Calling over from the `Carnival of Creative Growth’ to say how much I enjoyed your article.

Admin Note: Accidentally Deleted, so putting it back in!

Hello Albert,
This is actually a copy of an email I just wrote
you, and then duhhhhhhhh it dawned on me
that I should have said this to you in a comment
on this post.

I was so impressed with this article:

You have articulated the ego and exposed it for what it is.
How many glorious moments are we held back from in this
life because ego loves status quo. !!!!!!

Something that sort of bothered me from the ego post was this….
Within that article 2 different times you mentioned that
you were not enlightened. Then I read the line on your
front page that you are not an enlightened master.

Maybe it’s just my take on the word itself. I certainly don’t
view myself as a enlightened master, but I feel there are
levels of enlightenment. I just want to invite you to entertain
that idea that you CERTAINLY have attained level of enlightenment.

My daughter Nicole is 25 and she has a level of spiritual awareness
( or enlightenment ) that most her age do not share.

Yet she is often times frustrated with other people who won’t even
consider some topics that intrigue her thinking on a daily basis.
I have explained to her things in this way….

“Honey, it’s like those people are deep asleep. They are choosing to
remain asleep and no amount of yelling, or talking or anything
is going to have an effect upon them.

Every now and then you come across a person who is on your
level. They are your kindred spirits. They reflect back to you
nearly the same journey that you are on.

And……… sometimes, we come across someone who is not in
such a deep sleep…. our talking and sharing with them is just
the wake up ~nudge~ they needed.

I feel that ‘enlightenment’ can be explained in levels too.
If you were to explain yourself as ‘not enlightened’ that would
point to the person deep asleep, and you just can not say that
about yourself Albert. :)))))))))))

It’s absolutely essential to forward progress that we hold
ourselves in the best light possible.

I have not read all that many articles on your blog, but I have
it bookmarked. Still I have the sense that you have overcome
a huge dark night of the soul and it is your mission to share
with the world the NEW and IMPROVED Albert. Or should I
say the NEW and IMPROVING Albert……. We are all improving
every single day. There is no snooze button and there is no
totally going back to sleep once you are ‘enlightened’.

It was Slade’s blog post, Psychic Channels,
Signals, and Noise
http://sladeroberson.com/praye…..noise.html
that started me thinking about how the ego
was getting in the way of my connection
to my Spirit Guides.

It was this article that then came through and
nudged me to make a post on my own blog
about the way ego was holding me back
from that connection.

Thank you !!! Thank you !!!!
With Deep Respect and Regards,
XO XO
Deb

You did an awesome job describing the Ego Mind and how to take dominion over our thoughts - Great post!!

I liked the article. It was clear. Even if it is a little long, no need to change formatting or pagination.

Thank you,

Jean

Great article. Well organized and very clear. Very helpful. Thanks a lot

Loved reading your article. Great insights, well presented, quite thorough, lenght is fine with me. Here are a couple thoughts I have. I would have loved to read about the ego at work with love and beeing in love.

On a personal note for you: You mention you are not enlightened quite a few times, although this may be good for you to remain humble, it also may keep you in that reality.

Thank you for sharing your insights. Namaste

Awesome post, I love reading about these type of subjects. There aren’t many blogs out there that talk about these type of things, thumbs up

Hey.
Going through terrible heart break and all your examples of love help so much, make me unidentify with heart break? However am still a little confused. I would still like to find love. Without being attached to the label of love, how does one manifest it and let it emanate from the core of one’s being??

I LOVE YOUR WRITING AND WAS VERY HELPFULL TO ME AND OTHERS I SHOWED THIS TO THANK YOU.

KEEP IT UP:P

you are so welcome! lol i should thank you! for writing this and all the others i been read it all but it might take me sometime lol but i will read it.
I really hope you don’t mind that i should it to other people. they thought it help them too.

THANKS AGIAN!

Helping them helps you? thats very cool and nice of you to think like that.

