A Guide to the Dark Side
“True loss is for him whose days have been spent in utter ignorance of himself.” ~ Bahá’u’lláh
Yoda called it the Dark Side. Gandhi called it the Brute. Tolkien personified it in the Ring. It is referred to as the Evil Whisperer. Aristotle and Plato wrote exhaustively on it. Religious texts are filled with references to it. Great men have fallen because of it. Battles have been driven and fought by it.
It is the Ego.
“The ego … the lower nature that can develop into a monster of selfishness, brutality, lust…. It is this self we must struggle against, or this side of our natures, in order to strengthen and free the spirit within us and help it to attain perfection.” ~ Shoghi Effendi
- What is the Ego?
Ego is the insistent self. It is the impulse within that runs counter to our true self which is made for goodness. The Ego is the need to control. The need to be approved. The need to judge. The need to be right. It is the ultimate prison of self.
- The Ego’s favourite food.
To keep the Ego alive – complain often. Ridicule and belittle and watch the Ego double in size and strength in no time. The ego is boosted especially by judgements. It is nourished by a sense of superiority. It is fueled by back-biting and enjoys a delicious session of gossip.
- The Ego has a bottomless pit.
Beware! There are no regular feeding hours for this little pet. If you decide to keep the Ego healthy and strong, just give in to its incessant cravings. The ego has an insatiable need for instant gratification. It will seek to soothe and comfort itself in whatever ways necessary.
- The Ego’s nature is to compete.
Competition and comparison are two favourite pastimes of the Ego. It feels constantly threatened and views every person as a potential challenge. Every situation is a battleground for personal combat and survival. The need to prove is very high.
- The Ego yearns for recognition and significance.
Quick fixes include Approval, Attention and Applause. Common tactics used to keep the unconscious person enslaved is the relentless drive for success, praise, wealth, possessions and relationships.
- The Ego is addicted to conflict.
To blame, accuse, pick a fight, defend, justify generates power for the Ego. It lives from crisis to crisis. Life becomes the unfolding of a soap-opera and the star of the show is the Ego. It is addicted to taking offence.
- The Ego is vulnerable and insecure.
A sure sign of a thriving Ego is constantly worrying about what others think. How others see you becomes how you see yourself. Guaranteed results include anxiety, insecurity and a sense of incompleteness.
- The Ego lives in the past and the future.
Each time you feel unhappy, depressed, uneasy or just an underlying anxiety, you can always trace it back to your ego dredging up an event from the past or projecting into the future. The Ego is the one who keeps pressing the replay button on videos and records from the past. Each time you settle down and watch unquestioningly the painful events, the Ego is blissfully fed.
- The Ego breeds in the dust of self-pity.
It not only finds life in feeling superior but also breeds from the feeling of being victimised. Feeling small and diminished gives the egoic mind a sense of purpose, satisfaction and identification.
- The Ego thrives on exclusivity.
It is the brainchild behind the Me against Them mentality. From the playground to the highest levels of the corporate world, the Ego loves to form cliques to exclude others. Religious, racial, political, social and national bigotry are the clearest examples of the ego hard at work.
- The Ego is the master of disguise.
To survive, the Ego takes on many faces. It loves to identify with a role. It can hide behind the several aliases – the good guy, the victim, the intellectual, the life of the party, the parent. Like a chameleon, it finds its sense of identity from titles, labels and positions.
The ploys of the Ego are many. The faces it takes on are equally numerous. The voice of the Ego is sometimes so subtle and convincing, it can sometimes be hard to discern and distinguish from the voice of the conscience. Our natural impulse on its own is not the Ego. It is Ego when it seeks to master you.
The really great news is that the Ego is NOT the real you. You are not your emotions. You are not your past. You are not your thoughts.
“When you observe the ego in yourself, you are beginning to go beyond it. Don’t take the ego too seriously. When you detect egoic behaviour in yourself, smile. At times you may even laugh. How could humanity have been taken in by this for so long? Above all, know that the ego isn’t personal. It isn’t who you are.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
I do not claim to have mastered or grasped the full measure of the ego’s traits and inner workings. That would be a work of a lifetime. But what I share here comes from my own experiences from having observed the ego at work. It has been an eye-opener to be sure. I hope you find the following suggestions useful to your own journey in understanding the ego. And may it serve to help awaken us to our true selves.
- The first step towards taming the ego is to become conscious.
