EGO
DETACHMENT
Inability to speak your
opinions and ideas in public is often due to a simple problem. Ego attachment. The solution is detachment.
It’s as if your idea or what
you’d like to say is you. Your worthwhileness as a person is connected
to a mere thought or point of view. So
if it is ignored, disapproved of, or voted down, you go down with it. When your well-being as a human being is
dependent on others “applauding” or liking what you say, it’s obvious you will
be very careful. You will be reluctant
to speak. You will be frightened to
express yourself.
Paralyzed in this way by fear
you will keep many good thoughts to yourself.
Resentment, jealousy, hostility, depression may follow. A kind of sickness of spirit from excessive ego
attachment. Too much mistaken notion
that your value as a person is dependent on being “right on”.
Recognizing this you can begin
to detach your ego from your statements.
Realizing that your value is independent of people liking or even
listening to what you have to say, you can begin to contribute.
Usually this means beginning by
overriding a lot of feelings with a determination to do what you are now
convinced is true. In spite of fear,
uneasiness, apprehension – breaking out into a new involvement, a gratifying fresh
creativeness.
Jesus said “Woe to you when all
people think well of you . . .” Luke
6:26
P.S. This is a message to myself mostly.
Very thought provoking. When I'm part of a committee or planning body, I often toss ideas into the hopper, looking for God's highest and best. I'm not usually attached to those because the best idea is often a combination of several. But there are times when it's difficult for me to separate myself from an idea! Especially when the idea comes from deep within my soul. Sharing one of those, is like giving birth to a child. I want to make sure it's understood, considered, and I guess, liked. I want to protect my baby. I need to remind myself that if the idea is from God, it's His problem if it isn't liked.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I'm afraid of the consequences of being totally honest. I guess I really need to look at that.