Ego at Work

Awareness of ego is so tricky.  It’s like trying to see our self image without a mirror or reflection.   The ego projects a certain image of ourselves in our minds that is not realistically accurate.  This unrealistic image may be that we are more attractive, smarter, more spiritual, therefore, we are better than others, and more entitled and deserving.  Because of our ego, we cannot see our own flaws, hurtful behaviors, or harmful problems.  Unfortunately, everyone else can see them just fine.

It is our ego who separates us from others, and convinces us that we are different and better than others.  Because we are different and better than others, we are more entitled and deserving than others.  Ego also generates our negative emotions as such as jealousy, resentment, anger, fear, selfishness, and denial.  Our egos may not appear to be harmful, but it is.  On a macro level, it is the rationale for wars, genocides, oppression, and abuse, while justifying these atrocities.  Religious, racial, and ethnic based wars are the result of the ego separation us from others and justifying these destructive decisions and actions.

On a personal level, I even see spiritual people, particularly Kundalini active individuals who are still operating in ego/smaller self carrying on about how they are superior because they are more spiritual, more powerful due to their intuitive abilities, and more awakened because they are Kundalini active.  This is purely ego doing its tricky work in our minds.  I have met spiritual people who have been doing spiritual work for nearly their entire lives, and still operate in ego/smaller self believing in self righteous superiority.  This happens when we engage in spiritual bypass.

Releasing the ego is one of the most difficult aspects of spiritual work because the ego dominates our psyche.  It can take a wonderful virtue, and turn it into self righteous superiority.   Ego twists and turns our motivation that is pure into a superiority game. You know you are still operating in ego/smaller self when you judge others.  This judgment is not a reflection of other’s inferiority, but a reflection of your own ego at work.  (Copyright 2016 Awakening Journey with All Rights Reserved)

Author: Brooke Chang

Hi, I'm Brooke who will be taking you on a healing journey to a more joyful life. I will serve as your guide on this healing journey sharing my insights, knowledge and experiences. I hope you will join me! View all posts by Brooke Chang