizing false unworthy self.

You know I like you, I hope...but I am NOT understanding why this super negative 'belittling others' thing
is being brought up, it has nothing to do with my question, do you think?
Maybe you have a reason? I dunno.
Kinda like looking at the darkness instead of the light ---the 'half empty or half full'. No?

[Rah nam]

A long time ago, I used 'I Am' in affirmations.
I started with I Am and what ever comes to mind after that.
Often, after days the extension of I Am was replaced by an other one.

[Gem]

I'm thinking it can only result in more stress and I couldn't advocate that repetitive verbalisation, but if we put the the meaning into context with what Nisardgatta said: "Just sit and know that you are. The I am without words. Nothing else has to be done; shortly you will arrive at your natural absolute state".

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Gem

I'm thinking it can only result in more stress and I couldn't advocate that repetitive verbalisation, but if we put the the meaning into context with what Nisardgatta said: "Just sit and know that you are.
The I am without words. Nothing else has to be done; shortly you will arrive at your natural absolute state".

Thanks, gem. :) I guess that is the result wanted by those that repeat "I AM"...like a mantra, I suppose.

[Native spirit]

I am can be used in mantras but I am can tell someone how you feel.
I am sad , I am happy etc
I am can also be used to Define where you are in the physical or Spiritual


Namaste

[Miss Hepburn]

On the cover of the book ''The Power of I Am'' it has in part:
-The power of I AM reveals the secret name of God in you.
-I AM is the key to every door.
-It is the Philosopher's Stone of the Alchemists.

And much more....

[Native spirit]

That makes sense


Namaste