let the walls come tumbling down

I have been re-reading chapter 12 taking down the walls.  What really stands out for me is the discussion about defending ourselves.  When you stop and think about it we spend a lot of time defending ourselves such as when we try to convince others or ourselves that our opinions or ideas are right; or when we try to make a good impression/save face; or when we rationalize why our perceptions/behaviors/thought/feelings are valid ... 

This self that we defend is an identity that we have created in order to navigate more comfortably in the world, yet it ends up limiting us.  Remember the metaphor of the beautiful house built in the middle of a field?  The house is our psyche and although it can be comfortable it blocks us from the natural light (i.e., experiencing a life of freedom, love, joy). 

"...life collides with our walls (the thoughts, feelings, perceptions, expectations...that make up our identity) and tries to tear them down.  But time and again, we defend them...when you defend yourself you are really defending your walls.  There is nothing else to defend in there. There is just your awareness of being and the limited house you built to live in.  What you are defending is the house you built to protect yourself. You are hiding inside." (T.U.S., p. 116)

If there are only 2 things in there, the awareness of being and the walls that limit us, wouldn't it make sense to put your awareness on Itself and let the walls come tumbling down?  It is possible to do this, one moment at a time.  The next time you find yourself defending yourself, remember that you are the observer of your experience, not this self that you have created.  Ask yourself if you really want to defend this identity which limits you?  Let it go and allow a deeper expression of Life/Love/Joy to pour through and as you.