Ego vs. Consciousness
March 15, 2008 by Roldan Smith
The ego is a part of my “human personality” and can only operate with the “information” in my mind. If my mind is filled with information that empowers me, such as I feel good, I am pleased with myself, I believe I look good, I’m a great cook, I respect others opinions, I’m focused and present with what I’m doing, I know my job and I do it well, then I’m perfectly at peace with my ego. There is no need to get rid of it.
If, on the other hand, my mind is full of dis-empowering information, such as judgments of myself or others, a need to be right, or thoughts of being inferior or superior, a need to let others know what I do, what I have, or what I believe in an attempt to stand out, I can become aware of what I am doing, and I simply switch the information my ego is using. Here again, there is no need to get rid of it. With awareness, we simply re-direct it.
Awareness is becoming like a parent that encourages a young child (the ego) to play with crayons instead of sharp scissors. We don’t discard the child because we left out the scissors. We simply redirect the child (the ego) toward an option that is healthier for them. Eckhart says that “ego is a conglomeration of recurring thoughts.” If you are going to have recurring thoughts, why not pick the ones that are empowering you?
I trust this makes sense and provides a simplified explanation of what the ego does. Please keep in mind that this is a very basic explanation, and the further our consciousness expands, so too will the understanding of the ego expand. Remember, we’ve only covered two chapters! If you have questions or comments, please post them and let’s chat about this.
To deepen and expand our understanding of the ego, between now and our next gathering, let’s practice “being aware.” This means to become the one that is witnessing your thoughts. At our next gathering, we will share examples of what “being aware” was like for us. What you wish to become aware of are the thoughts you have - are they of crayons or sharp scissors? Are these thoughts empowering or dis-empowering you? Awareness if the first step on the journey to awakening.
Have a fabulous weekend. I’ll see you on Thursday!
Laina
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