Some believe we have a "Higher Self". This implies a "low self" as well.
They believe that the Higher Self is better than our low self, our ego. Oh, how they exalt the "Higher Self." They can't get away from ego fast enough.
If I am split into a Higher Self and low self, I have high "low self" esteem.
However, I'm not split into a higher and lower self. I do not have an a ego. I am an ego, one that is multifaceted and constantly developing.
When asked by High Selfers, "When you observe yourself, who observes you?" I say, "I observe myself. I have the ability to self observe. It's not that big of a deal really."
I sometimes wonder if those who believe they have a "Higher Self" do so because they loathe their self. Well, of course they do. They want to escape their ego; that is, they want to escape themselves and be someone else.
Some want to dissolve completely, like a drop of water in the ocean. Now that's low "low self" esteem.
Mark W. Neville - Comment on your page: Mindful of Spirit We've all heard the saying, The Truth Shall Set You Free.
ReplyDeleteWhen EGO is LOST - LIMIT is LOST. Mark, I never thought of one having Self-esteem breeding a way Ego. Isn't Self-Esteem just having Self-Respect for oneself? Lack of Self-Esteem opens the doors we don't want to visit. Depression, Manic, Anxiety & sadly so many others. Times change but one thing I know my late Mother's generation never even thought of was the word Ego & that is reality! Surviving, conquering injustice by placing one foot in front of the other, working hard & doing your best everyday. Yes, there are many who have enough Ego to drown in it. I'm an optimist & also a realist too.
I would be inane not to believe the (some) rich and famous have an egotistical standard all their own ;-) Reading their many trials & tribulations, I shake my head being annoyed. I hear myself saying, "the only thing you have to do is stay rich & not act/do foolish things"! Now that kind of Ego eventually becomes any one's worst enemy.
Just living in the manner of appreciating the goodness this day brings, the yesterday years, easy/good/ bad we've experienced, it makes us stronger. We must be steadfast to greater tomorrows. Exhale, breathe in deeply to your Self-Esteem. It is love & respect for yourself & others too. A Mindful Spirit is a Good Soul, & a Heart that is filled with Gratitude. Even if we are in a room of those filled with so much Ego they can light themselves up, "hold your head high we won't get burned" & no matter how frustrating please, turn the other cheek (why use your good energy to ignite their flame),
I continue to read from you Mark, I may not always agree but one thing is for certain, I've always been enlightened by your words. Thank you
Hello Kyylaa!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment.
Right, many believe that when ego is lost limit is lost. It is a popular view. My view is an alternative.
In my view loss of one's ego is loss of oneself. I have no interest in losing myself. My interest is in becoming my self, the self I am meant to become, like an acorn becomes a full grown oak tree.
Also, in my view, since to be human is to be limited lose my limitedness is to lose my humanness. It means being less or other than human. I prefer being limited and fully human.
Right, previous generations didn't talk about having, losing or being an ego or self esteem. I think they often spoke of self respect.
They had such great respect for themselves (their egos) they rose up to face life's challenges and injustices. They worked hard and did their best. They did not seek to escape themselves into limitlessness, the beyond, or above. They sought to live noble lives in this world rather than try to escape it.
Yes, some have inflated views of themselves. I do not equate that with ego. I equate that with arrogance, disrespect, and condescension.
I believe that having a strong sense of self and valuing oneself is essential to living a noble, compassionate, creative, and productive life.
DeleteHi Mark,
That was wonderful and I was pleasantly surprised to read from you; What you captured and/or enlightened me was fantastic! The best I will quote from you:
"They had such great respect for themselves (their egos) they rose up to face life's challenges and injustices. They worked hard and did their best. They did not seek to escape themselves into limitlessness, the beyond, or above. They sought to live noble lives in this world rather than try to escape it". Amen
That was the essence of my Hero, My late Mother. Never arrogant just worked to keep a roof over our heads, made sure our stomachs were not empty, clean clothes and the importance of God in our lives. Her A.B.C's:: Look people in the eyes, Respect Your Elders and No one was better than you. Her sacrifices as a parent were unconditional and I have inherited that from her. Some would say I am generous to a fault but I say, there are those that are not as fortunate as myself and I have no doubt I think of others before myself.
You captured the essence of how I grew up, not longing or wanting but just knowing I was loved. I too believe like you, that I have a strong sense of self, compassionate, creative, productive and love for mankind faults and all. I am so happy to read from you and placing a feather in my head. Thank you Mark...I guess there is no shame in our ego as long as it is not delusional, egomaniacal and vainglorious. We have value in our lives and we are able to say we love ourselves.
Mark, you be still my heart.