Many spiritual teachers have referenced the antics of the EGO and its ability to distract you from God. Your EGO or “Edging God Out” needs to have you as the center of your life: your needs, wants, desires, position and esteem, all of it, right smack in the middle of your life. Basically saying, “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine.” It involves expectations and assumptions along with deservedness. The EGO is like a spoiled child; the more you give it, feed it, nurture it and protect it, the more it wants. It is never satisfied and is addicted to the drug of approval. It exists in fear and pride.
The EGO feeds off of past and future fears, doubts and worries: “What will other people think?” It can’t exist when you make the choice to be acutely aware and present to the life in front of your face. Can you recognize the antics of the EGO within you? Know that your boat will sink if you live by the EGO’s demands: “I need to be seen, heard, esteemed, acknowledged and praised in order to feel good about myself.” The need to be right, liked and understood creates a constant internal churning that robs you of your ability to relax in the space of un-attachment and confidence. EGO will say, "I'm not OK, safe and confident if I don't have this...particular outcome, item or situation." The spirit says, "Happiness arises with or without this because of who I am. I am ok with or without this, that or the other thing, yet I choose to go for it anyway." The EGO says to another human being, "You make me happy." The Spirit says, "Happiness arises when we are together." Remember a simply truth for less stress in life: no one or no thing is responsible for your sense of wellbeing and happiness unless you give it the power of that position. Once you do, know that you will become vulnerable to rising an falling depending upon how the world judges you, responds to you at any specific moment in time.
Vulnerability, on the other hand, is birthed through the trials in life and exists in presence, humility and love. Vulnerability evokes love instantly within the human heart. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, on any level in life, you open yourself up to instant connection with humanity. Think about it, the moments in life when you are deeply moved by the suffering of an animal or human being connects you to their vulnerability. Instinctively, love is your response.
When I walked around bald throughout my chemo treatments, I witnessed this on a daily basis. The outpouring of random acts of kindness, due to my willingness to be vulnerable, was profound. The expressions of love through gifts, cards, coffee, meals, words of affirmation, smiles, embraces all left me in awe at the power vulnerability possesses to unleash love in the heart. I often reflect on this when I contemplate the silent, holy night when God entering the world as a baby—the ultimate expression of vul¬nerability and love.
“Dear God, protect me from compliments and complaints that I may remain steadfast in my ability to hear your voice over worldly static.”
Lauren E Miller, Stress Relief/Personal Excellence Educator; Founder and Managing Partner of Grab & Go Stress Solutions, International Award Winning Author/Speaker/Trainer/Coach. Through product resources; mainstream media; 1:1 coaching; workshops; seminars and 30 day, 3 minute a day programs, Lauren equips thousands of people world wide with effective, sustainable skillsets that produce positive behavioral shifts which expand the ability to excel in life without all of the stress and anxiety resulting in purpose driven, confident living; goal achievement and work-life satisfaction.
Explore more of Lauren’s work in the world at her main website: Http://LaurenEMiller.com