English language being what it is with it's ambiguities and multiple definitions can give rise to misunderstandings. The Ego referred to in this article is defined as: ".. the part of the mind that reacts to reality and has a sense of individuality. "

We are all born with an ego, it's developed over many generations and is the fight or flee part of us. The ego originated as a defence mechanism to ensure survival in times when sabre tooth tigers and mammoths roamed the planet. As humans became more "civilised" so the ego also extended itself.

Studies and experiments carried out in the last fifty years have shown the position the ego now holds within a person.

• control of the the subconcious, censoring of information from the unconcious to the conscious.
  
  
• belief and actions as if it is separate from the person, i.e. lives a life of it's own
  
  
• resisting change and doing everything possible to ensure it's continued existence, whatever effect it's actions may have on the host
  
  
• provides a flight or flee mechanism

What impact does this changed role have on today's human? Firstly most of us humans are consciously unaware of the reality we inhabit and the role the ego plays. Because of upbringing and conditioning from birth most of us believe the thoughts we have are our own, when for the most part they are supplied by the ego. This is more noticeable at times of stress when "automatic" (ego driven) responses come to the fore. We react before we apply any conscious thought.

The idea of the ego resisting change is also easy to spot when we are aware. The ego has trained us to lead our lifes in a regular consistent way. It does this by continually reminding us of the unconcious chilhood experiences of rejection, failure, not being good enough, being unworthy etc. to ensure we maintain the status quo. Whenever we try and introduce change in our life there is an inner resistance, if we are applying for another job it maybe a feeling of not being good enough. Contemplating going on a new journey may give rise to fears of accidents or not having enough time. These are tools of the ego. However, once we make a change and the ego recognises it is still surviving, it does all it can to ensure we don't change from the new position as it identifies this with safety.

Another tool used by the ego to ensure we remain under control is the idea that we are limited. The ego keeps keeps prompting and providing unconscious memories to remind us that we do not have the resources, ability, knowledge, power, intelligence etc. to do whatever we may wish. (This assumes the ego lets us get as far as identifying wishes).

No wonder we behave the way we do and society is as it is!

What can we do about it?

The answer is LOTS. Our main help is being aware, if you are not aware then………..

Being aware is a full time job and runs alongside our day job. It gets easier the more we practise, honest! We have spent years of our life practising being run by the ego so an overnight change is unlikely, but with practise it comes.

Once we become aware we can use a most powerful tool and that is forgiveness. Remembering the world we live in is a reflection of ourselves, then experiences that interfere with a peaceful existance, such as watching a natural disaster on the news, an overheard conversation etc. are there to be forgiven as they are the manifestation of the ego's control. Forgiving ourselves at the same time we forgive others, even though they may not know they are helping us know ourself. Apply forgiveness. This has a tremendous impact on life believe me.