We all live a dual type life, meaning ego/non-ego battle. Most of us recognize in mindfulness when we are ego based and not. In all actuality I believe we miss the mark on knowing when we act/react in ego more than we know or want to know.

So here amongst "us", how often do you think we ask and respond with our ego's rather than our higher self? Which is funny because this is a spiritual site.

Brutal honesty on your own part is required to answer :)

Michael

asked 08 Jul '11, 02:53

you's gravatar image

you
5.3k1053

Lets say the Ego Detector Police showed up here and removed all (obvious to the ego police) posts that were not of the higher self. Would many of your posts be removed?

(08 Jul '11, 02:58) you

I have an answer for myself that I will tell in a few days.<<<ego driven lol

(08 Jul '11, 02:59) you
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We probably all ask and respond with our egos most of the time...I don't think any of us can claim to be enlightened ( if we could we wouldn't feel a need to say so ).

A good question to ask may be who is searching and seeking?... our higher self has no questions and needs no answers.

link

answered 08 Jul '11, 12:07

Michaela's gravatar image

Michaela
35.0k22677

Loved your response to this Michaela!

(08 Jul '11, 13:04) LeeAnn 1

no one can know who is enlightened except the person who is. another good question is who as found what? i would not say that are higher self as no question.your higher self is you at a higher degree of understanding but it does not mean you know everything. i tell you this no one knows all. except god.

(08 Jul '11, 20:15) white tiger

@LeeAnn...Thank you :) @white tiger...Thank you for your perspective :)

(08 Jul '11, 22:13) Michaela

YES EXACTLY my point!!!!!! Whoweeee yes "if we could we wouldn't feel a need to say so." This proves my point it is all ego or we wouldn't be here, but this is not a bad thing, it is why we communicate. If I never felt a need to be heard you would not now know me. If you never felt a need to be heard I would not now know you. I am glad you understand my point. :-D

(09 Jul '11, 22:02) Wade Casaldi

@Wade...no it's not a "bad thing" because that's a judgement call, but really we shouldn't have to "prove a point". I do understand what you're trying to say and yes our egos are involved a lot of the time, but I think the key is to be 'aware' of that and not allow it to completely run the show :)

(10 Jul '11, 01:21) Michaela

@Wade - See how eager you are to be right? But in the end what's important is seeing through the illusions created by your mind and realizing who you really are at your source.

(11 Jul '11, 03:20) Eddie

@ Michaela, Right not letting ego run the show it is just the fire that makes the engine go but I am still in the drivers seat I have to chose where to drive or even if I put on the break. @Eddie lol yes you are right we both are because you had to tell me that too. :-) What is wonderful about this site is we can play with these thoughts together like a game and reach new heights of understanding about ourselves thus actualizing purpose and title Inward Quest. :-D

(12 Jul '11, 03:25) Wade Casaldi

@Wade...yes 'play' is always good :)

(15 Jul '11, 01:28) Michaela
showing 2 of 8 show 6 more comments

To be honest, I never thought that I was ever answering from my ego, for I never knew what questions I would ask or answer until I felt inspired to ask it or answer it, therefore, I see my answers, and questions as a spiritual gift and manifestation from the one universal mind!

link

answered 08 Jul '11, 04:07

Inactive%20User's gravatar image

Inactive User ♦♦
470133203

First I’ll just say that there’s a fine line between observing another’s answer as ‘coming from an ego perspective’ and judging another’s answer as ‘egotistical’, because within judgment ego is there. I think your question is too complicated to answer and would need a panel of ego-free people to review every question and answer ever posted on IQ in order to reach a conclusion on it :)

All the same, it’s a brave and valid question because the ego subject can be challenging due to the very nature of ego. Battle is an interesting term for describing what’s happening within our psyche. I prefer to see it as a greater or lesser degree of awareness, as there doesn’t seem to be an element of judgment from
that perspective.

Observation of ego action is an excellent way to practice the art of forgiveness of self and others. Awareness of egotistical reaction combined with automatic, in the moment, forgiveness is also unconditional love.

I normally write a reply and leave it sitting on my computer for a few hours or even overnight before posting (as with this one). The reason for this is so I have an opportunity to use discernment when reviewing my own answer or question. As someone who promotes moving beyond ego thought and action, I do my best to keep my ego in check and get to the root of the issue at hand, free of ego thinking.

If one is generally no longer functioning from the perspective of one’s ego, it’s quite easy to observe ego action in another. If the opportunity arises I generally prefer to point it out in subtle ways and I’d appreciate a ‘heads up’ if anyone sees any ego influence in my writing.

There is obviously a lot of confusion concerning ego. The paradox is that those caught up in their own ego are not generally aware of it. Observe how eager the ego is to defend its position ;-)

link

answered 09 Jul '11, 02:53

Eddie's gravatar image

Eddie
20.9k12368

Eddie, there were times in the recent past when your answers 'threatened" me. Then I learned where you are coming from, That helped me learn so much and I appreciate your patience with me. Your last thought of "confusion concerning ego" hit home. Yes tree is GREAT confusion on this. Being objective is not easy but very obtainable. Thanks for reminding us all WE CAN DO IT!

(09 Jul '11, 04:59) you

And I am very grateful for the fact you pick out phrases and words that we/I write to fulfill your thought process. I will also try to write-leave alone- then answer.

(09 Jul '11, 05:03) you

@Eddie Yes! And it is pointless to even argue with the ego... it will never concede. When we begin to realize this it makes it so much easier not to get caught up in that drama. I find that there are occasionally times I can even look on with detached amusement :)

(09 Jul '11, 12:36) Michaela

Eddie don't you see ego is behind your answer? You felt by YOUR contribution to the site that you could set things straight about ego. What made you feel this that you had the answer? What made you feel like contributing your two cents could it be ego? What made you feel you had to point out so much that YOU HAVE OVER COME YOUR EGO, why did you feel you had to tell everyone this? Could that be ego? Ego is not a bad thing, it is in us all. We all respond from ego or we would feel no need to respond at all. If you didn't have an ego I wouldn't know you to consider you part of my IQ family. :-)

(09 Jul '11, 21:54) Wade Casaldi

If you want to say that my comment is full of ego I agree. If it wasn't I would not have bothered to help you understand we all act from ego or we would feel no need to act at all because we have no need to be heard. :-)

(09 Jul '11, 22:20) Wade Casaldi

@Us - Thanks for your kind words, I’m happy for you that you’ve expanded your awareness. Your ego felt threatened, but that’s not who you really are, you’re so much more my friend and so is everybody else. I do my best to answer questions in full and if I see expressions of beliefs which may not be serving people, I point them out. We’re all cosmic brothers and sisters and we can all learn from each other :)

(11 Jul '11, 03:06) Eddie

@Michaela – Exactly. When we point something out to people who’re operating from a lower ego-dominated awareness, their nature is always being right and they love an argument or anything that helps to maintain the reality of their self; all the while not realizing that the image of their self is an artificial construct. We deserve a chuckle and the Universe invented humor :)

(11 Jul '11, 03:07) Eddie

@Wade – What I see is that there are different levels of awareness. The first and only step is becoming conscious of the action of your mind and from there; all other steps will become apparent to you. Any kind of trying to overcome your ego is self defeating because that which you believe you must overcome is not real to begin with. Constant change is the order of the Universe, so while you may believe and create an image that your idea of self is real; in reality the personality construct of the lower mind (ego) is in a constant state of flux and the image is an abstraction...

(11 Jul '11, 03:08) Eddie

...Thus there’s never anything solid or real to begin with. By becoming aware of the action of your lower mind, you automatically move to the higher level of consciousness of your higher mind (higher self). And from here it’s obvious from what people say, just where their level of awareness is.

(11 Jul '11, 03:09) Eddie

Previously we were all divided as individual beings living in a world of duality. Now, our collective consciousness is waking up to the realization of oneness beyond the idea of separation, so it’s easier for individuals to step up their own awareness. Where there’s any form of division in the form of religion, nationalism, creed or color etcetera there is potential for conflict; whereas, oneness leads to balance and harmony for all beings everywhere. Are you an American?

(11 Jul '11, 03:10) Eddie

@Wade - You say that I felt that: "you could set things straight about ego." Actually, I felt inspired to answer a question and apparently the answer I gave was well received. There’s no division in that and I don’t want anything from that. Each individual has the choice and the ability to move beyond separatist thinking and if they don’t, then that’s their choice and their right and they’ll remain in the state of ego conflict and pain :)

(11 Jul '11, 03:12) Eddie

Yes it is amusing to recognize ego in myself and others, but what is more amusing is the recognition that we really all need it or we'd be anonymous, unknown, alone, and we wouldn't feel the need to have any of that. When used properly like all the answers here it is a wonderful thing. But when we are controlled by the ego then it is a hindrance to our progression. I see ego like fire, very primitive it can be destructive or it can be very useful depending on how it is used. This is the same for anger as well.

