I am this

[from chaos into self]

If non-duality, then I am everything, including my thoughts and feelings. My body and life. This self is me. Sure I’m not only this self, I am the god self, but these experiences of the limited self are still me. It may be an illusion but the illusion is the limitation, not the substance. If I feel compelled to interact with the limited world I’m following truth. All this that is “mine” is important to the world as it unfolds. I should be taking care of this self, bound to this world. Transcending limitation is just that- transcending the limited perspective. But before and after enlightenment, chop wood carry water. If I choose to self-actualize without transcending the ego, then that is fine. I don’t think I’ll have an enlightening experience in my life. I’m too closed-minded. 
 

and if god is everything, the external world exists. it’s solid and there. it’s persistent. it may all be consciousness but it will persist even when my attention wanes. The rock has consciousness separate from my own, and because of that the rock remains when I look away.