Truth Message–“Midlife (or any age) is the time to let go of an over-dominant ego and to contemplate the deeper significance of human existence.” (C.G. Jung)

What invites being faithful to who you really are—a magnificent and capable human being with enormous wealth within you to enjoy and share with people and living things around you and at a distance? How can we encourage ourselves to be our authentic, real self.

First of all, any age or moment is a good time for knowing ourselves more, for insight into self, for understanding and applying mental and spiritual-universal laws and principles, and for uniting with our inner wholeness, light, and authentic expression.

Yet, living from our human ego may feel like trudging through swamp land day after day. It takes much more effort and is tiring, which can serve as big clues, revealing we are centered in ego and not authenticity.

To clarify, it is not wrong to express from our human ego. Nor is human ego expression to be criticized for existing. It is part of the evolution of our self-growth and attunement as spiritual beings living in human form.

An aside–I recall the following insights while in divinity school and studying Carl Jung and the shadow parts that arise in us, showing up in our lives occasionally: We can identify our shadow energy by what provokes us in another person. Annoyances, anger, upsets all can be golden opportunity to discover what we are suppressing, denying, or experiencing in ourselves. Or what mistaken beliefs and ideas we may be holding.

No doubt, self-introspection becomes effortless when we draw on greater light. The remedy then is to bring light to any shadow energy and disruptive feelings, attitudes, or inner disharmony. With divine light comes harmony, peace, and insightfulness.

Furthermore, on the subject of the human ego–if we catch our puffed up selves putting another human being down, it is clarifying to realize how we are expressing and using our energy and aliveness. Secondly, we can give thanks for self-awareness and the realization that ego is in control. We then stand in the light of recognition and wipe the dust off our feet and choose anew. Forgive oneself and be grateful for the light of expanded understanding of self.

Other ways ego shows up—not listening to the voice of wisdom, our intentions or empowered affirmations within. In addition, an over-focus on materiality, or having to be right, demanding, feeling superior, feeling inferior; and when ‘feeling the world owes us’ has taken the place of serving, giving, and aligning with the unencumbered presence of Spirit. Certainly, giving and receiving make sweet music in our souls when we strike a balance between the two.

Timothy Keller in his little book, The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness quotes Soren Kierkegaard: “The normal human ego is built on something besides God.” Keller goes on to state: “The ego that is puffed up and over-inflated has nothing at its center. It is empty.” The second tendency of the human ego Keller asserts: “It is also painful.”

The liberating news is when we look inside ourselves, we find treasures and gifts also! And we rejoice by expressing our richness in outer ways. Naturally, it is in seeking, knocking, and finding our beloved innate nature. Then letting the inner awareness and light of Truth give voice to and announce who we really are in Spirit, mind, heart, and body. Too, we discover all people have an inherent beloved nature. From our spiritual nature indwelling, we find peace and serenity through the grace of God.

Positively, we find a compensatory strength inside ourselves much greater than human power and capable to face our whole self supported by love and enlightened wisdom.

Without hesitation, we want to encourage ourselves and express from the spiritual Source within. It blesses us so—when we follow the inclinations of our soul and reach inside with openness and find the spirited love and light of wholeness. Things ease; we are more than our human ego’s; we have the mind, heart-strength and the power to choose anew and fill our life with luminous ideas and spirit-filled beliefs. Thus, we step onto higher ground and stand on the solid footing of our Being and express from our authentic nature within.