Definition of E.G.O. = Easing Grace Out
We’re all familiar with the characteristics of the classic egoist, the larger than life person who can do no wrong, to whom all the problems are with the other person, walking with a slightly puffed out chest, and chin slightly raised as though looking down on everyone. This is the exaggerated image we tend to have of a person afflicted with a sizable ego. Yet, what I am most interested in presently is the flip side of the characteristic E.G.O. behavior, the side we are less familiar with, and the behavior that most all human beings suffer from to some degree.
Easing Grace Out (E.G.O.) can be defined as measuring our worth in the world according to the opinions others have of us, the comparisons we draw between ourselves and others, the image we hold in our mind of who we are, and our value in the world. It can also be defined by how we project ourselves to others, and when we suffer from Easing Grace Out we have a tendency to project ourselves to others based on the image we hold of ourselves drawn from our comparisons. This is E.G.O. because it is all irrelevant. We are who we are because we are. Understanding our worth as an intrinsic thing is what brings us back into a place of grace; a place of elegance, beauty, and distinction.
The flip side to the classic egoist is the notion that we are not good enough, not worthy, not successful enough, not good looking enough, smart enough, or capable enough – because we are measuring ourselves according to the accomplishments and capabilities of others. And, if we measure ourselves by comparisons, the judgments of others, and our outward image then we are destined to rule our lives by appearances and what we think others may think of us, not by our deepest passions, our truest talents, and by what feels intuitively right to us. This is Easing Grace Out. This is also confusion and disconnection from the world.
Truly successful people didn’t get there by obsessing over what other people thought of them. While they most likely have the same insecurities as the next person and hold some level of concern about what others will think of them or how they compare to others, they set those thoughts aside, face into the fear, and act on their deepest desires and intuition. We become truly successful when we set our fears aside and follow our passions, whatever the net result looks like. We become successful in this light because we’re being genuine and authentic. We are expressing our truest talents and taking a risk for the sake of authentic self-expression, not what we think we should be doing, or by what others may think.
Having an inflated self image is E.G.O. Thinking we are less than others is also E.G.O. Acting small in the world based on the comparisons we’ve made about ourselves is Easing Grace Out. Following our deepest authentic desires for life is allowing Grace to flow.
Thanks for reading. I look forward to your comments.
I like the definition of EGO. It brings to mind a prayer that was suggested by a friend: “please help me create a day of ease and grace”. What a nice way to start the day.
In my work as an adviser and motivator, I have read several articles like this over the past 40 years. It is accurate. Then eight years ago a point was made in the “Secret” documentary. It said that every sentence we use keeps us there. So when I write things like this article, I say only for a person to be who they are, I say only what a person can be.
freedom
So true Freedom. The words we use are so highly important, which brings to mind the “Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, the agreement “be impeccably with your words.”
I am finding that I am looking forward more and more to your weekly blog posts! The refreshing inspiration I get from them lift my spirits, and gives me that ‘little extra’ that I need to face the challenges I am facing. I particularly liked these lines from last weeks post. “We become truly successful when we set our fears aside and follow our passions, whatever the net result looks like. We become successful in this light because we’re being genuine and authentic.”
Sincerely ~
Kathryn Edwards
Founder/Eco Arts Awards
Thank you Kathy. I truly enjoy writing these and am glad to know that you’re receiving value from them.