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EGO Beliefs

“When the ego dies, the soul awakes.” – Mahatma Gandhi

What is the thing called ego? We all have one. Where did it come from? Why does it matter? Was ego a thing for our distant ancestors? So many questions revolve around this concept of ego. Turning to science for an explanation renders a model which is self-created. In the beginning, there is just curiosity and wonder for a novel world. As we continue our interaction with our environment a “me” begins to develop between 2-4 years of age. This “me” is a product of a dance with our environment. This “me’ is unique and different from any other “me” that ever existed. 

Interestingly, this “me” is just a set of learned habits of action or thoughts that consolidate into a personality. This ego grows with us into an internal voice that walks alongside us at all times. Perhaps, it is our imaginary friend at first which eventually gains permanent residency within us. Once established this “me” is who we bounce the world off of. Everything happening in the outer world is met by this internal spiritual being. At times, ego can be like a coach encouraging us along or it can be quite the slandering critic. 

I call this “me” a spiritual being because it has no material existence. It simply judges life. Ego judges life based upon past experiences. Yet, ego can create scenarios on demand for anything that happens in life. These scenarios can take us on quite the mental ride. The stories it creates are just that–stories. NOT FACTS. I can’t tell you how many times my mind has raced to a place of anguish over life events. You see we all possess two major cognitive biases. The negativity and confirmation biases.

Cognitive bias is a systematic thought process caused by the tendency of the human brain to simplify information processing through a filter of personal experience and preferences. Basically, a brain shortcut developed by our life experience. The filtering process is a coping mechanism that enables the brain to prioritize and process large amounts of information quickly. The confirmation bias is the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. While the negativity bias is our tendency to notice the negative in a life event more readily while also dwelling on these events.

Cognitive biases are responsible for creating our blindspots in life. By going with the scenarios created by the mind, we eliminate other possibilities. It is estimated that 80% of a typical humans thoughts are negatively oriented. While 95% of thoughts are recycled from the previous day. This sets up a habit of negative thinking. Worse case scenarios were necessary for our ancestors because they potentially saved lives. In modern times, these scenarios protect us mainly from emotional pain. Either way it is the mind’s way of protecting us. Yet, at times it causes more pain due to ruminant thinking. What to do?

As mentioned above, many of the scenarios created by the ego mind are not accurate. Just worse case scenarios. With this reasoning in mind, consider utilizing a process to manage ruminant thinking. Journaling and mindfulness can serve as a very useful way of managing ruminant thinking. Remember a process is a series of actions you take to achieve a desired outcome. In this case, you want to limit ruminant thinking. With negativity and confirmation bias in mind, ruminant thinking is very energy consuming without accurate results most of the time. By increasing your ability to be present with what is, you can ground yourself in the moment with a more open mind. This can bring in other possibilities expanding awareness and easing ruminant thinking. 

Journaling serves as an excellent tool by allowing one to “dump” the circular thoughts onto paper. Reflecting on your written words may help to lessen the emotional wind up bringing about a more rational look at the event. Now here’s where neuroscience explains how this can be such an effective tool. When we are highly emotional over a life event the threat detection system in the brain comes online. It is from this space that many of the negatively oriented story lines arise. By writing your experience onto paper or digital display you can lessen the emotional energy reducing the threatening thoughts. 

With less energy heading in the direction of threat the brain begins to reallocate resources towards the rational networks. Without threat one can bring different scenarios into awareness. Rather than perpetuating a negative storyline, you can open your mind to other possibilities more likely inclusive of a silver lining which can silence the ruminant thought. Here’s the thing…ruminant thoughts are the rabbit holes of the mind. Consuming endless energy removing us from the gift of the present moment. The present moment where the lesson of the event exists.

As Gandhi’s words remind us, “When the ego dies, the soul awakes.” This awakening is an invitation to move beyond the limitations of our egoic mind and into a state of greater awareness and presence. The ego, with its constant chatter and judgment, often keeps us trapped in a cycle of ruminant thinking and emotional turmoil. By recognizing the ego’s role in creating these mental loops, we can begin to disengage from its influence and tap into a deeper sense of self that transcends the habitual narratives we carry.

This journey toward awakening requires a conscious effort to cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness. It involves observing our thoughts without attachment, understanding that they are merely constructs of the mind rather than absolute truths. By practicing mindfulness, we create a space between our thoughts and our reactions, allowing us to choose a more measured and compassionate response to life’s challenges. This practice not only alleviates the stress and anxiety caused by ruminant thinking but also opens the door to new perspectives and possibilities.

Embracing the present moment is a powerful antidote to the ego’s tendency to dwell on the past or worry about the future. When we ground ourselves in the here and now, we align with the flow of life, allowing us to experience it more fully and authentically. This alignment can lead to a state of flow, where we are deeply engaged in the present, and our actions flow effortlessly from a place of inner clarity and purpose. In this state, the ego’s grip loosens, and we can access a deeper, more intuitive wisdom that guides us toward growth and fulfillment.

Journaling is another valuable tool in this process of self-discovery and emotional regulation. By putting our thoughts and feelings into words, we externalize the internal dialogue, making it more tangible and easier to analyze. This act of writing can be incredibly cathartic, helping to release pent-up emotions and clarify our thoughts. It also serves as a record of our inner journey, providing insights into our patterns and triggers. Over time, this practice can help us develop greater self-compassion and understanding, fostering a more balanced and resilient mindset.

Neuroscientific research supports the effectiveness of these practices. When we engage in mindfulness or journaling, we activate the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is associated with rational thinking and emotional regulation. This activation helps to calm the amygdala, the brain’s threat detection center, reducing the intensity of negative emotions and the frequency of ruminant thoughts. By shifting the brain’s focus from fear and negativity to curiosity and openness, we can create a more positive and empowering mental landscape.

Ultimately, the journey toward awakening the soul involves a continual process of letting go of the ego’s dominance and embracing a more expansive and compassionate view of ourselves and the world. It is about cultivating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to our identity. By doing so, we can transform our lives from a constant struggle for validation and control into a joyful exploration of life’s infinite possibilities.

The understanding of the ego is not an end but a beginning—a gateway to a deeper, more meaningful existence. It is an invitation to live with greater authenticity, presence, and love. As we embark on this journey, let’s remember that the path to awakening to this part of us is not a linear one; it is a dance of continuous growth and self-discovery. By embracing the tools and practices that support our inner journey, we can awaken to our true potential and live a life that is rich with purpose and connection.

Alex
August 16, 2024
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