Sacrificing the Ego: The Great Human Practice

Last September in New Mexico while bringing the yoga and meditation retreat, I had been hosting for the last five days to completion a participant said something unexpected. She thanked me for all the sacrifices I made to create the retreat and hold space for a group of seekers exploring the possibilities of healing. The word sacrifice is what stood out for me. My initial thought reaction to the word was, I did not have to sacrifice anything for this week. Sure, it takes effort to organize, plan and schedule a retreat but this week is the most nourishing week of my year. I look forward to retreating and sharing the power of nature with others, and it helps sustain me financially. Sacrifice, what I did for this retreat was definitely not that.

With my reaction being what it was I knew I had to put on my Yoga Polarity Therapy glasses to see more.

The word sacrifice was clearly a trigger for me, I instantly denied. Polarity Therapy and Yoga teaches us that this is the place of potential, the place of a trigger, the moment we close the door on something is the moment we can expand what we already know and believe to be true. I recognized this and let the word roll around in my awareness the next morning while packing my car with the last of the books, essential oils and props used to support our week of journeying. I did not shut down and tell myself she was wrong, nor did I bathe in the praise of what she said. Instead I opened the possibility for learning, I asked myself, what is it that she saw, can I see it too?

Not before long that light bulb of enlightenment that hovers above all our heads turned on. I could see what she was seeing. Ego, she was able to witness the giving up of my untamed ego in order to provide for the group. Once I googled the word, I could understand a broader meaning and a sacrifice indeed it was, of pride, of personal agenda, of wanting to be seen a certain way by others and of wanting participants to have a certain experience.

The untamed ego is the great sacrifice needed to be made by humans if we are to discover a more sustainable way to live. To surrender, renounce or give up your untamed ego for the sake of something else provides you with the most tender and sacred of all human experiences. Giving up your untamed ego allows you to receive balance, wellness, friendship, compassion, beauty and peace. Once the grip on your untamed ego is loosened you can begin to live with authenticity and honesty, experiencing more satisfaction throughout each day.

I feel it is important to note that in its most basic and neutral state, the ego is neither good nor bad. The ego is simply the thinking mind, but we all know that some thoughts are sabotaging to our self and others and some thoughts are sacred prayers for healing. To know the state of your ego is to know the state of your emotions. So, what is the difference between an untamed and tamed ego? Here is a list that is in no way complete but will help you get the picture.

An untamed ego manifests in these ways…..

1.      Gets defensive

2.      Takes things personally

3.      Places blame on others

4.      Believes this is how it is, this is how it’s always been, this is how it always will be

5.      Takes pride in and desires to be better then another

6.      Believes in different levels of worthiness

7.      Uses the word should

A tamed ego manifests in these ways…..

1.      Is humbled enough to listen to another’s story in order to learn

2.      Does not take things personally, understanding there is more to someone then this moment

3.      Takes responsibility and holds itself accountable, understanding its role in the situation

4.      Is willing to grow and change beyond what is and what has been

5.      Believes in reciprocity with all things

6.      Appreciates the beauty of something and therefor leaves it in place for others to experience

7.      Is prepared to learn what it is still ignorant of

Use this list as a guide to help you understand what state your ego is in. With this awareness you can navigate the situation, the conversation with more grace and ease. To recognize the state of your ego is the beginning practice on being human. We are the only species we know of with a mind that works in this way. The tamed ego is our greatest asset, it is the great human superpower and it is only a thought away.

Peace,

Irene