Wake up. Be aware. Be mindful. Be self-aware. To master the ego, we need to be aware of its whisperings. The ego can go undetected for years in an unconscious person. In an unexamined life. Left unchecked the ego subdues the real self.
- The pure light of conscience.
The ego cannot stand in the presence of the purest light of conscience. Conscience is the sacred awareness of all that is true, pure and good. When the light of conscience enters the recesses of our hearts, we will immediately be able to detect where we have gone wrong. It guides us to our true station.
- Living in the present moment.
The ego lives through the constant stream of compulsive thoughts and chatter that take possession of the mind. The problem is when we start to believe this unceasing voice in the mind and sculpt our lives to the whims and fancies of the egoic mind. When we are able to stare deeply and live consciously in the present moment, the egoic mind loses its grip over us.
- Non-reaction to the ego.
This is the most effective way of not only going beyond the ego in yourself but also in others. By not engaging and falling into the trap of reacting to the ego, we can bring some form of sanity to the world.
- Observe silence.
It is quite impossible to practise self-introspection or cultivate change if we do not first be a silent observer of life and ourselves. Guarding our speech is a key step towards taming the ego. In silence will the deep motives and intentions of our hearts be made known.
- Go beyond the self.
Finally, I believe that the road towards the perfecting of our character is to live beyond our own petty concerns and trivial pursuits. Self-mastery is self-forgetfulness. I believe all self-introspection leads us beyond ourselves and ultimately towards the sacredness and preservation of all life.
And this I believe is what happens when we transcend the dark side within.
“Every imperfect soul is self-centred and thinketh only of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen, his concern will be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen, he will be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of perfection, then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He will then be the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and prosperity of all lands.
This is indicative of perfection.” ~ ‘Abdu’l-Báhá
Recommended reading:
Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings on Spiritual Reality
A New Earth – Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle’s books still waiting for me to be read… You did a wonderful post dear. Made me to think now… But in here, if you don’t mind I want to ask something,
“The really great news is that the Ego is NOT the real you. You are not your emotions. You are not your past. You are not your thoughts.”
ok, I can understand all of them but what remains to me… who am I, who is me, if I am not my emotions, and my thoughts… what remains then to me…I just try to think with you dear, maybe I misread or misunderstand but I would like to talk with you on about this. Thank you, with my love, nia
The ID remains…
Yes, dear, I should have thought this, ID, ego, superego… 🙂 Thanks and Love, nia
Nice to hear from you Nia! Be well and safe. D.
My dearest Nia,
What an excellent and completely valid question you have asked here! I only hope I can do justice to your question with some answers 😀
“Who am I?” the eternal question that have baffled great minds throughout the ages. The Hebrew bible tells us we are the image of God. The Buddha tells us we are the beyond “I”. In Hinduism we are the Eternal Atman. In Islam we are the Caliph of Allah. In the Bahai Faith man is the sign of all Divine attributes.
So, essentially, we are MORE than labels, titles, accomplishments and names. We are MORE than our past, the good and the bad, the failings, mistakes and wrongs done to us.
Identification with any external forms or circumstances is the ego’s way of convincing and limiting you that this is all you are – as wonderful or as tragic life has turned out for each person.
And so, a lot of us buy into this egoic identification and we work hard to keep these identities strong and alive – either because we have been told “Good job” or “You’ll never be happy.” We are ultimately more than all our successes put together. More than all the miseries of life lumped up!
Essentially, this means, I believe that we are spiritual beings with a physical body. The ego tries to convince and confuse us into believing we are largely body – material, emotions, thoughts, man-made identities. But now, knowing the tricks of the ego, we can say Gotcha! 😀 And slowly we can identify its age-old games within ourselves, the voices in our heads, the emotions that bind us – and finally “die to the self”. We can be free.
As a (no longer practicing) psychoanalyst, I was schooled in the concepts of the id, ego and superego, but as time went on, I learned and expanded beyond these constructs we were taught. To me, they were limitations that, while they held some truth, no longer fit what I was discovering about the true nature of reality as described here by Sharon and a vast group of metaphysical thinkers and teachers. A book I’ve recently read that speaks well about the nature of the ego is “Dying to Be Me” by Anita Moorjani. Her NDE (near death experience) brought her much of the information that Sharon is sharing and more. There is so much to learn and know, and thankfully, we are always growing.
Dear Jeanne,
Thank you so much for contributing towards the discussion here. I appreciate your time and effort in sharing with us your insights and also from your background as a psychoanalyst. I shall surely be getting the book by Moorjani. It has indeed been very highly recommended by two other friends. Sharon
Wise Sharon ✿,
Your above comment/response is just as educational/teachings (pearls of wisdom) as is your post. Hugs, ♥ Fae.
