I am nothing, I know nothing

May 7th, 20105 Comments

Whenever I want to be really present, I say, “I am nothing, I know nothing.” It is a declaration taught to me by my teacher to be clear when doing Native American ceremony. I use it in all aspects of my life. Saying this (and meaning it) allows me to detach from all the things that I thought I was and thought I knew. Then I can discover who I am in my present experience.

It allows me to “empty my cup,” so there is room for something new.
It allows me to be “teachable.” I can learn something.
Then I do not have to reinforce the things I thought I was or thought I knew with my new experience. I can be free to see and experience things way they are.
It is the most powerful teaching and tool that I was ever given.
Try it sometime. You will be amazed at what you discover.
About author:

Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.

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4 Responses to “I am nothing, I know nothing”

  1. Candess says:

    Exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks!

  2. metablog says:

    Thank you Candess

  3. [...] their kids. Some meditate. Others create things. I say, “I am nothing; I know nothing” (see other previous blog) when entering an experience. Your inquisitive mind will help you find the awe and splendor in [...]

  4. Daniel says:

    great post, thanks for sharing

  5. admin says:

    Thank you Daniel.

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  1. The inquisitive mind wants to know | Michael Hoffman - Transformational Speaker

    [...] their kids. Some meditate. Others create things. I say, “I am nothing; I know nothing” (see other previous blog) when entering an experience. Your inquisitive mind will help you find the awe and splendor in [...]