We think without realizing we’re thinking and we judge without realizing we’re judging.
It’s hardwired into us, as a survival mechanism. Like the majority of survival mechanisms that are hardwired into us thanks to evolution, our constant judging of the people, places, things, and situations around us serves as a detriment more than a benefit in the modern world.
For years, I’ve immersed myself in philosophy and spirituality, and my meditation practice goes back even further. Yet, day to day, I find myself falling back into egocentric judgment. It’s like an unconscious default – I judge myself and others harshly. I’m sure I’m not alone in this experience. It’s frustrating to dedicate so much time and effort to cultivating awareness and non-judgment, only to find myself slipping back into negativity.
Building awareness and staying non-judgmental is a never-ending process.
It’s kind of like meditation – you have to keep catching yourself when your mind wanders and bring it back to the present moment. Self-improvement and personal development are lifelong journeys, much like maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Despite years of studying great thinkers, my ego persists. I wonder if it will ever fully disappear, or if consistent awareness is the key to minimizing its influence.
Eckhart Tolle is quick to remind everyone that the world is not here to make our life easy, it is here to awaken us through challenges.
Awareness is the way out but it doesn’t do the work for us. No one else does. Nothing else will.
I would love to think that I have been challenged and humbled by the universe thoroughly enough to be as detached from my ego as any living person. But I’m swimming against the tide in the quest to be detached from the ego. Another thing I need to be aware of consistently.
Perhaps this is my spiritual practice. Tolle talks about what challenges us most is our spiritual practice. I suppose in that case I have a baker’s dozen worth of spiritual practices.
Ryan Holiday has built a literary empire by reminding people that Ego is the Enemy.
I do know that negatively judging myself and others doesn’t help me at all. I’ve learned that through a good chunk of life experience. I was very much the cynical, sarcastic type for the majority of my youth and early adulthood. Sure the one-liners were occasionally a hit in bars, at parties, and on dates but eventually the barrel to shoot vitriol always ended up getting aimed at myself and those I cared about the most.
Over-calibrating to being a toxically positive patsy wasn’t the answer either.
One of the pragmatic benefits of studying and applying philosophy studies and spirituality practice is helping one find a middle ground. Being aware enough to detach from pride/ego even temporarily in the service of goal.
Becoming aware enough to realize when I’m negatively judging is a recurring gift of meditation for me.
Studying the wisdom of some of the greatest thinkers in human history to guide my actions when I’m consciously aware is a recurring gift of philosophy study. Together they make existence a little simpler, a little easier, a little smoother, a little clearer. The more life experience I accrue the more I know that all of those little benefits are worth their weight in gold.
Overcoming ego is a lifelong journey
The small victories of self-awareness are the milestones that keep us motivated. Keep practicing mindfulness and cultivating awareness in your daily life. You’ll be amazed by the positive changes you experience, and how much easier it becomes to navigate the challenges that inevitably arise.
Anarchy Journal Constitutional 