Nurturing the Aware Ego Process

This article is about nurturing the "aware ego process," a concept in psychotherapy that refers to a state of consciousness where you can observe your different inner "selves / voices / parts" without being identified with any of them. This allows for greater choice and freedom in your actions and reactions.

Here are the simplified takeaways:

1. Look for Opposites:

• When faced with a decision or strong desire, identify the opposing viewpoint, even if it seems counterintuitive. This helps to disengage from being solely driven by one "self" and its desires.

• Examples include:

  • A teenager wanting a guitar: Consider the times they've lost interest in other instruments, or the option of them earning the money themselves.

  • Wanting to move to Maui: Acknowledge the "rat race" self that you're trying to escape and find a balance between the two.

  • Feeling "madly in love": Consider the less romantic aspects of the person and the situation.

2. Identify and Question Sacrosanct Rules:

• These are unquestioned beliefs that often stem from your primary "self." Recognize them and explore the opposite perspective.

• Examples include:

  • "Follow your bliss": Consider practicality and consequences.

  • "The goal of life is to be unconditionally loving": Acknowledge your own unloving parts.

  • "Always speak your truth": Consider the potential repercussions.

3. Work with Judgement:

• Judgement, whether directed at you or from you, highlights duality. Use it as a tool to identify your primary self and the "disowned self" it's rejecting.

• Examples include:

  • Judging someone for being selfish: You may be disowning your own selfishness.

  • Being destabilized by someone calling you "pedestrian": You may be overly identified with being special and creative.

  • Feeling irritated by someone's neediness: You may be disowning your own vulnerability.

4. Use Energy Fields:

• Learn to regulate your energy field. Become more personal or impersonal as needed.

• Practice "pushing people out" of your field energetically in uncomfortable situations.

• Shield yourself before going into crowds or at bedtime.

• Tailor your energy to specific situations and people.

By practicing these techniques, you can strengthen your aware ego, gain greater self-awareness, and make more conscious choices in your life.