When Your Ego Steps In ⚔️
"The moment you become aware of the ego in you, it is no longer strictly the ego, but just an old, conditioned mind-pattern." — Eckhart Tolle
"The ego is inherently bad. It's a part of you that seeks to protect your identity and sense of self. However, learning to discern when it’s guiding you versus when it’s blocking growth is key to deeper self-awareness."
The other day, I found myself in a meeting, teetering on the edge of sharing a fresh idea. It was bold, exciting—a little spark of inspiration. But then it hit.
That inner voice. Small, cautious, protective. It voiced warnings of critique, of rejection. My enthusiasm wavered, and hesitation took its place.
My ego had arrived, ready to shield me from vulnerability.
A well-meaning guard, sure. But also a stubborn gatekeeper. In that moment, I remembered Eckhart Tolle’s words in The Power of Now. He speaks of the ego as both a shield and a shackle. It defends us from pain but often at the cost of authentic growth.
I paused, breathed deeply, and made a choice. Instead of retreating, I spoke up.
This Healing Text invites you to notice those moments, those subtle tugs of resistance. Are they keeping you safe, or keeping you small?
Today, when you catch yourself pulling back—whether from feedback, new ideas, or a chance to be vulnerable—stop for a moment.
Ask yourself…
Is this my ego shielding me, or building a wall I no longer need?
That pause is your power. Use it to step forward, consciously and courageously.
"The moment you become aware of the ego in you, it is no longer strictly the ego, but just an old, conditioned mind-pattern." — Eckhart Tolle
How often do you catch your ego slipping into the driver’s seat? Steering you toward safety, or maybe slamming on the brakes just as you’re about to leap?
It’s sneaky like that—sometimes a protector, other times a barrier.
When does it shield you, and when does it shut you down?
We want to hear your take. Those moments of pause, the voice of hesitation, the breakthroughs that follow. Drop your insights below and share with the community.
Let’s untangle this together.
— Ryan Puusaari
P.S. The goal isn’t to exile your ego. It’s to recognize it, to meet it with curiosity rather than judgment.
Sometimes it’s a safety net.
Other times, it’s a cage. The trick is knowing the difference.
With quiet observation, you’ll catch its cues.
And in those moments, you get to decide: Do I stay here, or do I push past?
Keep practicing that awareness. Lean into your higher self, the part of you that knows when it’s time to grow, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Growth, after all, thrives at the edge of certainty.