So many variations in three sounds. Or rather, four, going by Lili. Maybe each one puts emphasis in a way that vibrates with them in a way they need it at that point. And as Bewell points out, it can turn into a question for some for a while.
Thanks, all of you who replied to my comments. Given the high quality of your response, I’d like to share some more about my situation regarding the ecstatic reconance of these words.
My case is particular. I heard the words spoken during a dream. In the dream, they came from an invisible source in the early morning sky. The deeply resonate voice spoke these words:
“Why am I in this place, at this time? Unless, I’m one of them!”
My response to the voice included a strong response in my physical heart at first (during “WHY AM”). The voice was other and yet I felt a strong identity with the voice. I wanted to serve, to help. The word that had the most punch was “them.” The meaning of “them” was ambiguous, and so bypassed (and still bypasses) my rational understanding. It awoke me from the dream feeling an intense awareness of my mortality, my flesh. I was unable to breathe. And moments later I was in ecstasy.
I feel what you fellow seekers have said about I’M and I AM. I’m curious about your response to “THEM.” It still carries a punch of inner conductivity for me. It carries a feeling of being mortal and awaiting transformation. You?
To think… I AM not this… THAT I AM THAT
Hi bewell
That above is essentially what came up when reflecting on your post.
Would THAT be interchangable with THEM?
Here’s a sentence for you, Alan:
I thought that that ‘THAT’ that that forumite used was confusing.
Confuscious say what?!!!
(Okay, I trimmed THAT down for you 
)
Hi Alan,
In terms of the sound alone, both have “TH”. But the endings, “AT” and “EM” feel quite different to me. “AT” reminds me of the “HATA” sound at the roots of hatha yoga.
In terms of congnative meaning, as I see it: “that” is one, “them” is many. However, “I am that” is like “I am one of them,” as you have suggested, both have to do with a shift of perspective. Both suggest a witness.
Thanks for sharing.
B
Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement