Photo by Aaron Springston
Michael Pollan’s latest book, “A World Appears”, deals with his years’-long search for the meaning of consciousness, in which he also looks hard at “the ego”. After many instances of controlled psychedelic experiences, he says his ego is more or less under control. He states: “It’s still there, that supremely self-interested voice in my head, that over-eager contestant in the zero sum game of life, so quick to take umbrage.” But he has realized that while hearing the voice of ego, he is also able to release it, even laugh at it, as it carries on with its fear and hatred and blame. We needn’t be “stuck in the mud of unquestioned assumptions”. When we recognize ego for the bully which it is — always wanting us to be unhappy and fearful — we are freed from the emotions we thought ruled us. The other day I was becoming irritated by something a visitor to my home was saying. Rather than react, I breathed and silently slipped away for a moment into the consciousness uncontrolled by ego. That was all it took for the feeling of self-righteous superiority to be replaced by the peaceful acknowledgement that it doesn’t matter what someone else think, as I can only control my own emotions and reactions. Without that ego-driven voice in our heads, we can access our true being, expressed through lovingkindness and empathetic behavior.
“Your mind and mine can unite in shining your ego away, releasing the strength of God into everything you think and do. Do not settle for anything less than this, and refuse to accept anything but this as your goal. Watch your mind carefully for any beliefs that hinder its accomplishment, and step away from them.”
—A Course in Miracles T-4.IV.8:3-5
“As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness.”
—Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 264:13-19
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