There’s a lot of discussion in spirituality about ego and the myriad of ways to diminish it. No matter what spiritual tradition you are studying, there are unlimited suggestions and tools for doing so. No matter how many methods we come up nothing can replace being in service as one of the most powerful real ego killer.
Why being in service?
But even service isn’t immune to the devious ways of the ego to assert itself. Nothing can demolish a great experience of service more than the ego getting all puffed up about yourself. Well, if this is the point of view you are approaching service from, obviously you’re not going to lessen your ego – you’re going to inflate it.
In truth, service is not convenient or easy, nor does it present itself only when we have no other obligations in our lives. Too often people renege on service because they feel it’s not something they would like to do, or they feel that they simply don’t have the time for it. But that’s the point! If you’re only doing what you want when you want what entity other than the ego approaches life from this point of view? Only ego behaves this way.
How to manage your ego:
The key is to catch yourself when you hear your internal and/or external dialogue giving every justification and excuse for not stepping forward. Make an effort to assist when life is calling you. I’ve noticed that I’m asked to be in service when my particular skills are needed in a life situation. Each of us is blessed to have unique combinations of abilities that may be called into service by life/Spirit. If you truly have faith in the way our universe functions, you will also have faith that when you are called Spirit will make it possible for you to be in service.
I have no doubt that most of us are too busy to even take five minutes for ourselves to rest. The truth is time is plastic and conforms to the demands put upon it. You’ll see that although you may feel tired, you also have a feeling of purpose and greater good within you. In these moments the unknowable that exists only as potential is called forth from us. We grow in ways we could never expect. Therein lies the real gift.
Life is never one-sided. When we move past the selfishness of the ego, the bounty of life and love steps forth to reveal itself. I encourage you to stop making excuses about why you cannot answer the call of life. Leave your fear behind about why you are not capable enough and take a leap of faith. I promise you it’s SO worth it.