The Ego Litmus Test

You can use this on your friends and family and most importantly yourself.

As I’ve typed about and maybe you’ve read, the ego thinks in the past and the future, forgetting about the present.

Listen to your inner dialogue and see where it is located.  Is it resting comfortably in the past talking about what could’ve been, what happened, how wounded you are or any of that stuff?  If so, it’s the ego controlling that because that is a very comfortable position to live in and the ego is happy.

What about if your inner dialogue is all about things you want or if I just lived near the water or if and so on.  A lot of what-if scenarios playing in that dialogue?  Again, it is your ego playing that movie for you because it is “happy” in that spot.

Even at work you can see who is motivated by the past or the future but not the present.  Managers make decisions to affect the future but great leaders are present, in the moment with full on listening skills to capture the moment to make key decisions.  Watch people at work and see if they are present by just how they talk.  

I have lived this stuff over and over again myself, especially the past.  Anyone who is close to me, family and friends, know this about me.  I lived in the past for so long even though I made it through each day.  I have been also living in the future thinking about all these material things or if I just took a year off or quit my job with nothing lined up.  That’s all the future that hasn’t happened.

All this is the ego controlling events in your mind.

Now, take this to your friends and family.  See how they talk, see where it originates from.  See if they are appreciating the very moment you are with them or are they just wandering in the past and future.  You will be able to see what controls them and how present they are.

I love living in the present moment as it gets me energized like nothing I’ve ever drank or eaten or even exercise can’t do that.  The present is why some painters love to paint because they are so focused on each and every paint stroke.  When I play sand volleyball, my mind is totally focused on each play and I love that.  Even as I write this, I’m focused on the words to craft a meaningful post.

The ego is necessary but should be controlled by living in the very present moment.  Deep breathing exercises and meditation are great ways to clear that clutter and being able to live in that moment.  The more I write about being in the present moment, the more excited I get about life.  It is a beautiful way to live.

I have not fully mastered this and it is a huge process change for me, but each day I try to get present during my work day and while I work on other things.  Letting go what hasn’t happened is so powerful and will bring you happiness in a way that will attract people in your life that bring meaning and value.

Listen to your inner dialogue and listen to others to see how they are wired.  If it all the past and the future, they are being driven by ego.  See how present they are and how present you are.  Sharpen those listening skills and stay present as much as saying “put the left foot in front of the right foot” present.  The more you live that way the more powerful you become, you become centered and connected to the universe in a very powerful way.