The Power of the Ego

In chapters 2/3 of "The New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle we learn about the ego. As he explains it, the ego is a false sense of self based on forms (identification with things).

The egoic mind is completely conditioned by the past in:

1) Content: conditioned by your environment, surroundings, culture (jobs, etc...)
2) Structure: identification with things (the ego seeks things to identify with - no matter what it is as a form of self validation)

Wanting is more important to the ego than having. Anytime you feel superior or inferior to others it is always the ego! Interestingly, Tolle explains that what we react to in another we strengthen in ourselves. In other words, the force of your reaction is a good indication to you of what you might need to work on in yourself.

So how do we start to become more satisfied with who we are and what we have? By stopping the illusion of seeking fulfillment in the future and/or past. The thing that is of prime importance in our lives is the present moment. The ego lives through past and future and not in the present moment. We need to start making THIS moment the primary moment in our lives. By living in alignment with the present moment you begin to find peace. Even when you don't like where you are you must start with acceptance because your action becomes empowered by this alignment with the present moment.

A practical way to connect to the present moment = pay attention to your breath!

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