I think I am onto something in this exploration of Self and ego self. By on to something, I mean there is a rich vein here worth looking at in depth. My next question is how will I do that. My two best methods are writing and walking meditation. My meditation practice keeps shedding light and insight on this topic. Writing is the method I will use here. The fun thing for me is that I don’t know where I will go with it moment by moment but I have learned to trust the process. Trusting the process comes from practice and I had a realization last night that I often share ideas on this blog that I have explored over time. These ideas and practices I talk about from my place of experience and at times I falsely assume you have also walked some of these long roads of contemplation and awareness seeking. Maybe one of the gifts I have to offer is that I can spare you some of the grinding and instead bring more light. I hope that is true.
The ego self is driven and powerful. It is considered by many in our culture a real plus to have a strong ego self. In athletes the strong ego is often present. Some consider a strong ego as an asset for leadership. This ego self is really more for show and impact. Behind most strong public egos is a deep river of self-doubt. In sports the ego can be used as a way to dominate but really that too is more for show. Ego leadership is much more a disaster because arrogance in a fatal by-product of such self-posturing. In you and I a strong ego often means too much investment in being right and in control. The healthiest ego is one in which it plays a quietly supportive role making sure we are ok.
The Higher Self is the part of us that is the source of our inner knowing, intuition, purpose, passion and aliveness. When we are in touch with this Self, we feel inspired and energized. Being energized is a positive sign because it means that we are tapped into this Self. We very much need leadership that is guided by the Self at this time in the history of the planet.
I keep on wanting to shed light on the difference of these two selves. The best way to understand is to take some time to explore and write about what you are discovering. This process will be empowering because you can choose to be run less by the self’s need to dominate and instead follow the guidance of the your higher knowing.
I hope this is helpful. I know for me this journey has been slow and at times frustrating as I have too often fallen short of the awareness needed to move on to the level of results I wanted. As I write this I see the ego self invested in these results. This is good for me to see because my ego is never satisfied. The Self in me is already there, is free to be, and able to create as needed. My goal is to live from the Self as much as I can each day. This is an ongoing project.
Below is a mixture of ideas about our exploration today. I hope you find them helpful
Your handicap is the strong ego, the I which stands in the path and must be surrendered... ... If we could bring it into correct alignment with, and submission to, the Higher Self, it would then be no hindrance to the illumined life. - Paul Brunton
The higher self is that place where everything is accomplished by doing nothing. A mere desire becomes the trigger for transformation. - Deepak Chopra
All the great people say it was their destiny to be great. Know thyself-you have destiny to be great. It's coded in your DNA/RNA. Meet thy greater self. Express thy higher self. Fulfill your real self. - Mark Victor Hansen
You have a purpose, and your Higher Self will see to it that you carry out that purpose, whether it's done in a few hours or a hundred years, whether you do it kicking and screaming all the way or having a delightful time. - Serge King
What you love is a sign from your higher self of what you are to do.
Sanaya Roman
I also came upon a very interesting article about 77 ways to learn faster, deeper and better at http://cultivatinggreatness.com. Check it out.