The Ego and The Higher Self

In the realm of self-awareness and personal growth, the concepts of the ego and the higher self often emerge as focal points of exploration. These two aspects of our psyche represent contrasting modes of operation, each exerting its influence on our thoughts, actions, and perceptions. Understanding the differences between operating from the ego versus the higher self can illuminate the paths to fulfillment, inner peace, and authentic connection.

The Ego: A Fragmented Lens

The ego, often portrayed as the voice of self-interest and self-preservation, operates from a place of separateness. It thrives on comparison, judgment, and the need for validation from external sources. When we're operating from the ego, our actions are often driven by fear, insecurity, and the desire to assert dominance or superiority over others.

In this state, we might find ourselves constantly seeking approval, measuring our worth against external benchmarks, and engaging in behaviors aimed at protecting our perceived identity. The ego feeds on division, fostering a sense of "us versus them" and perpetuating cycles of conflict and competition.

Operating from the ego can lead to a life marked by stress, dissatisfaction, and a persistent sense of emptiness. We may become trapped in patterns of seeking validation through material possessions, social status, or the approval of others, only to find that these external markers of success fail to provide lasting fulfillment.

The Higher Self: Unity and Authenticity

In contrast, the concept of the higher self represents our innate connection to something greater than ourselves – a source of wisdom, compassion, and unconditional love. Operating from the higher self involves transcending the limitations of the ego and aligning with our true essence.

When we're in tune with our higher self, we experience a profound sense of unity with all beings and recognize the inherent worth and interconnectedness of every individual. Rather than seeking validation externally, we find validation from within, cultivating a deep sense of self-acceptance and compassion for ourselves and others.

From this vantage point, our actions are guided by values such as empathy, generosity, and authenticity. We no longer feel the need to compete or compare ourselves to others because we understand that our worth is intrinsic and cannot be diminished by external circumstances.

Operating from the higher self fosters a life marked by peace, joy, and meaningful connection. We become attuned to the rhythms of the universe and trust in the unfolding of our journey, knowing that we are supported by a force greater than ourselves.

Navigating the Journey

While the ego and the higher self represent contrasting modes of operation, it's essential to recognize that both are integral parts of the human experience. The journey toward self-awareness and enlightenment involves acknowledging the influence of the ego while cultivating a deeper connection to the wisdom of the higher self.

Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection can help us become more conscious of the ways in which the ego operates in our lives and cultivate a greater alignment with our higher self. By cultivating qualities such as compassion, humility, and gratitude, we can gradually transcend the limitations of the ego and experience life from a place of authenticity and wholeness.

In conclusion, the contrast between operating from the ego versus the higher self highlights the profound impact that our mindset and perspective can have on our experience of life. By cultivating awareness and actively choosing to align with our higher self, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation that leads to greater fulfillment, connection, and inner peace.

This post was written by ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI, from a detailed prompt written by me.

Expanding on this in my own words:

I have loved using ChatGPT as a tool in this creative project. It often spits out exactly what I need after a detailed prompt. This time, however, I'd like to expand on the practical tips and tools component of this post.

The ChatGPT summary states that "practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection" can help in our journey of living more authentically.

To this I would say ... YES, but understanding how trauma impacts the nervous system and sequencing healing appropriately is key.

I have learned a TON these past few years from Irene Lyon (please check out her YouTube and Instagram, and as always, I am not promoting or selling a product, there are zero affiliate links in this blog, and the only content of hers I will share is free content).

She has a free ebook available on her website (irenelyon.com) called 'The 5 Stages of Neuroplastic Healing'. I HIGHLY recommend checking it out, as this will be a very brief summary.

She starts by defining neuroplastic healing as "the capacity of your body, brain, and nervous system, to change, grow, and heal".

She also discusses common forms of trauma, such as injury, abuse, neglect, and being chronically stressed and overstimulated.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have a basic understanding of the biology of neuroplastic healing.

I missed the first few steps of this process and tried to start with the last step for YEARS. It felt like I was treading water.

I won't give away all of the details, because it is her content, but the gist is that some basics must come first before meditation and mindfulness are likely to help.

First, ensuring basic physiological needs are being met. This includes nutrient-rich foods, getting key vitamins and minerals from supplements when needed, clean air and water, movement, and rest. (Side note - I completely understand that getting sound sleep can be VERY difficult when other physiological basics are off - expect an article on sleep disorders in the future, as this dovetails with my medical profession.)

Second, a give and take between activity and rest. Irene lays out these next few stages sequentially, but for me personally, it has absolutely been a back-and-forth.

As I have learned where I am on my nervous system "map", I have learned what helps most in certain circumstances.

When I am in fight/ flight, carrying out that energy to complete tasks is helpful.

When I am in shutdown/ freeze, often resting is most helpful. However, paradoxically, sometimes a hard workout helps the most. Burpees. Lifting heavy weights. Really, really getting sweaty.

Whenever I have had a massive realization, releasing of old stuff, or any other kind of physiological healing shift (and yes, I've learned to tune in and FEEL this), I often experience fatigue followed by a burst of energy and feeling of lightness. This was certainly the case post-EMDR.

So, to summarize, listening to my body, understanding where I am on my "map", and following what feels intuitive to my physiology has been KEY.

The LAST step Irene discusses is "neurodifferentiation/ learning". THIS is the step that involves new modalities like learning to meditate. Once the BODY has released some of the trapped fight/flight/freeze energy and an individual has learned to tap into their internal state, the MIND can begin to harness new tools.

This understanding of our SOMATIC nature as humans, whose body and nervous system state influences thoughts and mood, was incredibly pivotal in my healing journey.

This information has become relatively mainstream, so this may not be new to you, but I'll close with this.

One of the most helpful tools I've learned from Irene is orienting. She has several YouTube videos with guided orienting recordings.

Basically, tuning into the environment. Tuning into the breath, but not trying to change it. Scanning our surroundings and intentionally noticing details.

This skill is like a muscle we can strengthen. It probably won't seem like it is making a difference at first. It didn't for me, but I was consistent with practicing. Over time, orienting became easier, and this skill was pivotal in learning to stay present with emotional discomfort.

Yes. Sitting with discomfort while remaining grounded in the present moment. The key to emotional freedom.

The trouble is, without orienting or an ability to stay present, we aren't capable of sitting with emotional discomfort. We're regretting, ruminating, or anxiously spinning.

The more I've grown my capacity to sit with emotional discomfort, the more I've been able to accept its existence without resisting or trying to change it.

This allows it to run its course. It's incredible. The discomfort becomes like a wave that washes over me and dissipates, leaving a feeling of lightness.

This process leads to less emotional reactivity after subsequent triggers, or in some cases, a complete dissolving of the reactive energy.

There are phenomenal resources available to learn how to do this on your own, although I highly recommend seeking a professional therapist (especially one who has EMDR training) to guide you through this process.

To get back to the original topic of this post, these tools have helped me shed so many layers of past stress, conditioned beliefs, and patterns that were not serving me. Patterns that kept me trapped in my ego.

My 20 something year old self almost wouldn't recognize my current self, and I love that. I am not in my "higher self" all the time, but I certainly feel that I can participate in the world from this authentic standpoint more often and with fewer interruptions. My internal world has become far less affected by my external world.

Thank you for being here!