By ego, it means simply, our identity of “self “. It is neither negative nor positive. As a human being to live and survive, we need a strong sense of identity to develop relationships, to thrive, to make a living, to succeed. So, there is nothing wrong with it. Chasing your dream, wanting to own a big house, an expensive car, going for adventure is not at all bad.
But, when ego turns into pride, we become over conscious of our identity, when “self” rules life and when fear craves to overprotect our self-identity, then, ego can be disastrous to both us and the people around with whom we live.
So, religious practices like Buddhism preaches to conquer the ego and lead a life of our true self. Because the ego is often identified as our false self, materialistic state, social status, the success which can never lead to happiness. So, how do we control our ego? Monks and yogis practised meditation for years to get into their true self and tarnished their ego. But, neither you and I have that much time or patience to practise let go of our ego.
1.So, the easy way to control our ego is being aware of our existence, the limited time we live in this world.
2. Staying grounded,
3.Realising the present moment, being grateful for it.
4. Being aware and avoiding our egoic pattern of thinking and reactions. (e.g. I am superior, I am better than others, No one can compete with me ….. so on )
All these steps help us to be close to our true self and help us keep our ego simply as a self-identity tool, just a survival trait.
In life, there are many situations and circumstances where you can find yourself deprived and helpless. This is just because you are surrounded by people, obligations, emotions and feelings. As a person, you are always involved with people and situations within your family, home, office, society, community or wherever you go. This isn’t an easy task daily for you to remain stress-free and maintain calm and sanity.
Therefore, in every situation or discussion, whether it is an argument, disagreement, dispute, you have with your loved one or anyone in your life, you always have a choice. You have the right to choose whether you should remain to be involved or walk away, no matter wherever you are.
Scientific reserches have already shown that unwanted stress play a toxic role in harming our health, immunity (defence system against diseases) and overall wellbeing. The less , the better for us. Toxic reactions like anger, tensions, fear, hurt, anxiety, worry in daily life not only gives you unnecessary stress but affect your mental peace and greatly affect your physical health too. So what’s best for you and serve your purpose of wellbeing, should be an ideal choice. Atleast, you will have your peace and sanity maintained.
5 situations, when walking away seems to be a better choice.
1.Walk away from anger: Any arguments, disagreements with whoever you are that end up in anger and tensions, walking away is a better choice. In the process of trying to put forward your point, you may end up getting angry. Give time and space and wait for a more convenient time and opportunity. Things do work out in a relaxed atmosphere.
2.Walk away from your ego: A little ego always helps you to boost your belief and confidence in yourself. It does help you to grow in your career and work. But when your ego makes you feel better or superior to others is not at all a good thing. Then, your ego becomes pride. Holding onto it, everywhere, you go, becomes toxic. So, walking away from your ego when it doesn’t hold any purpose is a better choice.
3.Walk away from people who put you down, judges you and never acknowledges your opinion. Trying to please such people will only harm you more than doing good. So, hold on to your respect and walk away from people who don’t see your worth. Remember, not everyone will like you. So, trying to please everyone isn’t necessary.
4.Walk away from your fear: Each one of us has some fear or worry within us, The fear may be imaginary or may be related to past experiences. Overthinking and ruminating makes the fear worst. It becomes a hindrance to your progress in life and your goal. So, walking away from fear and worry which are baseless is a better choice.
5. Walk away from the past: The past which no longer exists can be full of both good and bad memories. While the good ones can be cherished but the bad ones keep you haunting. Then, you learn from your past but it sometimes stops you from experiencing life in the present times. So, it is better to walk away from the past which doesn’t exist anymore.