Albert:

This was an absolutely fascinating article, one of many I’ve read at your blog. I read the ENTIRE article in one sitting. That tells you how much time I have on my hands today.

Not only was it extremely well written but it truly gave me a chance to make sense of what my ego is all about. The value and power of letting thoughts slide through my consciousness and out the door. The idea of how everything just is. I look at a lamp and see it just as it is.

Fascinating, fascinating piece. Loved it.

One suggestion for you. Since this is a WP platform, you might want to consider that for every link you provide, make it pop up in another window when the user clicks on it. Why? Because the reader won’t lose his place where he left off to check the link, especially if the article is very long and/or there are many links. Just food for thought.

There are lots of people for and against that idea. I, for one, have made it a consistent habit to help my readers not lose his/her place when checking on a link.

Again, GREAT article. I am going back to the beginning to stumble it for you. That’s how much I loved it.

This post great. Its informative and really thought-provoking. I especially like your “visuals.” It may make sense to create a series of ego-related posts because some people may find the length of this one a bit daunting. Keep up the wonderful reflections. Its uplifting to share lessons learned in ways that information is offered. Readers can choose to take in what they choose.

Hello Albert,
As you are surely noticed, this time at your site I am taking a little more time to jump around and read more of what you have shared.
Here is this post about ego I again experience from yourself and from many of the comments what I can only describe as a multiple-personality-disorder type relationship to this “thing” we call the ego.

What is the ego? What actually is it? Is there an IT we can call ego?
Is the ego purely a linguistic misappropriation? The English word “ego” is derived directly from the Latin word ego which translates to the word “I”.
This is something you and I have discussed at some length over on the post at http://www.urbanmonk.net/70/ho.....ss-part-1/

What is this “I” we are so afraid of and messed around by? And who is it getting messed around by this ego, this “I”? As Alan Watts once said, “Who is it that knows there is no ego?” — with regards to someone who thinks they are now beyond their ego or got rid of it.

Do we force a child to overcome and get rid of its childlike nature? Okay, yes some people do, but in generally it’s not something developmental psychologist would recommend nor what any truly loving parent would do. For now this human being is “a child”. She won’t always be this way, but for now this is how it is. Yet this dear child does not mature by squashing and getting rid of her child-nature. No, in my observation, that child-nature evolves and develops over time and as it begins to incorporate more and more of what being an adult Human means within her particular society she matures into that also (or some variation of it). The child in her does not get squashed, rather it incorporates the prevailing (social/human) reality around it and matures. So too the seed is not overcome by the germ, nor the germ overcome by the sprout, nor the sprout overcome by the seedling, and so on. The seed simply incorporates into its being a greater/fuller expression of the potential it represents until eventually it fulfils it purpose as a seed bearing tree or what have you.

Is this ego, this “I” within us not also a seed? Is it not also like the child?
Yes, the child has to be guided and directed so that it might develop in such a way that is can deal with the day-to-day realities of the world in which it was born. It has to be told not to cross the road when cars are racing by, and so on. Is this ego within Man not like this child?

I’ve observed what happens to people who were demonised as children, in that they were forced not to be children and “made” to grow up. My observation is that people raised in this way are deeply traumatised inside and have a very challenging time coming to terms with themselves. I could go on, but I don’t think it’s required. I am sure you know people in this situation, Perhaps you were raised in this way, or someone you know?

I suspect the same goes for the ego that is squashed and denied and “gotten rid of”. This aspect of the human self will reassert its influence. Not because it’s a persistent little shit, but rather because it’s an innate aspect of what it means to be Human. Just as being a child early in our life is an innate part of being Human — and many people as adults now try to rekindle a sense of love and relationship with their “inner child” precisely because it was squashed out of them without allowing that aspect of their psyche to mature in its own natural way.

