Recognizing the Ego

[Julieanne Paige]

‘Whenever you feel superior or inferior to anyone, that’s the ego in you.’

Eckhart Tolle

Tolle presents us with a very simple statement to help us recognize when we are not working with our true self.
To be put another way;

There are 3 different ways to react to a situation; aggressively, assertively and submissively.

Aggressive reactions defend the ego. Submissive reactions deny the true self, and assertive reactions allow you to work from the true self.

An assertive reaction doesn’t take the situation personally. It allows the space for meeting an amicable resolution. A solution that resonates well with you and with the party involved.

On an energy level, the aggressor is trying to take energy from you, the submissive response gives energy away and an assertive response allows an exchange of energy.

When you are able to recognize the ego you will easily be able to identify when someone is working from their ego. Awareness prepares you.

If you find yourself reacting aggressively or submissively to a situation stand with your feet firmly on the ground, clasp your hands one on top of the other and place them in front of your solar plexus. It is amazing how balancing this simple trick is. It allows you to respond with truth and assertiveness. It also denies reaction to the ego of the other party.

When you see someone as superior or inferior it can only be a reaction from the ego as the true self only sees the truth, which is ourselves stripped of any identity or labels.

I was asked recently ‘Why is it so important to stop working with the ego?’ One answer is that by becoming aware of the ego we can truly know ourselves. We can truly begin to figure out what it is that we want. Many of us spend time working through our pasts and analysing why we react to certain situations in a particular way, and this can be seen as stripping away the layers of the ego. The ego doesn’t want you to live in the present moment. It wants you to focus on things that are basically... illusions.

Our past is only a collection of pictures thoughts and feelings. It actually no longer exists except when we choose to bring it into the present moment and relive it. In the moment that we are focussing on something that no longer exists we lose the present moment which can never be relived again and instantly becomes the past.

John Lennon said ‘Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.’

The whole idea of recognizing the ego is an effort to bring us into the present moment which is the only time that you exist... and the only place to find real joy. By recognizing the ego, you can begin to exist in truth and choose your life.

We have all heard it before... ‘Work from Within’... and this is how you do it!

Happy Manifesting!

Julieanne

[Chris Braithwaite]

Hi Julianne
Great to have another addition to the UK group. Like your piece on Eckhart Tolle. I have recenly read Power of Now and found it very interesting. Although I have to say I really need to read it again. The whole concept of ego and the games the mind plays is fascinating - our collective preoccupation with the past and future. I am also facinated by the concept of happiness and how 'the ego' has co-opted the idea.
Anyway welcome to our little group.
Chris