I Got a Big Ego

What is an ego? There are several definitions of the word ego. Some believe that the ego is our conscious mind, the part of your identity that you consider your “self”.

One of the best definitions, I’ve heard was from Mr. Wayne Dyer. He describes the ego as: Edging God Out. Wayne believed that the ego is an illusion. That it gives us the false idea that we are what we have and what we do. Ultimately, he believes that this false narrative prevents us from knowing your true self.

“The Ego, is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; it is your social mask; it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control, and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.”- Deepak Chopra

I believe that each of us are born without a sense of self. We are born intuitively knowing that we are enough. But as our life unfolds worldly possessions, segregation, titles, filters and idealistic strides for perfection tell us otherwise.

As superficial as the ego is, what’s the purpose of it? Here’s my theory. We live in a world of opposites. Good, bad, dark, light, up and down. I believe God, the universe, source, energy or whatever name you give it dwells within each of us. And the ego was constructed as the polar opposite of our true self— love.

The law of opposites is the game of life and is essential to our unfolding. For example. You couldn’t know yourself to be rich unless you’ve experienced poverty; you couldn’t know yourself to be happy unless you’ve experienced sadness. And you couldn’t know yourself to be “enough” unless you’ve experienced the illusory parts of yourself known as the ego.

Shedding fragments of our ego is tough. But it is possible. In our society, you are only considered a very important person by the number in your bank account, your credentials, job title, the car you drive, the length and texture of your hair and the square footage of your home.

Shedding the ego does not happen over night. It requires a DAILY practice. This practice requires: 1) Becoming aware that you are not your earthly possessions and everything here is temporary. 2) Come to the conscious awareness that you are enough. 3) Your divine essence is love. These practices require sitting in stillness and quieting the mind. Even if it’s only 5 minutes!

The ego is an interesting creation. On the positive side, it allows us to have some sort of diversification while we swag and surf through life. However, in the midst of climbing that ladder to “success” I want you to ask yourself this important question: Do I identify with who I am, by what I have?

                                                                                                                                                                Love & Light

Edited by: Aleshia Webber

Photo Credit: Jay Z, Timothy White, 1988