(11 Jul '11, 16:47) Wade Casaldi
showing 2 of 12 show 10 more comments

well micheal when people judge or contend and do not try to understand it is the ego. you can tell what does not work or tell what you did not experiance yet with no judgement with out contending or you can tell what is missing. but if you do that and someone as judgement contend or do not want to understand you are going to see it right away. but i tell you most people do not see it or do not want to see it. they will judge you giving you all sort of default that is in them. they will order you or mock you. they are trying to pin you down but they pin them self down. if you mean ego in boosting the truth of something to make it sound better yes some might do that but eventually someone is going to see it because lie show or the truth come out eventually. that is why people should not lie and tell the truth or at least what they are prepared to share. well i hope this helped you with this question micheal. experiance and enjoy. and micheal you have read some of my question and answer and you know how brutal my honesty is do i need to put exclamation point? smile!

link

answered 08 Jul '11, 04:12

white%20tiger's gravatar image

white tiger
21.9k116117

@ white tiger: Continue to be yourself, for God is always your best judge!

(08 Jul '11, 04:37) Inactive User ♦♦

i am always my self vee. have a good day experiance and enjoy.

(08 Jul '11, 20:09) white tiger

,

e·gos:

The self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves. In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality.

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/ego#ixzz1RUDxd8C2

How can we NOT answer without involving our egos? It is part of our psyches. We cannot function without "ego". "Ego" is "Me".

If you are referring to "egos" as in "big egos", well, being honest, yes, we care about our answers and I (meaning Jai) take great care with my answers. Does that mean I have a "Big Ego"? No.

I do have a lot of intelligence, which can be intimidating to some because I am female...(now, men, do not get your feathers ruffled...this has not happened here.)

I would like to quote Wade here, from another answer about ego:

It is the motivator, the desire to be better, stronger, faster, more intelligent, more awake. Without ego there would be no spiritual development! Everyone would be just hanging out feeling fine where we are without caring about advancing. No one would bother trying to get rich so no one would bother trying to advance either their-selves nor society, I don't think we would bother progressing past the stone age without ego. It took ego to create Inward Quest! What if Simon thought I don't want to be known, I can't make an affect on society, I don't need to make an impact everything is cool just as it is, I'm not needed?

What if Simon didn't recognize ego as a motivator, and decided to have this site as no one gets credit or points or badges because that is an egotistical thing? Do you think the site would be as popular?

Michael, do you think people here have a problem with "ego"?

Look into the ego.

Finally, to answer your question: Which questions involve ego? ALL OF THEM!!! Including your own...

Love, Jai and Wade

link

answered 08 Jul '11, 05:21

Jaianniah's gravatar image

Jaianniah
37.8k13129610

edited 08 Jul '11, 05:30

No I do not think people here have problem with ego.

(08 Jul '11, 10:37) you

well i do not see being more of annything as ego. ego is more when you need to prove to every one else that you are better and usely you will see your self as higher with out even looking at what level are the other people. but know this even if you are better at something then someone else he might be better at something else. so if you go show him something to help that is not ego and he will help you also with something he is better at. but if you go with the attitude to show him you are better and higher then him (ego) he will probably do the same on something else.

(08 Jul '11, 20:08) white tiger

Michael, I did not mean my last sentence the way you took it... I meant it to say that we ALL have egos. Don't you like having your answers read by many people? Are you not proud of getting "Best answer"? What is so wrong with that? Then why do we have a voting system? I apologize if you were hurt by my answer. I just wanted to point out that the ego is an important part of the human soul. My ego was hurt by the down vote I received. This is because somebody's ego got hurt by what I said. Love>>>>>>>>>>>>

(09 Jul '11, 07:50) Jaianniah

That's the point Jai. Once we move beyond ego we realize that there's nothing to be hurt in the first place, it's just an abstraction of our mind...

(11 Jul '11, 03:23) Eddie
showing 2 of 4 show 2 more comments

Well, all the questions I have been asking this week are ego based. Broken heart and unability to accept that you lost the game called seduction are all ego problems.

link

answered 08 Jul '11, 09:38

Asklepios's gravatar image

Asklepios
(suspended)

well it depend on your point of view if you do not play game and are honest they can continue playing that game of lie and never be satisfied that is their problem not yours.

(08 Jul '11, 20:00) white tiger

There are girls that you cannot win by being honest, you have to play. And I was sooooo close to winning her over! If I weren't so close it wouldn't hurt so much now. Damn it.

(08 Jul '11, 21:37) Asklepios

I mean I played to win her over; my motivation was to genuinely love her.

(08 Jul '11, 21:37) Asklepios
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