Wonderful post here, Sharon! And strange, because I was just thinking about this topic regarding the Petraeus affair or “soap opera” unfolding here int he US…so sad how ego seems to conquer in so many cases…I’m having a tough time getting going today and realize it’s my ego flaring up…thanks for wise words today!!! xoxmeryl
Dearest Meryl!
Extraordinary that you mentioned the Petraeus case here because that was partly the reason I wrote this post. It made me think how even the best of men can fall prey to the ego’s seduction of approval, acceptance and praise. It is tragic for the whole family. The news of course is playing right up to the massive ego of its readers and viewers the world over. The ego loves nothing better than a good scandal to commiserate and crow over.
It is good to be able to pin-point the feelings of blah and background emotions lurking about up to no good 😀 I think the waning autumn light might have a hand in that! Sending you a ton of beautiful sunshine and plenty of hugs. Have a brand new day filled with happiness! Sharon
What a FABULOUS post. Wise words indeed.
Dear one,
I am so glad you found this post useful. Thinking of you with much warmth. Hugs, Sharon
I have this book of Eckhart Tolle lying with me for a long time..( un read of course ! )
.I don’t need to read volumes about ego by different authors ..just have to come and read this post of yours again and again to understand about this thing called “Ego.”
so beautifully put Sharon…but surely I will take lot of time to really understand this .
will be back again & again
thank you Sharon for this post…take care
Sriram
Dear Sriram,
Some years back, I bought my first Eckhart Tolle book. I tried reading it but it just didn’t draw me in and it sat on the shelf for one year. Then one day I picked it up and I couldn’t put it down! 😀 The teacher comes when the student is ready? We all need different teachers at different times in our lives. And that is the wonderful beauty of being a lifelong student. So very heartwarming to hear from you. Thank you so much. Sharon
Your are gifted with both clear thought and great writing skills. Thank you for sharing this succinct description of a friend (?) we all entertain at times. This is a lifelong process. I am always encouraged to understand that just recognizing when ego takes over is a huge stride for me.
You are so right. For me one of the biggest breakthroughs in my life was the day I realised and began to recognise (at least in a slightly greater degree) what the ego really is and how it operates. Beyond the simplistic caricature the ego has been portrayed. But to detect the subtle nuances and influence it exerts on triggering emotions, thoughts and attitudes. I am always so happy to hear from you! It thrills me to know we share so much on this spiritual journey called life. Hugs and blessings for a brand new day! Sharon
Very wise words and a wonderfully written article Sharon. I will be returning to this post I’m sure. There is so much here to absorb. Superb! 🙂
Dear Adrian,
The study of the ego is one that I too need to return to over and over again. Thank you ever so much. I appreciate your time and your thoughts. Sharon
This is a wonderful post Sharon, and a lovely glimpse into your heart and soul. It is a joy to be able to stand back and watch the ego at work and to be able to name the game it is playing. We don’t always win, but like you say, its a good thing to get to that place of awareness. Lots of love and thank you for posting something of such deeply spiritual value to people.
Dearest Yaz,
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to wake up and say Aha! I gotcha! 😀 That I think is the first step towards freedom and change and greater self-awareness. I am always inspired by the bare honesty in how you are able to look within and name it. Thank you. You touch me with a rare courage. With love, Sharon
This is a great post on how I’ve labeled my ego – “the bad renters” I hate it when these sob’s show up! Make me miserable, insecure, paranoid, crabby and I tend to eat too much lol. Thank you for giving me more of an insight on what my bad renters are doing to me and how to evict them! Reblogging! 🙂 hugs!
My dear Saymber!
You made me smile with your feisty attitude! 😀 You are so right. It’s half the battle won when we recognise the signs and symptoms in ourselves when the ego is triggered. The other half of the battle is then to decide if we let it rule us or we learn to gain some measure of mastery over them. I am learning to see that each time I am bogged down by the promptings of the ego, instead of becoming discouraged, I take it that it’s yet another new opportunity for me to become free from it. And that fills me with hope! So much hugs and well wishes for a great day!! Sharon
Hugs back to you Sharon! If I don’t see you, and you celebrate it (everyone is different here) Happy Thanksgiving! Don’t we have so much to be grateful for?!!! My list is long and you are on it. 🙂
Wow. That’s such a really nice thing to say Saymber… I’m so touched. Happy Thanksgiving Saymber!
