I saw Dr. Wayne Dyer speak for the first time in Ottawa 2004. His book, The Power of Intention; a book that changed my life, had just been published. He frequently shares teachings about the EGO in his books and lectures, and I wanted to share it here with you this week. He cleverly defines the ego as: Edging God Out.
The ego itself is an idea we create about ourselves; who we are, what we are, and our self-worth. When we identify too strongly (perhaps an exaggerated sense of self-worth) we have essentially disconnected from Source, whereas, the ‘power of intention’ is our natural state. In a world preoccupied with ‘stuff’ we are rewarded and recognized for how much money we make, how big our house is and how much we accomplish – all clear evidence of the ego.
In another book, Your Sacred Self, he identifies six ways we experience our disconnection from Source; created by the ego:
1. I am what I have. My possessions define me.
2. I am what I do. My achievements define me.
3. I am what others think of me. My reputation defines me.
4. I am separate from everyone. My body defines me as alone.
5. I am separate from all that is missing in my life. My life space is disconnected from my desires.
6. I am separate from God. My life depends on God’s assessment of my worthiness.
Another one of my favour authors Deepak Chopra, M.D. defines the ego as “our self-image, not our true self. It is characterized by labels, masks, images, and judgments. The true self is the field of possibilities, creativity, intentions, and power.”
So how do we overcome negative egoic traits…?
Dr. Wayne Dyer shared seven steps intended to help us from falsely identifying with it:
- Stop being offended
- Let go of your need to win
- Let go of your need to be right
- Let go of your need to be superior
- Let go of your need to have more
- Let go of identifying yourself on the basis of your achievements
- Let go of your reputation
As an aside; the ego can be of benefit to us in getting us up in morning, making sure the bills are paid, there is gas in the car, and getting us to work on time. Ego doesn’t do a good job of running our love life, our spiritual life or any other affairs of the heart. Right use of the ego is our best use of the ego.
By letting go of the over-inflated egoic aspects self (who we are and what we need to do, or have more of) we can settle into a place of inner peace and calm. And isn’t that the place we all wish to live!
I wish you an abundant spring season filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.