OK. I’ll give it a go.
First, let’s hear from Webster.
1 : the self especially as contrasted with another self or the world
2 a : egotism 2 b : self-esteem 1
3 : the one of the three divisions of the psyche in psychoanalytic theory that serves as the organized conscious mediator between the person and reality especially by functioning both in the perception of and adaptation to reality — compare id, superego
— ego·less adjective
My turn.
I think the ego is that part of you and me that feels afraid, like somehow we are different and alone.
And it’s that feeling many of us get when we think we something prove or we have to prove something (are those two different things?)
Ego, sweet ego.
It’s all the ways we find to feel separate, like we aren’t the same as everyone else.
It’s that part of us that budgets our capacity to Love, to love what is unfolding before us and within us in each unfolding moment.
It’s moment that you and I fold and scootch away from acknowledging to ourselves or someone else some small, or medium-sized or some large perceived failure. For such failure becomes a less than in our eyes, separating us from others and our own true brilliance.
It’s all the wondering, “what would they think if they really knew?” Or more simply, “what do they think of me?
Dear, sweet ego.
It’s when we sit as judge and jury, condemning ourselves and others for various misdemeanors.
It’s that part of us that finds elaborately unique and creative ways of stepping out of the stream of pure Love a thousand or more times each and everyday.
It’s the giving in to the pull to withhold an experience or expression of the truth, pure love, understanding, joy.
It’s all that clinging and holding on to this or that hurt, perception, belief, want, idea, anger or any of the other myriad ways we hold on. That. That’s ego.
Your turn.
Here’s a little secret, we are NOT our egos.
Oh. And, how about a little less ego and a little more love this holiday?