I see you suggested to Loreena to “please be careful of demonising the ego” yet you also go on to say “it is normal for the ego to want to come back”. Yet this implies the ego is something we get rid of and that it is something which will then try to reassert itself. Again we are back to the proposition that here we are dealing with some form of multiple personality disorder! One part of me wants this, the other part of me wants that, and this this ego, well it wants me to go and do such and such…” I think modern man is suffering not from his ego but perhaps from a form of schizophrenia. What about you?

I really enjoy your writing. I like the fact you share so much as you do, and I encourage you to continue feeling more deeply into this “I” within you, and see where it takes you. And consider who is this “you” being taken “there”!! and where is that exactly?

Welcome to the Mysterium Tremendum.

Hi Albert,

Thanks for your article explaining the whats & the hows of the Ego in such a vivid way. Really liked the Photoshop circles too!

But what I missed in your article was the possible ‘dangers’ of a Spiritual Journey… wanting to let go of the Ego can also be quite dangerous if you’re not well-balanced enough! And a lot of people tired of being hit & hurt by the things happening to them in their life (or perpetuated hurt caused by their negative filters) often want a change by clinging on to meditation or other forms of Seeking Themselves. But by doing so the tension between the Ego & the Self (another ego-duality of the less conscious one, I guess) might raise peak levels which may be harmful to body and/or mind.

When saying something you always mention something about yourself, so I guess I too am talking about myself… So here we go: I was tired of all these millions of thoughts raging through my mind, almost taking control of me (me, the imbalanced person), so a year and a half ago I decided to join a Vipassana meditation course (more info: http://www.dhamma.org) (it, the Meditation that was going to help me gain more Inner Peace) - Imbalanced >< Meditation, another Duality... On this course Something awakened in me which was at the same time frightening and blissful: It put my body in different positions causing mental & physical pains, made me feel very insecure, confused. I felt heat and cold, couldn't breathe properly, at certain moments had trillions of thoughts replacing the millions I had before, but times of inner peace as well... I don't have the time and the space to go in detail, but later I found out that this was the Awakening of Kundalini in me (a rollercoaster ride into the Occult). I guess that my inner strength & some good friends I could talk to saved me from going bananas, although I think I'm currently a bit of a banana (but that's ok!)...

I know I'm being a bit vague here, but if you like to know more about people that had a similar Kundalini experience I suggest the wonderful website: http://www.kundalini-teacher.com.

Albert, thanks for such an insightful article!!

I printed it out and took the pages with me for my vacation. I read your article sitting in a sunny beach and it was an incredible experience. I felt a great sense of mindfulness while reading it — I actually felt like I detached from my ego for a few moments — amazing feeling!

Thanks for this insightful article Albert. This is the second time I read it. The ego can be quite a sophisticated artist.

You have mentioned thoughts and feelings made negative my the mind and ego. I ‘m curious about your experience with the other side of that coin. The thoughts and feelings of love that float by.

I have found myself using a magnifying glass over these to fill my consciousness with them. Works great at first quite an exhilirating and blissfull experience until the ego sets in and wants to grab, renew and hold on to these experiences. Then they either vanish or turn into a longing or an intense burning desire that could easilly drive one insane. Have you had experience with these? I’d love to read more about it.

Hey!
Great article, I’m going through some odd times in my life in achieving peace and enlightenment and my God, you have done a very well job in clearing things up with, I thought ego was just a small thing like showing off or like being boastful. But wow. thank you. You have made me a subscriber to your stuff
Much love and appreciation.

i must say that getting rid of the ego is one of the hardest things that human being can do because ultimately when you rid yourself from your ego nothing in life would be so hard, ya know?
i cant wait to get rid of this damn ego sometimes mine runs so freely and when i do take notice i get so frustrated! but ur blog did really help and i appreciate thetime you took to wright this, keep up the great work

god bless!

Great post. This is what I needed to see that I can keep going. Hopefully you have more.

WOW!

this is great! it reads great and is very understandable, at the same time being so true.

looking forward to reading more articles from you!

This reminds me very much of Robert Anton Wilson’s “reality tunnel” lectures

I’d recommend reading Robert Anton Wilson’s most popular book, Prometheus Rising.

