The path to Tranquility (spring)
11. Get rid of the control of ego
Perhaps we have all had similar experiences – when we devote ourselves to something, an indescribable joy suddenly surges into our hearts, as if time has stopped. This feeling means that we are transcending ourselves and entering the true present. For example, when we are immersed in a gripping novel, the words seem to jump before our eyes; or when we are creating, inspiration surges, and the pen, hand, and thoughts merge into one; even when we challenge our limits in sports, our breathing and rhythm are perfectly coordinated. At this time, our emotions tend to enter a stable flow state – just like a mountain spring. This experience of being completely immersed in it and forgetting one's ego is the most magical charm of concentration.
When we focus on the present moment, our brains reach a state of heightened clarity, and stress and anxiety gradually dissipate, replaced by the stability and calmness that comes with focus. However, this state is fleeting, like ripples on the water, and can be easily broken once daily worries emerge. When we return to all aspects of life, instincts, emotions, and habits once again drive our thinking and behavior, and we will once again fall into regrets about the past or anxiety about the future, letting the precious moments of the present slip away.
Deep in the mind, instincts, emotions, and habits together form a mask that becomes our ego. This mask obscures our core consciousness, misleading us into thinking that this is who we really are, and makes us obsessed with distant goals while ignoring the reality of the present. As a result, we neglect to explore new things, but repeat past choices along the established trajectory, bound by old habits and old thinking. The ego once played a key role in human evolution - in ancient times, it was a survival tool that enabled people to quickly sense danger, respond to wild animals or enemies, and escape. Its role was simple and direct: survival. However, as civilization developed, survival required more consciousness, but the defense mechanism of the ego did not subside. Instead, it lurked in the mind and continued to affect our emotions and behavior.
Over time, the ego, originally formed for survival, gradually becomes a burden to us. It constantly drives us to satisfy our instinctive needs and pursue immediate and short-term pleasures, but quietly cuts off our true connection with others and obscures the truth in our hearts. We indulge in the false rewards of quick response and ignore the depth of relationship and the need for self-exploration. What is more worrying is that the ego is often fragile. An unintentional word or a sudden change may arouse strong anger or sadness and affect our judgment. Unconsciously, we are pulled by habits and fall into daily repetition, making it difficult for consciousness to truly grow and transform.
When the satisfaction of instinctive or habitual needs is hindered, the ego will react violently as if it were injured, and negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, and depression will appear. If these emotions continue to accumulate, they will surge like a flood, and finally break through the embankment of the body and mind. What is even more confusing is that even if the ego is satisfied, it may not be a blessing. When this sense of satisfaction turns into self-inflation, leading to overconfidence and blind optimism, our consciousness is more easily blinded and we cannot see the hidden risks and the real situation. Whether it is pain or excitement, once it is related to the ego, it often keeps us away from true peace and balance.
Moderate anger can inspire justice, and sadness can help us resolve loss. These emotions are originally the embodiment of inner wisdom, and are signals for regulating the body and mind and coping with the real world. However, once guided by the ego, our emotions are no longer simple and pure. They are exaggerated and distorted, becoming tools for the ego to continue to oppress life. The pain of the past keeps reappearing, as if the scars are torn open again; worries about the future also continue to spread, shrouding our consciousness and blurring our perception of reality. When the ego interferes with the signals of emotions, we will be misled, react out of touch with reality, and finally fall into the vortex of emotions and cannot extricate ourselves.
In modern life, many people are used to unconsciously browsing social media while using their mobile phones. Their eyes are constantly lingering on new messages, but they cannot really focus on the current tasks and it is difficult to have in-depth communication with the people around them. This distraction not only wastes time, but also distracts attention. When we are distracted habitually, the world in front of us will gradually become blurred and consciousness will become erratic. If we cannot break out of this inertial cycle, then the ego will continue to pull us away from truly autonomous life. We may think we are making choices, but in fact we are always pulled by external stimuli and cannot gain true freedom of choice.
True concentration is not just a short-term flow experience, but a manifestation of freedom - we take control of our own thoughts, not being dragged down by emotions or disturbed by the outside world. This means that we can clearly recognize the cause and effect of the present moment, and can maturely manage our emotions and maintain a stable state of mind. However, concentration is not something that can be cultivated overnight. It is an ability that requires long-term training. Only through continuous practice can we gain mature consciousness and achieve true concentration. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can effectively improve concentration, make us more sensitive to the present, and reduce emotional interference. Concentration exists not only in big-picture decisions, but also in small actions. Doing one thing at a time, even if it is just turning a page of a book and focusing, can deepen consciousness; just like water dripping through a stone, gradually build stronger psychological stability.
What is cultivated purely from emotions is often just a stronger ego, not a truly mature consciousness. When emotions dominate the mind, the ego will seek a sense of existence in it; it constantly amplifies the intensity of emotions, causing us to fall into anger, anxiety or excitement, thereby strengthening its influence. This is a helpless dilemma - the ego becomes stronger through emotions, and emotions continue to accumulate under the influence of the ego, swallowing us like a whirlpool, making it impossible for the mind to truly grow and break through. Therefore, under the control of the ego, emotions gradually occupy the center of life, making us mistakenly believe that they are the real needs of life, but ignoring that what we really desire is deep peace and continuous transcendence.
From daily scenes, we can also deeply appreciate the importance of getting rid of the ego. The ego often makes us overly concerned about our own feelings and ignore the essence of things. When faced with criticism or disagreements, emotions often prevail, causing not only conflicts within us, but also conflicts with others, thus covering up and ignoring the real solution. On the contrary, if we can get rid of the influence of the ego, calmly analyze the other party's intentions, and express our views in a constructive way, then we can not only solve the problem, but also build deeper trust. In the family, emotional management is the key to maintaining close relationships; calm words and patient listening can often eliminate misunderstandings and bring people closer together. When our emotions are no longer affected by the ego and can lead communication with a clear consciousness, interpersonal relationships can develop in a more harmonious direction.
The existence of the ego is originally a defense mechanism, filling the gaps in consciousness, allowing us to react quickly and seek safety when facing the unknown. However, the fear of failure makes us hesitant, and the fear of death makes us avoid challenges. If these emotions are not properly guided, they will turn into anxiety and confusion, keeping us away from true wisdom and freedom. Therefore, only by actively creating moments of focus and returning consciousness to the present can we break free from the shackles of the ego, gain true inner peace, and control the direction of our lives.
As long as we truly focus on the present and use consciousness rather than the ego to guide our lives, freedom, happiness, peace and satisfaction will no longer be an unattainable dream, but will be reflected in our lives and become our real daily experience. Let reason and consciousness guide us forward, we can break free from the shackles of the ego and truly control everything about ourselves. When we no longer cling to the past and face the future with a clear mind, we can not only live a wonderful and free life, but also use wisdom to influence the world, inspire others, and become true reformers.
12. Elegance reflects a harmonious body and mind
