Have you ever stopped to think about the things you might try if it wasn't for your ego?
They might include:
* Taking a dance class
* Volunteering
* Writing a poem
* Being honest with a friend
* Asking someone out on a date
* Pursuing your dream job
* Trying an art class
* Smiling more
* Give a compliment
* Laughing more
* Learning a new language
* Giving a stranger a hug
* Joining a gym
* Exploring a spiritual practice or faith
* Wearing a bathing suit
* Take up an instrument
* Sing louder
* Criticizing and judging less
Okay - I need to cut the list somewhere - but it could go on and on! Do any of those activities resonate with you?
Odds are, if any of those activities look desirable to you, and you are not pursuing it - it is because your ego has jumped in the way. Yes - the ego! The voice inside your head that sounds just like you - but in reality - is not you at all. Actually, it is the voice inside your head that prevents you from being YOU!
The ego is so clever and deceptive because it shows up in what appears to be our own thoughts - cloaked in fear, doubt, cynicism, and apathy. The ego takes all of those things that would actually make you a better person - and tricks you into thinking, "I would never be good at that," "What a waste of time!" "I'll look like a fool!" "People would think I am silly." "I don't have enough time or money." "I wasn't born with those talents." "I'll try that one day - once I do the important stuff!"
The ego is a purpose killer! If you are able to articulate your life purpose and passion - the ego will be right there standing in your way!
So, what's the answer? DO IT ANYWAY!!!
Fall flat on your face. Look like a fool. Be judged. Realize your poems aren't that good. Spend too much on your trip. Get rejected. Be laughed at. Feel uncomfortable.
Yup - all of those could happen - but with no ego to stand in the way - does it really matter?
BRUISE THAT EGO!
Bruise it good! In the process, you might just find, that as unpleasant as it is to get your ego stepped on - it doesn't even come close to trying and pursuing the things you love.
Is your ego getting in the way of your true happiness?
Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Unselfish ambition, noble life-motives, and purity,-- these constituents of thought, mingling, constitute individually and collectively true happiness, strength, and permanence."
How important is your ego to you?
So, your goal today is to take a chance, get out of your comfort zone, follow an impulse - basically anything that might BRUISE THAT EGO!
Let me know how it goes :)
Much love,
Travis
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Monday, July 30, 2007
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4 comments:
Travis
thanks for the great encouragement! All of us can contribute more and have more fun doing it than we're used to thinking.
miles
Good encouragement, difficult to put into practice.
I'm not sure how "I don't have enough time or money" comes from the ego. I understand the other 'excuses', but this one seems more driven by logic than ego. (Unless, of course, you really *do* have enough time and money, and the ego is just using that to talk you out of it.) But if you truly do lack free time and funds, isn't that a legitimate problem? (Or maybe this is my ego trying to defend itself...)
KJC,
Thanks for the question - and let me try to give you my thoughts. I think people have very legitimate time and money justifications, but I think that when we want something bad enough - we always find time and we always find the money (most of the time).
I think the ego likes to take our justifiable circumstances and turn them into excuses that we no longer push against. We then can reconcile our own insecurities with statements like, " I don't have time," or "I don't have money." They are so justifiable, most people won't argue with you.
But, if we really wanted something, might we be able to find time by letting other less important things go. The same with money, is it possible to make some adjustments in favor of being able to do something so much more enriching.
The ego will say "no," but I believe a solution with the motive of improving your purpose can always be found.
Thanks again!
Travis
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