Wrapped in a pretty package, life bestows the greatest adventure kindly referred to as 'EGO'.
Yes, there are plenty of definitions on what the ego is; however, I'm not going to cite any of those in this piece.
I simply offer my interpretation of the ego and the power it holds along with the gifts it offers.
Ego is a wild ride, consistently blowing things out of proportion; yet oddly enough, not entirely in the way many people 'see' it.
Typically, we think of egotistical people as cocky, arrogant SOB's that think they're better than anyone else on the planet, and for the most part, we're right.
Although, the people portraying themselves in such a light don't necessarily believe they're the greatest, he or she is simply masking their insecurities.
On the other hand, there is a group of people in this world that think so poorly of themselves that all they do is belittle and demean their very presence by putting everyone and everything before them.
I refer to this as 'starving arrogance'.
You see, arrogance / ego is self-centered, not heart centered, self-centered where 'all eyes are on them'.
In other words, ego is a beacon for attention AND, ego begets ego; much like a duel.
As two people enter into a match, they both draw their weapons.
In the battle for attention, one person presents with his or her ego which triggers the other person to call on theirs.
You see, the ego is our defense mechanism, protecting us from ALL the bad things in the world BECAUSE we know no one or nothing is to be trusted! I say, BS..
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we've come up with too many excuses NOT to live a heart-centered life and NOW, we're being 'asked' to find our way home! How does 'one' redirect the focus and trust the world and people to be perfect, just as it and they are? Well, I'm quite certain you've heard the phrase: 'When the world hands you lemons, make lemonade.
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The same applies to KNOWING all is right with the world.
Regardless of what your interpretation is, take everything and everyone at face value.
This does not mean there isn't a deeper meaning to our existence; however, let's take some pressure off and enjoy what's in front of us! When someone tells you something, believe them.
If it turns out differently then what he or she said, do not take it personally! It's their degree of integrity that becomes their problem / challenge to work through.
Your task, is to simply empower the situation, BE love for both, know you did the best you could with what you were given and 'look' for the beauty in all of it.
You were given the opportunity to shatter your ego and have compassion for the fear that raised his or her shield.
Quite honestly, you were a gift for this person because you triggered something in them to work through.
Whether or not they grow from the experience is not your concern.
Their process is their path.
All any of us can do for another person is LOVE them through it REGARDLESS.
And then, there comes the time when we interact with another on a heart level; that everything that's said and done is generated from the very center of both beings.
This is the place when differences are no longer thorns; they are embraced as inner reflections and used for expansion! So today, it's time to put down the sword and shatter the ego for it has served us well.
It's time to depart from the age of 'Either/ Or' and step into the age of 'Both / And'.