Many, if not most, of us may be familiar with the following children’s rhyme: “I’m the king of the castle, and you’re the dirty rascal!” It relates to a children’s game in which boys and girls race to the top of a hill and defend their right to proclaim themselves king or queen of the castle. The origin of the game dates back a long way; by some claims (to the best I can verify) as far as 20 BC. It was also apparently known in 16th-century France and 17th-century Scotland.

Let’s investigate the rhyme and discover if it could possibly contain an underlying truth which may have previously gone unnoticed. Could it be that the rhyme holds a deeper meaning? Could it be that we’ve been confused about our True identity or, in fact, overlooked it completely? I’m suggesting that such is the case. In books about spirituality and the Law of Attraction, we often read the passage from John 8:58: “Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I Am.”

It’s my experience, not opinion, that Jesus was conveying that “I Am” (consciousness) is prior to physical form (as illustrated by mentioning Abraham). Consciousness is the very foundation of our Being. Objects, both physical and mental, appear in consciousness. Scientific research into the field of consciousness is adding weight to this assertion; for try as they might, scientists have been unable to determine how physical processes give rise to consciousness. They never will–because they don’t! Ancient teachings assert that the body-mind arises in Consciousness; not the other way around, as materialists erroneously assume. In short, “I Am,” Spirit–Consciousness–is the King/Queen of our castle.

My dirty rascal, “Art,” had it backwards for years. He fooled everyone, including himself. Unchallenged, he ignorantly assumed his right to the throne of my Being. In his innocent ignorance, he declared that he was the king of the castle (aka body-mind). Such seemed to occur only because the Real King–“I AM“–had not, as yet, been recognized. Due to the inherent forgetfulness that is part and parcel of our human journey, we must set out on a spiritual journey to knowingly rediscover our True Self. When we do, we are once again Home, in–and as–an aspect of Universal Consciousness.

To know the Ruler of the Castle you must be the king or queen…knowingly. That process of deep knowing may be facilitated through meditation. Psalm 46:10 directs us clearly to the same method: “Be still and know that I am God.” In John 14:6, the following is related: Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Can you see the parallel message contained in the nursery rhyme (“I Am the King of the Castle“) and Biblical verses?

What can we do with this knowledge? Apply it effectively. By lovingly but firmly asserting our rightful position, the quality of our life will improve dramatically. We may state our present-tense positive “I Am” affirmations with certainty and know they will come to pass. And when we, as ruler of the body-mind, notice negative thought intruders or behaviours, we can figuratively proclaim, “Off with their heads! ” and deliberately focus on our positive visions. “I Am” is intended to be the ruler of our kingdom; and It will be when we knowingly assert our birthright. With practice (which means conscious attention), we will be able to truthfully declare “Long live the Real King.” An added benefit is that fears related to the human journey will naturally fall by the wayside. Another old expression gives us reason to pause and…think: “Sticks and stone may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Our essential nature is beyond name and form–we are untouchable.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

“Thank You” & “Note to Publishers”