Transcendentalism is unique in being the only home grown philosophy endemic to America. Being an American myself, I was happy to experience this philosophy first-hand. "We will walk on our own feet; we will work with our own hands; we will speak our own minds" (Emerson). This was Emerson's plan for an ideal transcendentalist world. In life, it is important for a person to follow himself and avoid being drawn into the conformity that has shaped our society; this is only achieved after one has developed a sense of self-awareness and attained self- realization.

"Each believes himself inspired by the Divine Soul which also inspires all men" (Emerson). I was starting to understand the idea of what Emerson meant by the Divine Soul. During my meditation I realized something. I began to grasp the concept that there is something within ourselves that transcendentalism brings out. There is an...