The Ego
One of the greatest obstacles which faces the individual is self- image. How one defines and perceives themselves at an internal level. These views or opinions are important to understand as they are generally defined during our formative years. We are molded through consensually inherited structures adopted from our parents, carers, elders, and their social and cultural beliefs. How we see and conduct ourselves are through the norms set by them and their predecessors. If one is perceived as average, shy, unambitious individual with no self worth, the ego will maintain this perception. If on the other hand one is considered a more than average, outgoing, ambitious individual the ego will support this notion. These perceptions are then shielded with what we generally call our defense mechanisms a protective casing which protects your self-image. How you identify yourself to be and how you believe people see you. This, your self-image is bounded by the defense mechanisms protecting your so called identity. Massive amounts of energy are utilized to ensure that nothing can threaten it. It is as if it were to dissolve you would disappear along with it. All that energy for something which is only an image. How we imagine ourselves to appear to our peers. At any rate our feelings define us at a variant of increasing or diminishing levels which drains us physically. We are constantly looking for homeostasis to maintain a comfortable balance to our existence. The ego is like an impenetrable citadel which protects itself from annihilation at all cost. And for what? It is not permanent. Our views, opinions, our personal perceptions can be altered at a flip of a paradigm. The ego considers itself a separate entity and to maintain this integrity it constantly has to assert its important role . It perceives itself as whole and not a part of . It also functions from a sense of lack and constantly needs acknowledgement. It fears dissolution.