His Reality Tunnel writings (well, ‘Reality Tunnels’ were actually penned by Timothy Leary and popularised by Wilson) are basically about how we all have our own ‘tunnel’ through which we view life, with our own filters based upon our beliefs and disbeliefs (both about ourselves and others). It kind of branches out into more further-reaching territory but I think the idea is along the same lines. The combination of that and your article kind of allowed what the idea of the ‘ego’ is to click into place for me

Great clarity Albert.

The one of few thing that differetiate humans from animals is the
abillity to OBSERVE ower own ego and behaviour, then to
make DECISIONS.
To observe I mean to be conscious of…

That is a great gift to us Albert.

It is sad there are some people that live their entire lives without
this knowledge and never using these previlages.

You do realize that The Observer/Consciousness is a Lesson Loop?
The living organism (human) theaching itself to BE.
The Universe is Conscious of Itself Through US.
(We are the creations of the universe)
*It’s my theory so judge me

So being Aware or Conscious of something, especially to owerself is the GREATEST power we humans have.

I am very greatfull to be a conscious specie of evolution.
(And its only the begining of it)

*Consciousness = Momenterily closing a LOOP
(Don’t think about it to hard you’ll might go insane {I was close} )

Thanks Albert for adding to my Quest for Self-Control.

You may be right albert.
Maybe there is no watcher, maybe there is no consciousness.
Maybe its all concepts in ower minds?

But the important thing is HOW can I use this “abillity” to my advantage and accelerate the growth and control over my own mind
in the FASTEST and EASIEST way possible.

This is the first steps to change and growth, is:
AWARENESS and SEPERATION.
(Emotional Mastery, EGO Removal)

It all talks about DISSOLVING unwanted Emotions and Character.
(I’m almost clean )
I neen the “Tools” to BUILD one easilly and fast.

Can you help me Albert?

Hi,
Brilliant! You cuaght & taught me from the first paragraph.
What an exciting journey I’m about to take.
Thank you
Sue

Funny thing is, im reading the last book of eckhart’s The New Earth and half way there but not quite fully understand all the meanings, however by googling it, i found this page and you really expand few meanings into visual (circle object and filters) which made things more clear to me. Thank you.

Frank

My 50 cent for what i think about “The Core”: is indiscussable only you are the only person can feel it.

Hi Albert,
Thank you for an absolutely riveting post. I loved your husband and wife analogy which helped explain much in a very concise way. At the end of your post I found what I did not realize I was looking for.

Last year I moved back to London from USA. I left my family (wife & daughter) with all money, property and possessions, save $25 for the train journey from London Airport and a bag of clothes. I had identified with my success and the money that came with that for too long. As a result I had become spiritually bankrupt. For the last year I have lived on less than 5% of my previous income (so just enough to cover my food and lodging but no more). I have eshewed work, instead spending the time trying to regain some of the spiritual self I know was once a part of me.
I did this on instinct, and so I thank you for explaining that all I have done is to remove part of my ego, and that I am not (as some have said) insane. I do know that I am today a much happier person and certainly more at peace with myself and the world at large. I also know that I will be returning to some form of work and be able to appreciate and enjoy my family and myself more.
Thank you
John
P.S. although I dwelt on the last paragraph of your post I found it all absolutely fascinating and could not put it down.

Hi Albert, nice post u did here…really helped me out in balancing myself in life…had some serious problems dealing with ego…But after reading your post i was clearer in understanding ego.Thank you for this great post…
And a small doubt i would like to ask also…regarding your reply to Mr Tuan…the one below here…

Albert

Hi Tuan, I agree with you. I actually think there are two paths to this:
1) replace all the negative ego parts with positive ones
2) remove the ego altogether and rely on intuition
I’m leaving the choice up to the reader, and I’ve drafted posts detailing both paths ready to be posted once the Aristotle series is over.

Thanks for visiting!

