What comes to mind when you think about the ego? The word itself can obviously trigger different emotions for  different people based on various factors. For many, the word has a negative connotation connected to it , but is that a fair assumption? The ego has been defined as your conscious mind or the part of your identity that you consider your “self”. Another definition of the ego is a person’s sense of self esteem or self importance. Personally, I am familiar with both definitions, but are either of them necessarily accurate? Does the ego define who we are entirely? If you have read any of my previous post, I am confident that you would have a good idea of what my viewpoint is on this subject?

Although the ego does not represent our true identity, it serves as a “vehicle”. It is not something to get rid of ,rather, it is useful for navigating through this world. It provides us with an awareness of our physical body . It also assist us in establishing ,to name a few,racial, cultural ,ethnic,gender and family ties . These various associations can prove useful to us for connecting with others in order to form lasting relationships throughout our life’s journey. They can add richness to our lives  if we develop a healthy perspective about them. They each contribute to the map which we refer to as the ego.

The ego can add significant value to the human experience once we remember that it does not nor will it ever constitute all of who we truly are. Once a person completely identifies themselves solely by their ego, they begin to define themselves by limitations. The same qualities that I just wrote about earlier (race,culture, ethnicity,gender,etc) can become like “bricks” in a prison that we create for ourselves. Based on our background,we can start to associate ourselves with the struggle that human history has associated with certain aspects of  our identity if we are not aware. We begin to see ourselves as victims rather than all powerful, unlimited spirit occupying this physical vehicle for the purpose of  having the ultimate human experience. Oh,  and did I mention? THAT is who you truly are!!!

For many of us , we have forgotten that our thoughts become the things, people and situations that appear in our lives. It is not my intention to blame you for your current circumstances, but, rather , for you to be empowered by this information. You can change your thoughts and viewpoint about your identity to ones that best serve you. This change will result in different in different actions while producing different outcomes. Suddenly, the right people , situations and opportunities begin to appear in  your experience because you have finally been “awakened” to your true identity. All of the sudden, each situation, despite the appearance, serves you in some way because you have actively chosen to look for the lesson aka the benefit/blessing within the circumstance. Life starts to take on a whole new meaning. You have become a conscious creator. You are no longer identified ,solely , by your ego. You , now , see it for what it is . You begin to use it properly. You start to take care of it because you are grateful to be alive. There is no more wasted time. Every thing exist to serve you. You are “God in the flesh” connected to everything and everybody.

We also start to consciously evolve and ,with us, our ego begins to change as well. We might be compelled to change our associations, perhaps, expand them. We begin to care less about what others think about us while respecting their right to their own opinion about us. It’s okay. Not only do we see ourselves in others, but we start to  realize that each individual must be allowed to come to their own conclusions without our tampering. There is no true right or wrong . There is consciousness…. awareness. We are each on our own journey navigating our “vehicles” through this human experience. Each one possesses unique qualities. Each of us has unique gifts and talents that can add significant value to the experiences of others. It is a beautiful thing. The ego plays a significant role in this process. Although it is important, it must be “governed” by our inner selves. It is within our inner selves that our true self worth lies. It is virtually limitless. It is directly tied to the life force that is at the core of every “thing”. This is the true source of power and creativity. The key to living a life of authenticity and , therefore, power is to stay “plugged in”. It is the wellspring of inspiration that is always flowing. Our true selves are constantly speaking to us , but do we listen? If we are ,solely , defined by our ego, it is impossible to do so. You cannot have two “masters”. Spirit must lead. It’s place is to direct the ego. This is the proper order. The ego will fight for dominance within us because it is familiar,yet it must be subdued. The quality of your life depends on it. The ego is never satisfied, but the spirit is aware that all is provided for. The ego  remains at war with the spirit, but spirit doesn’t need to fight with anyone. It doesn’t need to. It is complete. It is limitless. The ego is never satisfied because it never has enough. It is hopelessly tied to limitation. It is unaware of it’s proper place which is that of the vehicle,but the spirit knows. The ego can learn it’s proper place, but only the spirit can teach it. It’s purpose will be made clear.We will dive deeper into this topic in future posts. Until next time….

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