What is ego?  Ego is the tiniest aspect of us, but until we realize that, it rules our life and makes us unhappy.  Why?  Because ego thrives on conflict.  Ego is the aspect of ourselves that ………
• loves to be right
• lies to get what it wants
• attacks and judges without all the facts
• puffs up with pride when it wins; suffers failure when it loses
• makes assumptions that disappoint
• looses control when life dumps unwanted surprises into its space
• sets up expectations that send it flying high when realized or eating dirt when dashed
• has preferences that restrict living life fully and box us into small self-inflicted existences

Without an ego present creating a disturbance there is nothingness, stillness, peace. But doesn’t ego want peace?  It waves a banner, PEACE ON EARTH, and marches to Washington to bang on the door and demand peace.  Is it peace that ego wants or attention?

Ego is useless without a goal, a dream, a cause to fight for.  Ego quiet unless roused by anger, conflict, war. Although “peace on earth, good will toward men” sounds good in theory, it can never be realized until we stop identifying with the tiniest aspect of ourselves.

What is personality?  Personality is the evolving aspect of us that ………
• has a sense of humor
• is kind and generous, beauty and goodness
• appreciates what life gives and is grateful to be alive
• says yes to opportunities but is willing to go with the flow when plans change
• drops expectations, assumptions, preferences and allows life to surprise us
• is slow to anger; remains attentive, alert and aware interacting with others so as not to relinquish emotional balance or peace of mind
• resolves to settle situations involving others with equanimity
• tells the truth, lives the truth, surrenders ego
• asks for forgiveness when we get lost and forget we are much more than our ego aspect

So how do we set ourselves up to remember to choose our evolving spirit-Self over our ego-self as the day swallows us up in its busyness?  A few moments of quiet before starting the day helps.  Giving the mind a focus as the day unfolds is like throwing a dog a bone to chew on. A few simple words repeated over and over keep the mind from wandering into another person’s business and negative soundings. Phrases like, “Love is all there is; All is well; I AM That I AM; I am pure Soul; I ask and intend to connect to Source energy; God is Love” are personal and suit the current practice in which one is involved. 

Duality implies two choices: peace and conflict, truth and error, spirit-Self (which shines through the personality of each soul) and ego-self. We are miserable when we identify with our ego aspect because it thrives on conflict to stay strong and relevant. The evolving spirit-Self, the fabric of the personality, is peace. Each day we open our eyes and breathe, we get to implement our gift of choice.

Until you return, fill your days with GIGGLES, JOY, and APPRECIATION!

Sylvia Silk, D.D. Director of the Institute For Balanced Living, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Doctor of Divinity, Spiritual Coach, Reconnective Healing Practitioner, Writer