Recognize My Ego
What was Jesus liberating us from? This probably won’t seem too different from what we would now call the ego or the false self. As Jesus put it, “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). Buddhists tend to describe this process with much greater clarity, but Jesus didn’t have access to psychological language. He just spoke in a straightforward way that his contemporaries could understand.
I heard it said that Jesus’ invitation into the Kingdom of Heaven comes through suffering and self sacrifice. I think there is truth in that, though I might frame it a little differently. Much of my suffering seems to arise when I do not want to lose my life, when I am caught in, “I want what I want when I want it.”
I am drawn to the idea of the sacrifice of self (EGO). That surrender may be part of the path to liberation. Our attachments and aversions are woven into the many causes and conditions of our lives, and they help form what we call the ego or false self.
This development of self is necessary and important part of how we "grow up". At some point, the second half of life, we are invited to “grow down” and loosen our identification with the false self and let go of what no longer needs to define us.
I find mindfulness supports my intention to recognize my EGO….if only for a moment.
Mondays & Thursdays
12:15 – 12:45 pm
Room 407 @ Second Presbyterian Church
7700 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260
or
Zoom! - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83998337582
Meeting ID: 839 9833 7582 - Password: 672891
Join others in Mindfulness Meditation on Mondays and Thursdays at 12:15 pm. Brief discussion, followed by silent practice and concluding with observations, comments, or wonderings.
Take refuge in the present moment. Mindfulness Meditation is the opportunity to rest in Presence in a supportive environment with others. No experience, fee or registration is necessary.
P. Scott Sweet, LCSW, LCAC
Executive Director
CenterPoint Counseling