EGO
So much of spiritual sentiment in the 21st century is wrapped up in “transcending the ego” — the aspect of Self that is rooted in humanness, validation and is ultimately formed as a tool for self-protection for navigation on this earth. We asked our speakers to elucidate on the depth of the “ego” as both a friend and a foe in our lives. The ego requires consistent attention, nurturing and self-reflection; and a healthy ego can allow us to be bold in our choices, in our self-belief and expression of ourselves. On the other hand, it can also risk us being judgmental, self-deprecating or cynical in the chaos of this world. We rarely stoke the fire of this topic from a place of honesty; as an unbridled ego usually stems from a place of embedded internal fear. We are very interested in understanding the ego as a part of us that we can foster to guide us — much like our intuition — with the utmost care for ourselves, each other and this reality that we share.
“The ego is something we have to grapple with on a daily basis — I think this is why it is such a heavy topic. All I can do is be honest, even though it is not so easy. To confront one’s ego is a constant spiritual practice, that requires constant nurturing. Part of soothing the ego is to not be so reactionary; it is to forgo impulsivity.”
— Keenan Oaks
“The ego is your sense of self-importance and self-esteem. It greatly affects the way you perceive this world, and it is one of the most fundamental pillars of the human experience. I haven’t had the best experiences of my ego, or others — in which it becomes a kind of a defense mechanism especially if it is developed out of trauma.”
— Hassna Ait Taleb
“I am thinking about how I am going to be portrayed or what I might say be received — the irony is that my ego is already concerned as I am speaking. I feel like ego is this safety net, this thing we can hide behind, but it also makes us quite fragile. I feel that the ego is hugely vulnerable; and as I try to gather my thoughts, I realize my ego directs me to presenting myself “perfectly” or “in control”.
— Jono Dry
