Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

As someone who often observes rather than participates, I find it fitting that my profile states this trait clearly. Early in my exploration of Medium, I encountered insightful pieces by Clem Samson and Patrick Stewart.

Clem is associated with the emerging 'Post Ego' movement, which piqued my interest. His articles captivated me with their humor and the concept of embracing a life free from ego. I am currently engaging with some exercises he has generously provided, deeply immersing myself in the practice of recognizing my inner narrator. I’ve realized that my internal commentary can be quite negative, and I am eager to quiet that voice.

In this context of awareness, Patrick Stewart's contributions about Taoism have struck a chord with me. His writings resonate with wisdom, humility, and a profound sense of humanity—qualities I value deeply in anyone who seeks to guide others toward authentic human growth.

The theme of recognizing the ego and understanding its potential pitfalls has become a recurring motif in my life. The aligned messages from these two authors almost feel like a gentle nudge from the Universe. Regardless of whether I view this as a sign from something greater, I am acutely aware that we are shaped by the narratives we tell ourselves and those instilled in us during our upbringing.

While our collective egos have positively influenced society in various ways, they can also lead to personal turmoil. It’s essential to confront our damaging inner dialogues to attain genuine peace. We all deserve serenity, but expecting it from others is a misguided expectation rooted in egoism, often leading to disappointment.

This isn’t to say that everyone should be excused for their poor choices, but we must not let others dictate our paths. We possess more agency than we realize. If we collectively understood that we are not bound by our inner narratives, we could uncover our true selves and experience liberation from societal conformity and external expectations.

The fundamental act of acknowledging our self-talk can be transformative. By dedicating time daily to this practice, we can cultivate a sense of lightness. I've tasted this lightness in small moments, and it feels wonderfully uplifting. I highly recommend it.

There is an inherent fear surrounding the prospect of shedding our ego or the constructed self we've built over the years. Our attachment to these narratives and the perceptions we wish to project onto others is deeply ingrained. Breaking free from our egos is no small feat; our identities feel at stake. Yet, what if these self-imposed identities are the root of our struggles? Often, they are.

The journey begins with contemplating this addiction to our false selves. Simply taking five minutes to exist without the burdens of our inner critics can reveal a life beyond the negativity we cling to.

It may seem daunting to discard the intricate persona I’ve cultivated over the last fifty years, but I am ready. I long to be the conscious curator of my thoughts and actions. Is that a form of arrogance?

The first video, "Taoism's Revelation on Why Your Ego is Bullsh*t," delves into how Taoist principles can help dismantle the ego and promote genuine self-awareness.

Chapter 2: A Taoist Perspective

The second video, "A Taoist Tale that Tamed My Ego," shares a story that illustrates the transformative power of Taoist wisdom in overcoming ego-driven behaviors.