Today I have been reflecting upon events that I call "ego challenges". These challenges are moments when we have an opportunity to make a choice between feeding our ego and taming it. By recognizing our ego challenges, we find opportunities for developing our inner confidence.
We feed our ego when...
...we compare our accomplishments, appearance, status, etc. to those of others.
...insecurity causes us to respond defensively to another person or situation.
...we make decisions based upon how we want to be perceived rather than choosing what we truly want.
...we make excuses for our decisions rather than standing in our power.
...we say what we think others want to hear instead of expressing ourselves honestly.
...we don't accept responsibility for the consequences of our decisions.
...we ignore our higher self and the need for feeding our spirit.
Spiritual development happens from engaging in activities that open our creativity, deepen our sense of connection and strengthen our feelings that we are part of a community. Spiritual practices are a vital part of creating your balance as a whole and healthy person. Such practices include:
-helping others in your community
-writing poetry
-dancing
-singing
-hiking or walking outdoors
-creating artwork
-appreciating the artwork of others
-watching a live theatre or music performance
-gardening
-meditation
-mindfulness practices
-breathing exercises
-religious activities
-reading (the kinds of books will vary depending on the individual and what they identify as spiritual development)
-taming competitive impulses
We all have to check our egos for personal growth. Pay attention to the moments when you feel like someone else is challenging your knowledge. Be okay with others assuming that you know less than you do. Focus your attention outward and think more about how to help others than about what others can do for you. You will be surprised how wonderful the world becomes when your ego is not controlling you.
We feed our ego when...
...we compare our accomplishments, appearance, status, etc. to those of others.
...insecurity causes us to respond defensively to another person or situation.
...we make decisions based upon how we want to be perceived rather than choosing what we truly want.
...we make excuses for our decisions rather than standing in our power.
...we say what we think others want to hear instead of expressing ourselves honestly.
...we don't accept responsibility for the consequences of our decisions.
...we ignore our higher self and the need for feeding our spirit.
Spiritual development happens from engaging in activities that open our creativity, deepen our sense of connection and strengthen our feelings that we are part of a community. Spiritual practices are a vital part of creating your balance as a whole and healthy person. Such practices include:
-helping others in your community
-writing poetry
-dancing
-singing
-hiking or walking outdoors
-creating artwork
-appreciating the artwork of others
-watching a live theatre or music performance
-gardening
-meditation
-mindfulness practices
-breathing exercises
-religious activities
-reading (the kinds of books will vary depending on the individual and what they identify as spiritual development)
-taming competitive impulses
We all have to check our egos for personal growth. Pay attention to the moments when you feel like someone else is challenging your knowledge. Be okay with others assuming that you know less than you do. Focus your attention outward and think more about how to help others than about what others can do for you. You will be surprised how wonderful the world becomes when your ego is not controlling you.