EGO : An illusion of identity!

We've all heard the phrase "My ego is hurt." But do we really know what ego means, and why it exists? Ego is a term that's often used but not always understood.

When we say "My ego is hurt," we're suggesting that our sense of self has been damaged. But if we think more deeply about it, we'll realize that it's not our true self that has been hurt, but rather something that we've come to identify with as our self - our ego.

The ego is a false self that's often loaded with labels like "I'm at this position," "I am rich," "I own so much in this world," "I want things to be my way," "I deserve to be treated in the best possible way by others", and so on. We cling to these labels because we believe that they define us and give us a sense of self-importance. But the truth is that they're just labels - they're not who we really are.

Our true self is not defined by our position or possessions. When we identify ourselves with the ego, we become attached to external things, and we mistakenly believe that our happiness and well-being depend on them. But in reality, our true nature is beyond labels and possessions - it's the essence of who we are.

The ego exists because it provides us with a sense of identity, but it's an illusion. It's a collection of thoughts and beliefs that we've accumulated over time, and we've come to believe that they define us. We feel insecure without our ego, and we become defensive when it's challenged or threatened.

But clinging to the ego is a trap. It's like mistaking a mirage for an oasis - it promises to quench our thirst, but it's just an illusion. When we let go of our attachment to the ego, we realize that our true nature is already whole and complete. We don't need external things to define us or make us happy.

So, the next time you find yourself saying "My ego is hurt," remember that the ego is not the real you. It's just a collection of labels and possessions that you've come to identify with. Look at these possessions as separate things from you and you will know the truth. When you let go of the ego, you'll discover your true self - a self that's already complete and whole.

- Soulful-Reads by Akanksha Singh