I was hiking with a friend the other day and she was asking me about our ego. She reads my blog and wondered what my definition was. Was it only something negative? So, I’ve been thinking about it. Here’s my attempt to clarify what I mean by ego.
The first thing to understand is that the ego is that part of our consciousness that makes us think we are separate from the rest of our reality. Is that a negative? No, not really. I mean, we wouldn’t last long if we didn’t care for our physical shell.
But it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that we are intimately connected to this reality if we only look at the physical relationship we have with that reality. Just because we don’t see the strings that bind us to reality doesn’t mean they don’t exist. As a witness to creation we acknowledge the indisputable fact that we are a sense organ of the universe; that we are an inseparable part of a miraculous whole.
So, beyond the physical limitations, we also have mental limitations. Likewise, they may be both positive and negative.
The positive aspects of ego have produced the advancements of our civilization. People have used their creative energy to produce amazing inventions and sublime art in all its forms. It was their ego that drove them to expend energy in a positive direction. That positive aspect of ego has enhanced our lives.
But there is also the negative aspect of the ego. That energy may flow in different directions producing internal or external damage.
As far as external damage goes, if our ego perceives we are above others we may treat them poorly. There are many examples; bullies, murderers, rapists, dictators. Their ego has confused their mind into thinking it is superior over the rest of their environment.
While negative external damage may be bad for society, It’s possible the collective damage caused by internal ego may be worse. But, honestly, I’m not sure. I can see where a single megalomaniac could bring about the destruction of life on earth because of their ego delusion.
But that may not matter to someone who’s damaged by their negative internal ego. It’s when the ego thinks that it is inferior to the rest of its environment. The incessant chattering mind overwhelms the observing mind. The voice that tells you you’re an idiot if something doesn’t go the way the voice in your head imagined. The voice that tells you you are not good enough compared to the unattainable image in your head. The voice that tells you your thoughts are evil and you will go to hell! Does that about cover it?
The point is to recognize all the aspects of the ego and not get too attached to any aspect of it. If the observing mind can intercept the chattering mind, you can laugh at yourself and not take yourself too seriously. That’s a good thing!
So I hope that clarifies my beliefs when I talk or write about our ego.
