Double Consciousness Vs. Living a Double Life

"It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity."
---W.E.B. Dubois

A friend talked to me about Dubois and encouraged me to look up his thoughts on a phrase he coined - double consciousness. I found an excerpt from Dubois' book, "The Souls of Black Folk", which included the page with the above quote on it. I found this concept intriguing as there are many people along with black folk who live in a state of double consciousness.

The first thing that popped into my mind was living a double life. I've heard this said by many within the Hip Hop generation and even within the Spiritual/New Age communities.

One of the things that Dubois touched on is the on-going war within African-Americans. My interpretation of it is that we try to adapt and identify with the environment we're in while trying to find and be our authentic selves. While this isn't an easy task, I believe it's possible to get there.

On a personal level, we can not move forward within the present into the future until we let go of the past. Now...as deep rooted as our past as African-Americans in this country may be, we still have to find a way move forward. Otherwise, we will continuously be mentally and emotionally reliving the past. Most modern minds are set on 'survival' as they were hundreds of years ago. Many beliefs, thoughts, and actions are built around and motivated by survival.

There's nothing wrong with surviving, but the mind and heart must heal to be able to that all we are, all we need, all we have, all we can become (our Highest Selves) are already at hand waiting to be claimed.

Today, I received some guidance on this and here's what I'd like to offer as possible actions/acts of faith one can take to unravel the web of deceit and step into the Light of truth of your Higher Self.

*Realize you are more than the color of your skin. You are a spiritual being having a human experience.

*The kingdom of Heaven is within. Self-discovery begins within. Look at yourself through the eyes of God/Universe/Higher Self, not the way everyone else look at you.

*Release the limitations (including stereotypes)that have been imposed upon you. That's someone else's story, not yours. You are a being of Light in this world here to do great things.

*Celebrate your heritage understanding that the energies of the Motherland are healing energies and you can use them to heal yourself and others.

*Breathe, think, speak, feel, and see positive energy. Even when someone is sending negative energy to you. Embrace yourself as this will help you embrace others, who do not accept you.

*Unconditional love is something you already have and it starts with you. The outside world and this country can't give it to you as it already belongs to you. It is your birthright as well as joy, good health, peace, and prosperity.

I know this piece doesn't solve the issues of our communities, but I wanted to share what Spirit gave me today. And the above keypoints will take a lifetime of practice, maybe a few lifetimes worth of practice. But I believe in miracles. There is a new shift in consciousness afoot. See yourself as the Light that you are. That's who you are....Light!

Peace & blessings to you. If you feel this resonates with you or it will resonate with others you know, please pass it on!