A Focus of Conscious Attention

The ego can be defined as a focus of conscious attention, this is to say one’s manifestation of self is realised via the capacity of mind to distinguish and prioritise a conscious state of control above the subconscious condition where thought defies tangibility. In order to interface with the external environment, one’s internal directives must first be determined by the ego through ongoing processing of conscious experience. It is this sensory centric analysis that informs our decision making capability and threatens such notions as free will. This focus on material prerogatives obfuscates existential patterns occurring at an instinctual level. To gain freedom by virtue of intentional decision making, one must recognise this course of egotistical karma accrual and seek to dismantle their own constructed narratives. This is not to suggest one should seek to live free of the ego, as it is an anchor to material reality, but rather to gain understanding of emotional reactions triggered by karmic relations. The past doesn’t exist and authenticity to the true self occurs in the present.

Through a practice of meditation it is possible to observe the ego, and once observed, specific characteristics will become apparent. With this comes greater levels of self understanding that may pave the way for healing of traumas, genuine relationship development and holistic wellbeing. By recognition of one’s establishing behavioural factors, self-care and empathy will be more accessible, creating a supported environment to discard non-serving ideologies. The natural process of meditation, which is to allow full bodily experience of thought and emotion, may be achieved through practical methods relevant to the individual. In contrast with self-preservation tendencies that suppress negative feelings, meditation is a powerful aid in accepting the transience of our human condition. Slowness of mind does not equate to dullness, but is rather an indicator of sagacious thinking undertaken through a measured approach of feeling before acting. By stilling the mind and quieting the ego, the somatic body becomes a trusted navigator to call upon during moments of unrest.