Getting rid of Ego - Not as easy as it sounds, is it?

Ever noticed a dog’s fluffy, curvy tail? No matter how hard one tries to straighten it, the tail rolls back to its natural curve. Human ego is not very different! No matter how hard we try to wither it, ego keeps coming back to prove its twisted existence. Sometimes its nasty presence leaves a bitter taste and a horrible hangover. In personal lives, professional lives, or relationships, the presence of a negative ego can collapse it all.

Human nature, in its true blissful existence, is void of ego. Human consciousness, as depicted in spiritual texts and philosophies, is capable of harmonious existence with self and joyous coexistence with everyone around. The human mind has the capability to elevate itself from all the pettiness and misery caused by thoughts or emotions. Why, then, is human ego such an ugly, recurring emotion in our lives? Let us address the elephant in the room!

It seems the source of ego is directly related to our sense of attachment. When we assume our existence to be of utmost importance to the happening or non-happening of an event, our mind tricks us into believing this slight dependency as dominance. This trick accumulates pride in our subconscious mind and eventually takes the shape of ego. We are dependent on nature for air, water, light, and all that sustains us. For a moment, let us assume that the Sun gets egoistic about its existence. It casts darkness and sheds excess heat, assuming its absolute dominance! What happens if the oceans prove their dominance? But we don’t see that happening, as it is not natural to feel egoistic!

Practicing detachment works like a charm to get rid of ego! Detachment helps us connect to our true nature. Detachment does not mean inaction. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna instructed Arjuna to wage a righteous war against evil with no attachment to glory or result. That is the essence of detached action.

A detached action:

- More often than not, results in a selfless deed

- Benefits everyone equally

- Removes bias

- Nips ego at the bud

- Terminates anxiety as there is no attachment to the result

- Helps to focus on the ‘now’ as there is no attachment to the past or future

- Breeds life as we connect back to our true human nature.

Practicing detachment over time manifests into limitless compassion. The compassion of a billion people leads to harmony, and that is true evolution. Detachment helps distinguish ourselves from the thoughts and emotions of the mind. A detached mind does not get carried away; it maintains a beautiful balance. This holistic balance will take care of all other balances, including work-life balance.

How to practice detachment? One of the best ways to practice is to make ourselves vulnerable to humbling experiences in life. A humble mind is void of ego. This experience is very relative, and hence there is no prescription for it. For some, tremendous learning and knowledge could be humbling; for others, traveling and experiencing diversity in creation could be humbling. For others, the sudden death of a loved one could be humbling. For some, adventure could be humbling, while for others, experiencing self, God, or nature could be humbling.

It is time to shed inhibition and comfort and expose our souls and minds to life. Allow life to humble us. Life never disappoints!

“After attaining a self-realized state (a state of being one with the higher consciousness), I understand clearly that I belong to the higher consciousness; the consciousness does not belong to me!” Adi Sankara says in his Shatpadi stotra.