Yoga to Ease Anxiety
  • Home
  • Books
  • Class Plans, Essays
  • About Me
  • Blog

The Ego as a Contraction of Consciousness

8/28/2015

1 Comment

 
The ego personality is a necessary contraction of Consciousness. We need to view the world from this singular perspective to make sure we get what we need, to keep us safe.

But in order to make sure our needs are met, the ego seeks out what we lack. And in order to keep us safe, it seeks out threats. The ego personality functions from a place of fear.

But when we know we are safe, we can let go of that contraction. 

We can let go of thoughts about the past and future, regrets and worries. 

We can let go of inner criticisms. 

We can let go of all the mental chatter that keeps the ego contraction in the lime light.

There is a saying that on the spiritual journey there are many paths that lead up the same mountain. All those paths, all the different kinds of Yoga and meditation, all the mystical paths of the monotheistic traditions – all of them 
– are about letting go of our habitual tendency to see the world from the contracted perspective of the ego.

In Hatha Yoga, we practice moving our awareness not only inward but downward. We practice staying conscious of our body. And through this mental discipline, through this particular kind of self-remembering, the ego contraction is removed from center stage.

So, as you move on your mat, notice when you become trapped between your ears. When thoughts come up, instead of getting tangled in words, come back to your breath, to your body, and to that quiet stillness between thoughts.

That is where you can reconnect with your true self, who is beyond words. That is where you let go of contraction and begin to expand.

The ego is not an entity but an activity. It is a contraction of the field of Radiance.” Adi Da
1 Comment
executive drafts reviews link
2/25/2020 12:14:32 am

I have my ego in check, which is good for me. I am not egotistical that I have to go and prove that I am right all of the time. I understand completely how great of a thing it is to let go of my pride. If you keep your pride with you at all times, then you will lose everything in this world. You have to know when to keep your ego in check, believe me on this one.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Yoga Talk

    Short thoughts applying yogic philosophy to our time on the mat and to everyday life.

    Archives

    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015

    Categories

    All
    Anxiety
    Asana
    Body Acceptance
    Brains
    Letting Go
    Love
    Modern Mystic Book Club
    Peace
    Philosophy
    Yoga Basics

    RSS Feed

Yoga to Ease Anxiety
© 2017 Amy Vaughn 
Proudly powered by Weebly