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Ego

I  sat  cross-legged on my mat, watching others in their usual places, some in peculiar positions as we all anticipated the beginning of our yoga session.  Before we actually began, our teacher held a basket for us to pass around so that we could  "empty our ego into it."  Ego is that part of ourselves that wants to compete, outshine and out do others; the part of us that always is comparing and measuring us against the standard of others.  The definition of ego given is "edging God out."  Having the basket in my lap, I quickly became aware of how hard it is to let go of ego . . . even for a yoga session.

But that was then, a few months ago.  Rest, solitude, and reflection has probably consumed me a bit more than I imagined.  Yet, I find myself enduring and persevering better than in the past.  Little by little, I am realizing the blessing  of letting go and moving forward.  As I have let my ego stay in its basket, I am more flexible and open even when things are not going the way I would choose or want.  I guess that's the blessing of leaving all the outcomes to God, instead of edging Him out of the plan. . . 

Case in point is my vegetable garden.  I have had such joy in watching it grow and produce, especially the broccoli.  Who knew that broccoli grows so lovely, from the center sprouts, to even the tiny yellow flowers that would bloom if I let them stay on the plant?  And even now though the center bunches have been cut off, it's springing up with more side sprouts!  I have already had salads with my red romaine and arugula, plus the Swiss chard has made several tasty soups, and the cabbage is getting ready to pick.  All I did was dig in the garden and plant . . . the harvest has come from the Above.

Ego . . . "edging God out" ultimately leaves me exhausted, tight and frustrated with the flow of life.  But releasing my ego, opens my heart to gratitude and thankfulness.  Sort of like planting my garden, tilling the soil and setting the plants out to grow, then stepping aside to allow God to create the outcome.

An open heart joyfully moves on and forward. . . no ego needed.
 

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