Are we living from a place of ego or from beyond the ego?
If I had created this well done chart, I would have entitled it “Living without Ego” and “Living with the Ego” to give a glimpse of what life is like mentally and spiritually when we are free from attachments and a sense of lack and separation within ourselves.
Living from a place of ego is constricting and exhausting. Living from beyond the ego (Spirit) is expanding and reflects in experiencing more joy in our lives.
I don’t keep a journal as suggested on the left side of the chart, have tried a few times but lose interest, however, I live mindfully which has given me a few ‘aha’ moments about myself and led to shifts in how I perceive and express my life. I am however, open to getting into the habit of journaling for my self-reflection.
I leave you with a quote from a famous motivational teacher as it adds clarity to the chart’s message:
You are where you are in your life because of what has gone into your mind, THE ONLY WAY to change where you are is change what goes into your mind. – Zig Ziglar
Love is The Answer 
I loved your chart, Marie. Since you appreciate Byron Katie’s work, why don’t you keep a journal of turnarounds? Its how I journal, and its a wonderful tool that doesn’t require you to journal every day… just when certain issues arise in your life. It keeps you focussed and conscious of the journey you are on. Thanks for a nice read.
Yaz, Super idea! Will do this. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Yes! Ego’s insatiable hunger to be more wealthy, more famous, more powerful, or more beautiful than others is a constant “striving for” without ever attaining . . . because the carrot of “success” stays just out of reach.
When we tune Ego out, contentment (true success) arises from within. 😀
Yes! Dr. Joe Dispenza shares in his book “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself,” that after his “What The Bleep” fame and success with lecturing, one day he realized he was not happy. After introspecting he realized he was placing his happiness on things outside of himself and not from within, so he made internal changes. I really like this guy, he combines spirituality, with Quantum Physics and Neuroscience. 🙂
Thanks for mentioning him. I’ve seen “What the Bleep” . . . but haven’t read any of his books.
Thanks for the link, Nancy! I highly recommend his books.
I love the idea of your labeling the chart about living with or without ego. That IS success! One of the parallels that jumped out at me was “talking about ideas” versus “talking about people.” I hadn’t quite identified that before, but it’s so true. It also explains why I find some friendships more nourishing than others. I gravitate to those who prefer to talk about ideas. This is a good reminder, Marie. oxo
Debra, The chart is a good one to get one to ponder, and yes, I also noticed the parallel about “talking about ideas” versus “talking about people.” I am also drawn to talking about ideas instead of others as I do my best not to judge; we are all doing the best we can with our level of awareness and everything in life is an opportunity for growth.
Marie, that’s a wonderful, concise chart…I agree with your idea about change of titles. Isn’t “ego” such a potential trap!
Yes, ego is definitely a trap; for this reason I like spirituality as it helps me to understand the traps of ego.