I read a great blog post at Sizzle in the Middle called Spiritual Obsessive Disorder. The author, Tracy Pattin, highlighted a recent spiritual seeker’s event. One of the topics was about our ego and the illusions it perpetrates. I agree. It does.

With regard to relationships, the speaker commented,  “We must not NEED anyone. We must WANT them.”    I can see where she was coming from.  When we are needy, or co-dependent, we “need someone” to fill our own unmet needs.  That’s cool.  So far so good.

Here’s where the EGO part gets tricky.  The ego is the one that wants.

We long for what we want. We work for what we want. We pray for what we want.  And the whole time we are hood-winked by our beloved ego.

The ego is a want machine. Everyone has a want machine, just waiting to take charge. Most unquestioned lives operate so that the ego’s needs may be served. It wants to be safe. It wants approval. It wants control.  The ego is not capable of deep silence, introspection, nor unconditional love. It is not who you are. Our ego loves to dress up, pretend, and play games. It’s favorite game is taking us out of the present moment.

Our ego separates us from the core of our being, the one that “breathes us.” We ARE already unconditionally loved, accepted, and safe.  That something is in control of our breath. Without that need fulfilled, we die. Our ego judges, compares, and needs to be important. The ego is important, but not the most important aspect of life. It is an operating system.  It’s not a bad thing, it’s a human thing.

Pay attention to who is in charge during the day. Is it your head or heart?  It’s that simple. When you pray, allow the deep core to take charge.  We are all one, we are all connected. Prayer offered without an agenda is the only prayer that serves the highest good. Our ego pretends to know. It does not.

Tame your ego, and turn your prayer to one of gratitude not want. Find that still small voice within that knows what you need.  Fill your cup with clarity. Choose wisely who you follow. Get beyond the ego to the truth within you. It alone can get you where your heart wants to take you.

Don’t believe what I say. It’s simple, not always easy to look within for your answers. The rewards are great,  and you will be well on your way to a heart filled life, free from spiritual obsessive disorder.

Would love your comments.