Meditating on the "I am" thought can be helpful: it can concentrate the mind dramatically. However, that thought is *just* a thought. That said, it does not undermine habits as well as either self-inquiry -- which is *chasing the knowledge of the I* -- or surrender. Nor does it touch on the incompleteness of our knowledge of the I, so it does not prompt the final insight we seek as sharply. That said, if it is followed with devotion and energy, it is a powerful spiritual method.