Get honest with yourself; are you being guided by your intuition or your ego? The truth is, it’s not always easy to tell if our choices are coming from the right place. In yoga, we are learning to access new levels of honesty. Right now, the universe is offering you an opportunity for growth. By following your intuition, life is an enjoyable and meaningful experience. Follow your ego and you might still be successful. But, are you also left wondering why you’re not as happy as you think you should be? Learning to determine whether you’re being guided by intuition or ego can make a huge difference in your life. While there are no hard and fast rules to make the distinction, there are tendencies that can serve as a guide. For right now, look with fresh eyes to see if it’s intuition or your ego leading the way.
Consider these differences:
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Ego-based decisions are grounded in fear and self-preservation.
If you decide to go to medical school primarily for reasons of financial security, that’s ego. If you decide to not ask out the beautiful woman that lives on the corner, that’s ego.
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Ego-based decisions typically have emotions connected to them.
A choice made from a place of intuition just feels “right” and often comes out of left field. It’s like mowing the grass and you get hit with the idea of becoming a dog breeder. The resulting battle in your head is your ego fighting back.
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Ego-based decisions consider external results.
Are you writing a book in order to have a bestseller, or are you writing a book because you’re fascinated with the idea of writing a book? Are you taking an action to gain certain results, or does the action itself provide sufficient satisfaction?
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Ego-based decisions involve rationalization.
Your ego is wonderful at convincing you that its choice is the right one. “I’ll never get that job. Imagine how disappointed I’ll feel when it doesn’t work out. People like me are destined to only be supervisors, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I can still have a decent life.” It’s really just a rationalization based on fear – fear of success or fear of failure. The ego tries to justify itself with facts, figures, and logic. Intuition doesn’t require these tricks to compel you. If you’re using logic to convince yourself of a course of action, you can bet that’s your ego squawking.
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Intuition doesn’t judge.
A thought or decision arising from intuition doesn’t involve judgment statements about right or wrong, good or bad. Intuitive thoughts feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful. There’s a universal truth to an idea that arises from intuition.
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Is the expected gratification coming from within or is it external?
Would you make the same choice if no one would ever know? Would you purchase that BMW if no one ever knew you owned it? Or do you simply love German automobiles and love the idea of owning a precision car? What do you want? Does it matter what other people want from you? Do money and admiration drive you? Or, is personal satisfaction your driving force? Think for a minute, what really makes your soul tick?
While the ego can be very limiting, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong.
Invite it into balance. Figure out which you’re following. Then, decide the next right move for you. Remember, the ego’s motivation is largely based on self-preservation. Your ego believes that it has your best interests at heart. Ignoring it is a challenge. Resist letting ego’s fear influence you. It’s only natural to avoid fear and seek comfort. Serve yourself by realizing when fear is holding you back from something bigger and better. Sometimes fear is keeping you from doing something foolish. Think before choosing which voice to follow. Now, use these tips to help you make a decision that will bring you true happiness. Just for today, consciously let your intuition be your guide.
Practice Radical Self-Acceptance.
Always Return to Balance.