E – Ego

A to Z blog challenge : day 5
Theme : On the spiritual path
Word of the day : Ego

Of course, I will talk about the ego. I know sometimes it feels like that big monster we are afraid of. Hidden in the corners of our mind.

Definition : A person’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

It’s important to have some kind of sense about our own self-worth. The catch is when that sense is distorted. Usually through different experiences we go through in our lives.

For example: You got what you wanted when you threw a fit as a kid? Everybody walks on eggshell around you? You have a sense of righteousness about what’s good or bad for people? You think that no one confronts you because you are always right?

Or.

You wanted to know how your new toy worked so you opened it in pieces. Your father yelled at you and put the toy in the garbage. When someone speaks loud at work you keep quiet. You don’t think you have anything to contribute in a discussion.

Too much ego or not enough. Like everything else, balance is the key.

On the spiritual path, the ego feels like a natural enemy at the beginning. The practices, mainly meditation and prayer, support a lot to reach some balance. I always believed that everybody would go to heaven before me, even the worst of monsters. My sense of self-worth was distorted by years of violence.

But don’t mistaken, not enough is like too much. It’s the same enemy.

On the spiritual journey, we make the ego our friend, or said another way, we transcend the ego. What ever “it” thinks about us, is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with who we are or what we do. This is one of the greatest benefit of meditation. How it looks like? You can see it in the behavior of saints and gurus: they are selfless. Oh! They have personalities and all, but in their presence, in their words there is a clarity about who they are that is beyond simple human qualities and their worth.

Naturally when we find peace of mind and balance the ego, our true self, will emerge and the qualities that goes with it will shine forth: unity, friendliness, forgiveness, love, etc.

To know when your ego is running the show, look for these: anger, frustration, restlessness, etc. You are saying something about yourself that creates a contraction. Usually, it’s a lack of love about oneself.

The best way to appease the ego is to LOVE YOURSELF!

This is the lesson the ego teaches us. He points out when love is not present. Self love. I said it’s the greatest benefit on the path to transcend the ego. yes and it takes the whole journey to achieve it.

Self-love is the hidden practice. Start today and practice everyday with joy and courage!

With great respect and love!

A.