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Ego, Self-Image, True-Self - Who is in charge?

11/7/2017

12 Comments

 
"Nobody understands me!" is the main complaint of all unhappy and discontented people. Asking them if they understand themselves is considered rude.
Picture
In my quest to understand myself and others I have done some intensive self-study, just to realize that the masters of the subject don’t always agree with each other. The character of the human ego is only one of many disputable issues.

Nevertheless, I finally managed to identify the ‘voices’ in my head, or rather the beings in my psyche.  

There are three of them –

  1. Ego  
  2. Self-Image
  3. True-Self

Ego ​

This being is a hypersensitive guard, always ready to protect True-Self and Self-Image. He has no other qualities than encouraging True Self and Self-Image to act without delay on the words and actions of others. His vocabulary is composed of three words, which he uses with great success: Fight, flee, fall. Whatever True-Self and Self-Image do is up to them. The saying that ego is bruised, or blown, is a lie, because Ego is a robotic guard that acts on the feelings and emotions of True-Self and Self-Image.   

Self-Image 

This being was created by True-Self at a very early age, when she realized that she needed a more competent, less sensitive, and more popular self in order to obtain the love and respect she needs. Making Self-Image a perfect being was her intention.

Perfection is not to be achieved by any human being, nevertheless True-Self kept on building a Self-Image who looks and behaves better than herself.  

The idea was not to give Self-Image sole power, but after a specific experience True-Self found herself totally paralyzed. She gave the reins to Self-Image and withdrew into herself. 

​True-Self  

Wide-awakenings, disappointments, fear and pain kept True-Self paralysed for many years. Grieving in the basement of her body's psyche, where she could nurture her wounds and treasure her dreams and hopes, she allowed Self-Image to take care of life and all it entails. After all, Self-Image was courageous, competent, clever and successful. Even Ego seldom if ever had a reason to do what he was supposed to do.  

Eventually Self-Image met her Waterloo  

Fortunately, or sadly, depending on the lessons one has to learn during their time on earth, every being is bound to meet their Waterloo at least once.  ​

When Self-Image found herself totally defeated next to True-Self, Ego went crazy. “Fight! Flee! Fall!" he screamed at the top of his voice. 

Self-Image ignored him. 

This was the moment when True-Self realized that she was being unfair to herself, allowing her image to take over the forefront be while she, True-Self, missed out on life and opportunities for happiness. She rose, assumed the reins, and conquered the enemy who had crippled her ego and defeated her image.

She has never regretted the day she put herself in charge.
Picture
freedigitalphotos.net

Until next week,
Martie


ShoutOuts

@ marcoujor: marusic-aint-that-a-shame
@ warnerwords: getting-and-giving
@ firesiderolly: casting
12 Comments
William Holland link
11/7/2017 10:25:05 pm

I am so happy I met my Waterloo! It made all the difference in the world for me. :) Loved this post, Martie!

Reply
Martie link
11/7/2017 11:39:43 pm

William, one can never be the same after meeting Waterloo. Meeting him is one of those bad experiences that compels us to make decisions. If we don't make the right decisions, we will surely meet him again, and that could be the end of us. Take care!

Reply
Rasma Raisters link
11/8/2017 01:40:40 pm

So after a great read I sit here singing Waterloo by Abba.

Reply
Martie link
11/8/2017 07:48:59 pm

Rasma, now why haven't I added the video? I love ABBA's music :)

Reply
Maria link
11/8/2017 03:50:42 pm

Dear Martie,

This post is filled with wisdom and life perspective. I love the way you allow us to visualize the elements that compose our 'self'.

It is truly exhilarating when we become comfortable in our own skin - open to yet never ruled by the opinions of others.

And I'm also singing a little ABBA right about now... :)

Love you and hugs, mar

Reply
Martie link
11/8/2017 08:01:59 pm

Dear Mar,

When I was still a spring chicken I regarded the opinions and happiness of others more important than my own. Most probably because I feared the pain caused by critic and negative opinions about me. Fortunately, I was rudely awakened when I was rewarded with a kick in the pants. The older I get, the more I love being my true self.

Lots of hugs,
Martie

Reply
Aya Katz link
11/12/2017 03:34:25 pm

A very interesting and useful analysis. Too many people allow themselves to be swallowed by the self-image they feel the need to project.

Reply
Martie link
11/12/2017 09:57:40 pm

Hi Aya,

True! And in the meantime poor True-Self sinks deeper into depression without even realizing that she allows her image to wield the sceptre. It is not easy to break free from the jail we have established for our true self with our own fears and insecurity. Most of the time it takes a helluva shock. Thanks a lot for coming by :)

Reply
Rina link
11/12/2017 07:02:21 pm

Martie, Uitstekende artikel!!! Lanklaas so 'n raak beskrywing gesien! Well done! Hope to see you soon!

Reply
Martie link
11/12/2017 10:07:57 pm

Hi Rina,

Baie dankie vir die mooi kommentaar. Ek wens ek het die issue al 40 jaar gelede verstaan :)) ♥ Avontuurlustige Barend wil hê ons moet met die motorfiets af ry, maar my lyf sal dit vir seker nie maak nie.

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
11/13/2017 04:35:55 am

Hi Martie...

This is an amazing revelation for many of us. You have nailed it on many levels.
We all seek acknowledgement on most of what we call life. Great wisdom in your writing my friend.

Hugs and Blessings

Reply
Martie link
11/13/2017 09:26:36 pm

Hi Rolly,

We do try all protection mechanisms before we finally allow ourselves to just be our true self come hell or high water 🌼

Hugs and best wishes 💛

Reply



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