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Ego, Mindfulness and Flow
How mindfulness and flow diminish the ego
Escaping the tyranny of the ego
According to a recent psychological theory, the ego is an internalization of the instructions that we received in our childhood from our parents, teachers and peers. Driven by the powerful social emotions of shame, pride and guilt, it compels us to achieve things in life. The ego is scared of failure and attached to success. It creates an unhealthy dynamic in our lives that makes us unhappy.
According to Buddhism, craving is the source of suffering. However, contrary to most common interpretations, craving is not the pursuit of pleasure.
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What do you crave in life?
Is it food, sex, friends and a good rest (pleasure)?
Or is it money, fame and success (ego)?
The simple pleasures of life produce little attachment. We can enjoy them and let them go. What drives us crazy with anxiety are things like money and success, which originate in the ego.
Our education has instilled in us the desire to achieve socially valuable goals in life. We have become so obsessed with them that we have forgotten to question whether they make us happy.
