Philosophy of Mind Quote by Ken Wilber
““I have a body, but I am not my body. I can see and feel my body, and what can be seen and felt is not the true Seer. My body may be tired or excited, sick or healthy, heavy or light, but that has nothing to do with my inward I. I have a body, but I am not my body. I have desires, but I am not my desires. I can know my desires, and what can be known is not the true Knower. Desires come and go, floating through my awareness, but they do not affect my inward I. I have desires but I am not desires. I have emotions, but I am not my emotions. I can feel and sense my emotions, and what can be felt and sensed is not the true Feeler. Emotions pass through me, but they do not affect my inward I. I have emotions but I am not emotions. I have thoughts, but I am not my thoughts. I can know and intuit my thoughts, and what can be known is not the true Knower. Thoughts come to me and thoughts leave me, but they do not affect my inward I. I have thoughts but I am not my thoughts.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Spectrum of Consciousness, Ken Wilber, 2000
The true self is distinct from body, desires, emotions, and thoughts; they are transient experiences, not the core awareness.
In simple terms: Self is awareness, not the mind or body.
Key Takeaway
Observe thoughts and feelings without identifying with them.
Themes
self‑identity
mindfulness
spirituality
Mood
calm
insightful
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- meditation
- psychotherapy
- self‑inquiry
- stress management
Key Concepts
non‑dualism
consciousness
observer effect
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice witnessing thoughts daily?
- What practices help you stay rooted in awareness?
A Different Perspective
Hard to maintain detachment in intense emotional moments.