My question…

2)u said “remove the ego altogether and rely on intuition” which means we try to not become attached to whatever we identified ourselves with is it Albert?or how do we do this actually?

Hie Mr. Albert, thank you for such a quick reply…appreciate it lots…;) thanks for the links to the awesome websites too…i am eager to find more information about the non-dualistic understandings…thank you for sharing the info…keep up the good work friend…i guess it helps many of us, really…

Dear Albert,

I asked a question to the universe and the answer I got was your web site! I cannot thank you enough for you. I read your article on the ego. I understand about the thoughts passing through and all…….I have a question….if I may? If someone upsets you,do some thing right? I spoke to them of my feelings and a few comments made hurt the ego! Ok,if even after speaking your problem out to the person/s it continues…..does that mean i accept that that’s how the person is?or do i change?it seems like We do so much for this person and don’t get much acknowledgement yet this person does so much for other people that don’t do as much? I know this is the ego talking……BUT WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE WHEN EVEN AFTER SORTING OUT THE PROBLEM IT STILL OCCURS PLUS YOU CAN’T AVOID THIS PERSON AS THEY ARE FAMILY? I am confused. i hope your not after all that! If you can,can you help suggest an answer? Thank you.

hie Mr Albert,
just want to clarify a doubt that came to me, u wrote that all your writings are not about Enlightenment and Spirituality…but most of it sounds like its Spiritual…say for example this page u wrote on ego…is it not related to Spirituality at all?

Hi Albert,

How are you? You are a busy man on this forum Alb, anyways Its been awhile i havent been here, but yeah i checked out that Kenton Whitman website and been reading a bit, it has been interesting!
Appreciate your sharing, thanks again.

Frank

Message Reply from:
Albert

Hi Frank! Thanks for the compliment I agree with the Core - it’s indescribable, beyond the duality of language, I’ve read. Again, I’ve been recommending http://www.kentonwhitman.com for stuff like this - he knows what he’s talking about.

Apr 3rd, 2008

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The part with “I am” is great. I have come to this realization differently but when I read it here it made me happy and put a smile on my face to know that others realized the “I am” as well. Thanks albert for posting this article.

Sure I’ll share. Just like you said that the “I” inside of the body and mind controls both. The one that controls the body and the mind is the actual you. I came to this through a different point of view and that is simply just the basic fact that no human on earth has ever gotten to pick and choose their mind and body (size,color,….etc), or at least I don’t ever recall doing that. Not your parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts or even the people you know. So how is something that you call “mine or me” really you to begin with if “you” never chose it? I know when the time comes when I have children, I as a parent will also have no say on what he or she will “be”. This has lead me to feel as if all people are as one, or the same, in the very essence of just being human. I find that just being here and living, regardless of class, color, size…etc, is truley the way to live since we had no choice to begin with. Thanks again albert.

much appreciated mate!

This is a great article. You did an excellent job explaining. Keep up the awesome work.

The information you presented in this article correlates to a trail of events in my past that began subconsciously. Meaning, I didn’t consciously put forth the effort to accomplish/ become/ reach my core - rather, my core just seemingly started fighting with my ego to rid the Self of it. I’m assuming because it was a subconscious effort that it took the length of time that it did - it began in 2003 and I wasn’t consciously aware of what was happening until earlier this year (2008).

Approximately 5 years - it was substantially emotionally painful, which if I understand correctly, was the ego’s pain because it needs control for survival and it didn’t want to lose control.

I read this earlier on another site. “…it can be substantially painful … but everyone I know that has gone through it wouldn’t trade it in.”

Have a great 22nd friend (=

Albert,

Great post by the way. Seems very well organized and very easy to understand/read. I have a few questions off the bat:

1) What is the origin of the ego? Did we become infected with it? Did it develop somehow before we incarnated here on Earth? Was having the ego voluntary? Just curious if you had found any theories/writings on this.

2) Are you familiar with Ken Wilbur’s works? If not, they may be something you may find interesting regarding Consciousness Evolution/Development.

Cheers,

Chad