Reblogged this on saymberblondi and commented:
This is a great read. It helped me understand my “bad renters” I call them. So glad they don’t try to take over the place as often as they use to! “-)
Thank you so much.
Pingback: Who Am I? « DoinTheGratefulDance
Thanks so much for writing this! It’s an important piece and
I reblogged today at myoprahlessons.com
Hello to the other Sharon! A pleasure to meet you and a warm welcome here! I really am inspired by the wonderful spirit of learning, gratitude and your beautiful outlook in life and the wonderful lessons found in your blog. Thank you for the reblog. I appreciate it very much. My warmest wishes for a lovely day! Hugs, Sharon
Wonderful post. The text is compelling. I too noticed the photos. Yesterday while out and about, I was noticing the alders and aspens – mostly their trunks, so white against the blue (unusually blue) November sky. As I continued past, I thought about returning to look and photograph some day in the future. Noticing the tree trunks in your post added an extra smile, a wonderful symbolism for me. How often do I say, I’m going to meditate, work on the bad renters (thanks saymber for that term), oh…”I’ll return later for that”. While, ignoring that it’s there, postponing the work to go beyond it just feeds the Ego. So here at once, the thoughts and photos I needed to remind me not to put things off.
Thank you for noticing the photos! 😀 One of my favourite pastime is to just study the texture and contours of tree trunks. I’m not sure if I told you but I love trees. While I was recovering after chemotherapy, I used to take long slow walks in the woods near my home. And I think the solid strength of the trees that towered over me, rooted in that same spot for the last hundred years did miracles for me. They are my old faithful friends. I totally understand and share your observations for the trees.
Your comment at the end struck a chord with me this morning. These last three years have been an intensive journey of not only a physical transformation but an inner one too. All the work within that was calling for attention but had been glibly swept aside, ignored or just too confusing to make any sense of came to a peak.
That was when I realised I had to go to work on them – one at a time. It’s been overwhelming at times. Scary even. But now I can look back and say that things which I thought was engraved into the core of myself no longer have the same power over me. I am myself stunned. And so as I continue to align myself to my true self, I keep this in mind to encourage myself that it is possible. Transformation and change is indeed possible.
Thanks for sharing and for listening. Much love and may we grow to be like these ancient beautiful trees. Sharon
Excellent post! Wow…
I firmly believe that in order to break free from the grasp of the ego, or at least as much as it is possible to do so, you must first understand the ego, and what it wants and how it works, which you have explained incredibly well here.
Great piece, well done!
Dear Jason,
This post on the ego was indeed a very challenging one to write. In fact I had written it before the summer and had just sat on it all these months as I felt it was not ready to be published. I was not ready. I remember you had written a fine piece on the ego right at that time and I asked you a question about justice and ego. Thank you so much for your reply. It was food for thought indeed and helped me to discern to an even greater measure in my own study and observation of the slippery nature of the ego. Your feedback and warm encouragement mean a lot to me. Sharon
Wonderful post Sharon! thanks
Thank you Tiny. Happy travels and have a great trip! Still no snow but hope it’s white when you come! Sharon
Thank you so very much for this post!
Dear Steven,
Thank you for your time and for leaving me this note. Have a great day! I loved that onion shot by the way. Sharon
This post is announcing a death we have been waiting for so long.
We should Celebrate. Thank you Sharon.
Always a joy to see you here my dear Mona! And thank you for summing it up perfectly! Thank you so much for everything. Much love, Sharon
Put things into perspective. Thanks and love.
Thinking of you with much love! Sharon
Tolle’s book is refreshing and I love the way you work your way through the various qualities of dark and light… Beautiful. 😉
Thank you so much Elizabeth for taking the time to come by this way and for this thoughtful message. I appreciate it very much. Many hugs, Sharon
Could this have been stated better? Sharon, I don’t think so. You’ve written an outstanding and beautiful piece, with thoughts we always benefit from by keeping in mind. Thanks, Jeanne
Dearest Jeanne,
This comment gave me the biggest hug ever and I appreciate it so much. Thank you for your generous spirit. Your encouragement gives me strength. By the way, I would love so much if you would one day write about your profession as a psychoanalyst. I am fascinated! You continue to surprise me!! Warm hugs, Sharon
beautiful…i needed this today and will read it many more times….
