In spiritual literature, the “ego” is often spoken of as the primary enemy of the “soul.” Such a perspective can be seriously harmful because it fails to account for the difference between the positive and negative forms of the same thing—the empirical Self of the human being. This difference lies in the fact that its negative manifestations are expressions of defense mechanisms based on fear, while its positive ones serve as the center of consciousness and a means of building healthy boundaries between ourselves and others.
Furthermore, without a healthy ego, we will not be able to handle the challenges of spiritual transformation, which inevitably involve experiences from the world of the transpersonal psyche (the world of archetypes). Without a strong internal center (a developed inner observer) and sufficient grounding, there is a danger of identifying with the contents emerging from the deeper layers of the human psyche. Contrary to how it appears, so-called “ego inflation” is an expression of a weak ego, not a strong one.
Therefore, the problem with the ego is not that we have it, but that we “misuse” it. Pamela Kribbe also writes about its true purpose and special role in earthly creativity.
“The ego represents the part of the soul that is oriented toward the material, outer world. […] The ego provides focus to consciousness. It makes consciousness organic instead of oceanic, ‘here and now’ instead of ‘everywhere and always.’ The ego translates inner impulses into concrete material form. It is that part of you which bridges the gap between your spiritual non-physical part and your physical part.
For the soul, it is quite unnatural to be fixed in time and space. The soul is essentially independent of any material form. […] When the ego serves as a tool to the soul, it is a neutral and indispensable instrument. But when the ego starts to dictate to the soul, instead of serving it, the soul gets out of balance.
The ego-based consciousness is always in pursuit of power and control. […] We suggest that you try to find the motives of power and control in your everyday life. Try to notice how often you want to bend things or people to your will, even if it is for a seemingly noble cause. […] The price you pay for keeping things ‘under control’ is that your attitude toward life is tense and restricted. When you dare to live from your inner inspiration, doing only what gives you joy, this will create a natural and creative order in your life.”
— The Jeshua Channelings, Pamela Kribbe
More posts on this topic: Michael Tamura on the True Purpose of the Ego
