Self realization is a process of revealing the shallow (tip of the iceberg) "ego" to see it's relative insignificance and accepting the fact that it floats on a much larger and more powerful self that is really in control.
The moon veiled in clouds has been used as a metaphor as well.
The clouds represent the false perceptions and illusion of darkness, which when removed show the moon in all its heavenly glory.
But be careful not to stare at the finger pointing at the moon!
You will miss the miracle. You are the teacher and the student.
Self-realization work or HERO work allows the frightened, insecure self centered FEAR driven self to mature enough to let go and allow something else to come through, the larger self.
Doing repeated acts of Courage is the fastest way I have discovered to rapidly advance this process.
Courage breeds Courage and kills off fear.
Fear is the enemy of Self Realization.
Courage is the gateway to the Higher Vibrations.
After you have firmly grounded yourself in Courage you can look unflinchingly at your character flaws and trace them back like breadcrumbs to their source in your "Pain Body" thereby releasing the judgements, projections and false beliefs.
This is the path of the Spiritual Warrior. The Hero.
I believe that the original self is Heroic in nature and would even gladly lay its life down if it could save another.
But we exist as Victims, Bystanders and Critics to protect the very thing (ego) that holds us back from seeing the infinitely intelligent all powerful being that we always were and always will be...
How to speed it up: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, quit playing Victim, you chose this life, all of it.
Quit playing Critic, it's you that you see reflected in the water, not the moon.
Quit playing Bystander, its up to you to do it, no one can do it for you.
Courage, Willingness, Acceptance and Honesty = Readiness.