Ego and Gossip

If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?”

~Buddha~

Observe how the ego reacts when you find yourself immersed in a story that is unfolding. Likely, the voice of ego will be clamoring to share it with someone. Why? It’s interesting to watch how the mind reacts when you consciously choose to say nothing or remain neutral in situations while others are lost in comparison, blame or schadenfreude.

Keep in mind that triggers or emotional reactivity are typically a result of some sort of reflection, deflection or projection. When one is lost in gossip or accusation, their words often speak volumes about their own struggles and wounds. Focusing energy outward is a powerful distraction. As long as the ego can see something “wrong” in another, it is too busy to look within to do the work of healing.

Presence calls upon us to be mindful. Pay attention to what you choose to say today. Is it helpful, uplifting or supportive? The light of your awareness is transformative and will help you to see through the mechanisms of the mind with greater clarity. Once you remove gossip and opinion from your own narrative, you will enter the realm of empowered presence. It is there that peacefulness resides.

Awakening From the Dream

Enlightenment is not about being perfect. It’s the process of experiencing a conscious, empowered life as best you can with what you have from where you are. Anyone can experience higher levels of wisdom, awareness and spiritual connection in meditation or on a mountaintop; however, mastery is bringing that same energy down from the mountain and infusing it into your day-to-day experiences.

There are dreams and desires that play scenarios in the mind. The “What ifs?” and “If onlys…” distract us by constantly projecting an imagined future, replaying the past or distorting our perception of the present moment. When we project our desires and attachments, others simply become a screen that reflects our projection to us, for a time. And then we awaken from the dream thinking “This isn’t what I thought it would be…” and of course it isn’t. It never was.

To be aware means that you are shattering the illusion and flaming passion for life as it is rather than an projected image of what it may or may not be in the future. The ego is a by-product of illusion. As we awaken, we begin to recognize this and experience it’s mechanisms less and less. This is the joy of awakening – discovering the beauty of the Divine within ourselves and everything around us and seeing through the dream.

Facing The Shadow

“When we are aware of our weaknesses or negative tendencies, we open the opportunity to work on them.”
~Allan Lokos~

We have been conditioned to fear the shadow side of life and of ourselves. It’s important to turn and face it; thus transforming it into a powerful aspect of spiritual awakening.

As multifaceted beings, we hold every possibility within us. What we deny within ourselves quietly runs various aspects of our lives, often sabotaging efforts regarding work, abundance, relationships and self-love.

What you react strongly to in another is a reflection of something you do not wish to see or own in yourself. Pay attention – this is the beauty of understanding how we help one another on the journey. It is within these unexamined, darker aspects that our true power lies.

The way to transform our shadows is to shine the light of awareness upon them. From a space of love, choose to stop projecting it onto others (notice words of complaint or blame), release attachment and self-judgement and be gentle with yourself. Healing comes through wholeness and acceptance. We don’t conquer the shadow, we transcend it by approaching life from a higher level of consciousness.

Release Judgement

Judgement, whether directed outward or inward, blocks all possibility of love. One gets caught in the maze of self-deception, believing the reality of their mental projections. The ego wants to distract from honest self assessment and healing; therefore, it spends a lot of time and energy complaining, blaming and judging the world as wrong.

Conscious awareness cultivates the ability to see through the mechanisms of the ego. Rather than getting lost in the story, we purposely pause the cacophony of thought in order to see through dysfunction and utilize opportunities for growth.

Love is demonstrated by consistent, unconditional support. Judgement typically triggers an eg0-driven defensive response causing both parties to become mired in distraction. Rather than pointing out missteps of others, we can focus on the possibility of breakthrough. Gentle advice, words of encouragement or simply holding space are powerful tools.

Those who operate from higher levels of consciousness demonstrate how powerful energy can be when it is not depleted. Focus and peacefulness come from clearing personal triggers, wounds and distractions. Humility, empowerment, and awareness are emitted by those who know and appreciate their own value and way of being in the world. This is a powerful place to reside.

Projections

Things are often far different than they appear. I interpret unkindness as a cry for help. The person who lashes out is demonstrating their own pain, misery and self-hatred for all to see. When we respond with judgment, defense or hatred of our own, we miss an opportunity to bring light to the situation. Any clash of ego can solidify that person’s particular script, thus reinforcing their original dysfunction.

As awakening souls, we have an opportunity and an obligation to do things differently. When on the receiving end of an attack, do your best not to drop into a lower state of consciousness. Choose to listen with an open heart. Take a pause and see if you can see past the pain to the core of truth and respond to that instead. Most likely, the energy will not dissipate immediately. In fact, it may temporarily increase because the others’ egoic need to fight is being thwarted.

As with anything in your life experience, once you become aware that projection is in play, it can be utilized as a powerful aspect of transformation. Like a consistent drop of water that eventually impacts the shape of stone, your light and consciousness brings change to the world.