In Episode 4 of this series, we will focus on dissolving the ego, thereby increasing our capacity for gratitude and compassion.

What does it feel like when your ego begins to manifest itself?

Sometimes there’s a prickle that starts in your chest or your stomach. Sometimes there’s a sharp pain in your head or in your heart.

Your ego is telling you that you’re under attack. It’s time to defend yourself. It’s time to assert your point. You need to respond immediately. You must get the last word.

Your ego makes you think everything that someone else does is about you. It makes you question yourself. How can them like me? What if I sound stupid? Are they misunderstanding me? Are they insulting me?

Your ego tells you that there are different hierarchies in the world and you better be near the top. To be happy, you need to have a higher paying job. Better education. Smarter friends. A more attractive spouse or partner. You better show yourself having more fun.

By puffing yourself up to the external world, your ego makes you feel small. You feel like you have imposter syndrome. You feel like no one understands you. You can’t fill the void with shiny new things any more. You feel like the world is against you. Or perhaps you feel like others are here to serve you.

If you’ve reach this point, it’s clear. Your ego has been at your side far too long and it’s time to dissolve it.

How do you dissolve this lifelong companion?

First, you take a good long look at it. Shine a light on it so it can’t hide. Examine it. Not with fear or loathing but with gentle curiosity. See your ego and recognize that it was trying to make you better, to help you, to protect you. Recognize that it did those things in the only ways it knew how. Look at your ego with gratitude and compassion.

Now. Let it go. Tell your ego, it’s ok to rest. Tell your ego, I’ll take it from here. 

Release your ego and start to feel the emotions that used to be masked by pride or defensiveness. Feel your uncertainty. Feel your fear. Feel your vulnerability. Resist the urge to call your ego back. You’ve got this.

Sit with your uncertainty. Sit with your fear. Sit with your vulnerability. Know that these are human emotions. Know that others feel them too. Deeply feel these emotions and let them gently flow through you. 

As you start to release these emotions, you’re making space for gratitude and compassion. Be thankful for what you have. Feel grateful for the people who care for you. Show appreciation for the little things as well as the big things.

Slowly, your ego will fade further and further away. 

Slowly, you’ll begin to love yourself. Truly love yourself.

You’ll no longer be puffing yourself up in proud and egocentric sort of way.

Instead, you’ll fully love yourself with kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. You’ll love yourself with quiet confidence.

As you continue on this journey, don’t forget to give yourself a hug.

Without your ego, you can be content and at peace.

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My name is Lesley, and I am the host of Authenblissity Meditations.

Authenblissity Meditations are original guided meditations to cultivate self-awareness and self-love. In each meditation, we will focus on developing an aspect of kindness and compassion, towards ourselves and those around us.

Please visit www.authenblissity.com if you would like to learn more.