The Two Sides of Ego
Ego is almost always defined as a negative concept in our society. Someone who is egotistical is perceived as difficult and self-important: they do not listen to others; they carry a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude; they are vain and self-absorbed, and they have a tendency to be inconsiderate and disdainful of others’ needs. But is ego always negative?
After all, ego is what gives us our identity. It is an initiating force that is essential to driving our individual growth. It is a force that allows us to develop the determination to stand by our convictions and our perspective.
Our ego believes in speaking the truth, and following what it feels is the right path. Ego provides motivation - a leader is able to create positive change in the world because their ego motivates them to succeed.
Simply put, ego is an energy.
Like any energy, the way it is used will determine the outcome. If the ego is used in the wrong way, the results can be harmful. But if the ego is used wisely and with good intention, the results will be positive.
A way to ensure that our ego is being utilized in the right way is by consistently refining it. How can we do this? One method is meditation. In the Heartfulness practice, the heart is viewed as the ‘field of action for the mind’. When we connect with our hearts through daily, heart-based meditation practice, we gradually eliminate the tendencies that negatively impact our ego - anger, frustration, jealousy, hatred - and instead allow humility to be developed so that ego can be refined in a way that is both effective and growth-oriented.
Soon, those negative tendencies of the mind are replaced by the more positive traits of the heart - empathy, kindness, compassion, and love. These traits help to refine the ego into an energy that is used more effectively.
Practicing Heartfulness.Heartfulness Trainer
5 年??
Director, YouB Holidays Inc.
5 年Thank you you daaji ... I have a doubt about this if we have self respect but considered as a Ego how we can differentiate between both. Please guide.
Too many bachelors, never took me time to artistical expression
5 年One could often see the master psychologist Chariji Maharaj blow the ego on someone, it was "funny" ?but always a reminder to oneself of hidden "treasures" in your own ego if you laughed. Chariji once told few of us on the Mylapore beach in Madras that Babuji often used this technique : Saying something to the wrong person, while another person started blushing, at the same time he observed the reactions from the persons laughing. He could for instance say to me in a company of senior Indian abhyasis in Ahmedabad: You fool, you westeners you know nothing (Inside, I agreed, off ?course and was not hurt), but some other persons laughed with an expression as if they hated the West (Understandable for a common Indian, but not for a senior abhyasi). Maybe they hated me too, I suddenly see
Too many bachelors, never took me time to artistical expression
5 年There are seven deadly sins