Class Theme- Week 4 Feb 2015- The Ego

After a few weeks of flowing, meditative, movement, like a bull in a China shop, the Ego comes charging in and provides the inspiration for this week’s theme.

To me, the ego is an inner voice that demands to be heard.  It may be loud and bullying and prompt us to keep pushing ourselves when we know we should stop.  Or it may whisper to us not to even try something as we will surely fail or look a fool: more important to keep our dignity and maintain our carefully crafted image.  It is fed and strengthened by our own insecurities and lack of self acceptance.

I imagine another voice, loving and kind, inside us, patiently waiting to be invited to speak.  And that can only happen when the ego is quiet.  This voice inquires rather than commands.  It acknowledges when we feel we have failed in some way and asks what we have learned and how can we turn our negative interpretation into a positive.  It challenges us if we attempt to blame people or circumstance for our misfortunes, or if we take credit for our successes.  It takes us by the hand and asks us to notice what is happening right now, in this moment and to honour that by giving it our complete dedication to the fullest of our abilities.

So these are the thoughts we take onto our mats this week: an awareness of being present breath by breath and giving our practice our honest best effort; and moments of stillness to reflect on our choices and let that inner voice be heard.