I've described a person's ego (identity and I-ness) in many ways over the years. I'm returning to the ego today because the ego is responsible for so much of a person's conscious (aware) psychology and behavior. Developing a balanced ego is important for everyone, but it doesn't always happen. People are referred to as egotistical, which means they are inflated with big egos and think highly of themselves, even if no one else does. People also are referred to as self-centered, which means they are interested in nothing, and no one else but themselves. These conscious ego positions, and a variety of others, are the responsibility of the ego. Let's look at some others.
When someone speaks about their likes and dislikes, conscious expressions from the ego are present. Values also are the responsibility of a person's conscious ego, which can be related to likes and dislikes. The type of persona (mask or collective image we display to the world or other people) is chosen by the ego. For example, when someone dresses flamboyantly, that is the persona a person is displaying to the world, but it's an ego expression too.
Whether someone presents as macho, timid, shy, or as a bully, all these personae are related to the person's ego. These personae have roots in the unconscious (hidden psychology) of a person, but the person's ego selects the persona to display. A person's humbleness, compassion, caring, disregard, and uncaring expressions can all be the responsibility of the ego, albeit with unconscious roots as well. Clearly, the ego is involved in so many of our characteristic expressions. Its responsibilities are almost endless.
Recently, someone asked me: How do I change my ego? Of course, there are many answers but finding one's vulnerability, such as fear, insecurity, or weakness, and expressing it in different situations, is essential.
Each person's vulnerability differs, but becoming conscious of, and expressing it as part of one's I-ness is a beginning. Imagine if a person, who is typically egotistical, became more vulnerable in their ego expressions.
The changes would be enormous. Of course, once the new ego position becomes consistent, focus on vulnerability might no longer be necessary. Ego development can also strengthen someone's conscious expression of empathy, where it once was unconscious or non-existent.
Our egos are responsible for a variety of our expressions, from personae to sensitivity; therefore, our identities and sense of I-ness can either produce rich relational characteristics or selfish expressions.
It's our ego's responsibility to determine our conscious expressions and behaviors, and how we meet life and others.
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