Dear Little L,
I thank you so much for taking time to come by this way and leaving me a line. I am just happy to know that this post touched you in some way. Many blessings to your beautiful heart today. Sharon
Sheer brilliance. Beautiful. Thanks. G
Dear Gary,
It means a lot to hear from you. Thank you for your kind encouragement and support all this while. This was a most challenging post indeed and I’m glad you liked it. Have a really great day! Sharon
Hi Sharon, I just wanted to add to Gary’s comment. I found the “Guide to the Dark Side” so moving and incredibly helpful. For us it really demonstrates the need to look at such big issues through multiple intelligences. Whilst the ego is about the personal, it is also so clearly about social intelligence too; dealing and managing your own ego and the ego of others. Would you be happy for us to reblog this post as we both feel it is so in tune with our own thinking?
Thanks
Clare
Dear Clare,
So very good to hear from you too! I am grateful for your positive feedback on this post. You must surely know by now how much I greatly value your thoughts and input. I would be honoured at a reblog. Thank you so much. Sharon
Lady, as always, this post is nothing short of amazing! I have sent the link to your blog to both of my sisters. I think we can all benefit to allow your words to sink in. We need to read this post more than twice and really, really think of its message. The Ego. What a nasty little creature it can be when we let it take a on life bigger than our own. I was raised a Catholic but love the budhist teachings on the ego and how we have to let go of it. Difficulties, insecurities, and drama ensue when we allow ego to get the better of us. I have been working very hard these past two years to prevent ego from taking over. We have to learn to not take things personally; to realize that not everything is about us. Only then can we achieve a state of peace and contentment. I loved, loved this post, my friend! Your writing is wonderful! Have a nice weekend! 🙂
My dear Bella!
I had a caricature of what the Ego was and for a long time didn’t have the slightest clue that what was driving me wasn’t me but the Ego. And that realisation, that recognition brought a dawning light on who I was and actually wasn’t. It helped me just this awareness of the ego’s many subtle insistence and push and pull in different directions. So, I think having this knowledge is a very good place to start with. “And the truth shall set you free.” I have found this verse to be so true in many areas of my life.
Thank you so much for this feedback! I have enjoyed getting to know you and you keep surprising me! Your zest for life and your gravatar made me think you were 21! 😀 Take care and hope to hear from you soon! And Happy Thanksgiving to you! Sharon
Reblogged this on (-_-') and commented:
Add your thoughts here… (optional)
Thank you again for the reblog. I appreciate it. Wishing you and the family a wonderful day! Sharon
Sharon,
What I love about your posts is the concrete examples and even more concrete suggestions and the love and gentleness that you share. Eckhart Tolle’s writings have been an incredibly freeing part of my journey towards enlightenment and conscious living. I agree with you here on all counts and very much enjoyed your way of explaining the ego. It’s not who we are. Thank you.
Cathy
Dear Cathy,
Eckhart Tolle’s works also opened up a whole new dimension of awareness and understanding to me. Knowing the inner workings of the ego and being able to observe ourselves deeply is such a key step I believe in any personal transformation and change. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I appreciate it. Hugs, Sharon
So true Sharon. I don`t think I`ll miss the ego when it`s gone.
By the way…. Isn`t it the best comment you have ever received? 😉
Hugs from me and the Ego
I appreciate your blog and have nominated it for a Liebster Award. If you accept the “tag” you can find the details at http://tinylessonsblog.com/2012/11/18/awards-%e1%8a%a0%e1%88%98%e1%88%b0%e1%8c%8d%e1%8a%93%e1%88%88%e1%88%81
Dear Tiny!
I just saw this! Thank you so much and will be right over. Appreciate the very kind thought behind this. Kiitos paljon! Sharon
Perfection! But don’t let my words get to your ego…. I’ll whisper it…. 🙂
Hello Sam! Thank you 😀 Hugs, Sharon
Thanks again Sharon for so spot on reflections on an important matter. This time about ego. I keep reflecting on this on a global perspective in these days. If we just could realise that “waking into a new consiousness” is all about raising beyond “Us and Others” mentality (=ego), this belongs to our competative, oppressive past of considering our world consisting of the “right ones” and the enemies.
This is the whisperings of the animal in us, something we never get to conquer 100% but that should be our aim! This mentality still keeps expressing itself in so many forms; wars, fear of losing traditions/the ways that have always been, considering tolerance something as naive as denying the eternal good values/traditional inheritance and seeing the “good values” merely in the form of ancient traditions and denying that there are other ways to raise consiousness about them, inability to see change as something positive – a possibility to establish truth that can be universal, not only for one faith, nation or group. Unfortunately this jungle mentality is still our present, and the ego it´s driving force.
