https://www.pinterest.com/pin/512354895104988211/
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The ego grasps identity, selects strong emotions, needs approval, achievement, and a sense of superiority.
Mindfulness is about letting go, bringing perspective to desires.
The ego is rigid and narrow, mindful flexible, and expansive.
The ego is created, mindful just is.
The ego thrives in dissociation, mindful only knows this present moment.
The ego feels isolated, better or worse not equal, the mindful totally connected to one another and things.
The ego is like a prison, the mindful freedom, the universe.
The ego always needs, unfettered desire, the mindful, fulfilled with life exactly like it is.
The ego judges, the mindful accepts, observes.
The ego avoids, the mindful stays even when vulnerable.
The ego has goals, the mindful a journey.
The ego restricts growth, the mindful unlimited opportunity.
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The ego feels unworthy, the mindful complete.
The ego races, the mindful enjoys, slows.
The ego affiliates with anger, hate, resentment, the mindful has perspective and balance when expressing emotions.
The ego is lonely, the mindful at peace.
The ego is sad, the mindful happy.
The ego never feels equal to another, the mindful lives in harmony.
The ego immerses itself in drama, the mindful stays calm.
The ego suffers, the mindful endure pain without suffering.
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PTSD - A Way Out.com 
Posted by rudid96 on October 2, 2021 at 4:13 pm
“Who am I when all the things that feed my Ego fall away?” I don’t know. What I DO know is I find smiles, I find continuous moments for appreciation and gratitude, I find quiet, I find peace.
Posted by Marty on October 2, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Easy
That’s your soul, your true self, the permanent part of you
Rudid96
The true self is the power
The true self needs nothing to exist
The ego needs true self for its existence
The ego will always be with us
Long time meditating monks operate with far less ego and thought than the rest of us
Thoughts and emotions are not a shiny object anymore
Their minds let that crap go easily by now
Posted by Marty on October 2, 2021 at 4:30 pm
Ok an example Rudid96
Way out in the wilderness
Deep in the woods
We wander on a large Kodak bear
Do I announce
Hey I am Marty
I have ptsd
We kind of lose some ego out in nature alone
Watch Jeremiah Johnson
A group of men found him
He said their words were to fast
He had not spoken English in years
Our ego wants to shine, be relevant, important
I am guilty
My ego will use my accomplishments to impress when I feel the need
It’s been decades since I played pro ball but I mention it
Pride
Dissociation is the freeway to the ego
Posted by rudid96 on October 3, 2021 at 3:03 pm
Is the Ego all ‘bad’? Is it the repository of false thoughts, feelings, & actions? Or, does it hold some value? I was wondering if all those thoughts were a form of energy gone awry? In the grand scheme of life, even coach roaches hold some value.
Posted by Marty on October 3, 2021 at 3:55 pm
My fault for not laying out the landscape
I will write a post in the Ego
The Ego was created for identity.
Marty allows me to get mail, have a driver’s license, able to order things, obtain loans, run for office, etc.
Our Egos were created with flaws from our abuse
So certain parts of our Ego have negative emotions and unworthy thoughts.
Our identity was damaged in childhood so we know no different than dysfunction and unworthiness
Our Egos grew up not trusting and the lack of trust and belonging became a pattern in our lives.
The Ego is only for identity,
It was never imagined as our power source
Our true self is the captain of our ship
We can take a few focused breaths, step back and observe the ego
We are the Shepard the Ego is the sheep
The true self knows what is good and healthy for us, the ego has no way of knowing intrusive thoughts and firing of the fight or flight mechanism harms us, or he would refrain
Look at the suffering our egos hold onto.
I work to change my ego every day
In the meantime, I have the skill to focus and breathe, the ability to step back and see if my true self agrees with my Ego’s path.
I refute anger, fear, jealousy, resentment, rage, and guilt.
Worry and doubt are also denied an audience
My ego is supposed to serve me
Not the other way around
Use your ego for identity
For the good. Life
Then come back to now
That ego is never equal to another ego
So turmoil is part of what the ego brings to us
Power corrupts
Absolute power
Corrupts absolutely
This is all ego
Posted by rudid96 on October 4, 2021 at 2:01 pm
I read this several times. Not because the words are confusing but because I’m trying to envision my day without being Ego driven. When I spend time quietly, in solitary meditation, I can feel the qualities of Self. Today is my designated day to spend a few hours volunteering. I’m trying to mind-map remaining in Self when out, among people. This is much more challenging. My body is already reactive. Thank goodness you introduced readers to the power of following the breath.
Posted by Marty on October 4, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Good questions
Purpose helps Rudid96
You are volunteering
Giving without need for reward called loving kindness
Feel your energy going to others when you volunteer
Giving is part of healing let the spotlight focus on them
You are helping
Most are more than grateful
You have had the courage to face people to help
That is a great healing practice
You have power and can take action
That is a big win a big loss for PTSD
Action is winning
Letting go is winning
Following the breath is our shield
Focus is our sword
Posted by Marty on October 4, 2021 at 2:41 pm
What is your Egos favorite emotion
Favorite narrative it plays over and over
Posted by karenwilson on October 6, 2021 at 5:32 am
beautiful Marty
Posted by Marty on October 6, 2021 at 11:35 am
Thank you