The true understanding of the oneness of humanity requires competing with egos fears and prejudices (the very notion of the stranger/the others of being the enemy), but at the same time it means believing and having faith that the new standard of the Oneness of Humanity is actually “The” Divine Power that is leading the affairs of today´s world (world´s religions have all promised this). Do we give this power a chance by clinging to our old notions, fears and ideas about the “opposing part”, or do we dare to give into this divine power and use this energy for service for the whole world, not only the ones of our own?
I am certain about one thing: Our nations and all traditions won´t die; they will be enriched with a more including power and the faith in people´s hearts regardless of diverse backgrounds will be the leading and uniting power in all our affairs to raise a new civilization. I see numerous examples of this in my daily life! Not all the time, but the times I don´t see them and I am discouraged, is when my competative ego blinds me 🙂
Dearest Mei!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comment here as well.
Indeed the dissolution and weakening of the Ego has a bigger impact. It is to bring about a greater purpose, the ultimate purpose – the oneness of humanity. The world cannot unify neither can there be peace in the world unless our hearts are first able embrace the whole of humanity. And that means to dissolve the many lines of separations drawn by the Ego.
Many hugs and love for this wonderful contemplation! Sharon
Such a thought provoking post. As for me, I am but a speck of dust on this earth….. nothing without my Creator. Realizing this very fact and living with humility has made me so much stronger and more capable. I really enjoyed this, Sharon!
~Becky
Dearest Becky,
And what you have written is the ultimate “dying to self.” Dying to all our self-importance, vain imaginings, idle fancies, thoughts and desires before God. True humility never robs one of strength but rather gives life. But the false superiority masking as strength is weak and crumbles at the first challenge. I love hearing from you! Sharon
Wow! This is a well researched article on the ego. 🙂 It is so true – ego can be scary, especially when one doesn’t even know that he is ruled by it.
In the Catholic tradition, there are 7 deadly sins. Pride is one of them. I guess – ego is another name for pride. Then there are the 7 virtues. Humility is one of them, along with meekness. It is humility that is the antidote to ego. But I am meandering … I just read Becky’s very eloquent comment. She is spot on. 🙂
~Imelda
Dear Imelda,
Yes, the pride of life. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16. That pretty much sums up the Ego. The driving force behind our excessive, compulsive obsessions.
It was indeed an eye-opener for me to see the subtle nuances of how the Ego or the flesh in us work. Because unless we know the promptings of the enemy, how can we be on guard against it? Humility is the result of knowing who you truly are. What you were created for. Humility is the essence of true strength while the ego is the essence of false strength (power, superiority, arrogance etc).
Thank you for your valuable feedback and the insight it provided for me! The terms and language might differ, but I believe the message is the same. Take care and Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Sharon
Oh my god, I love this post! I like your way of thinking…
Hello Anne!
You made me smile! I read a short article by Gay Hendricks yesterday and I thought of you at once. Sending you bucketfuls of sunshine and happiness dropped off by happy clouds. Hugs. Sharon
Oh that’s so funny! I’m listening to his audiobook The Big Leap right in this moment…wooow…
Well written!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Sharon
Wonderful post, Sharon! I’ll have to print this and use it as a reminder, if you don’t mind.
Most honoured if you do…Hugs, Sharon
I believe your post is a model of wisdom and humility, reflecting a kind and loving spirit. Thank you for creating and sharing it my friend.
Russ
Sharon, I love this piece. It hits right on for me. I have recently read Tolle’s “Power of Now” and “A New Earth” and whole-heartedly recommend them. Your writing and your photos are beautiful. Keep it up!
Jesse
Dear Sharon!
Wowzers! I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am for this blog! I REALLY enjoy reading these exquisitely written texts, with the abundance of significant quotes and above all such timely thoughts! This time I especially liked your “prescription” for overcoming ego, I actually think that thoughts and ideas like this will be useful to many of us who might identify the ego, but not know how to let go or subdue it. I personally often find it very confusing, when I recognize I’m in a situation right now, where the ego REALLY wants to start going bezerk and I’m left paralyzed with a dumb expression on my face and no clue how I’m going to tackle this one! This has actually happened :I!
I’m so glad that your blog has been suggested for the Liebster Award – I just think that it would be so beneficial to circulate thoughts such as these as widely as possible, this is just one wonderful step in the path of spiritual transformation we are all so parched to witness i our world!