Growth often begins with letting go —
but few things are harder to release than the ego.

The ego isn’t just pride.
It’s the mask we wear.
The identity we cling to.
The version of ourselves we perform — to feel safe, worthy, or admired.

But as Jay Shetty explains in Think Like a Monk,
ego isn’t strength.
It’s separation — from our truth, our growth, and even our peace.

🪞 What Is Ego, Really?

Ego says:

• “I am what I do.”
• “I am what I have.”
• “I am what people think of me.”

Ego seeks validation, not wisdom.
It fears being wrong, slow, uncertain, or vulnerable.
It attaches to titles, roles, and appearance — all of which are temporary.

Monks understand this deeply.
That’s why they shave their heads, wear the same robes, and live without status symbols.

Not because they’re trying to reject the world —
but because they’re learning to let go of identity as a performance.

🧠 The Problem with Ego

Ego is loud.

It will:

• Keep you in toxic relationships just to “prove” you’re strong
• Stop you from asking for help
• Push you to win arguments instead of grow in connection
• Reject feedback that could actually set you free

Ego confuses image with truth.

🌱 Why Letting Go Unlocks Growth

When you release ego, you create space for:

• Curiosity (instead of defensiveness)
• Vulnerability (instead of performance)
• New perspectives (instead of narrow beliefs)
• True self-worth (not conditional on applause)

You stop being afraid of not knowing.
You become a student again.
And that’s when growth begins.

🔄 Practices to Loosen the Ego Grip

1. Practice “I Don’t Know”

Say it without shame.
This opens your mind — and your heart.

2. Celebrate Others Out Loud

When someone wins, let your ego be silent, and your soul speak:

“I’m happy for them.”

This turns comparison into admiration.

3. Release the Need to Be Right

Ask:

“Do I want to connect, or do I want to win?”

Growth often happens in the humility of listening.

4. Detach from Titles

You are more than your role.
You are more than your label.
The real you has nothing to prove — just something to share.

5. Journal the Following Prompt:

“What fear is my ego trying to protect me from right now?”

You’ll be surprised how honest your soul becomes when ego gets quiet.

💡 Final Reflection

Ego will always whisper:
“Be seen.”
“Be the best.”
“Be admired.”

But your soul quietly asks:
“Be real.”
“Be open.”
“Be here.”

And when you choose that voice,
you make room for growth that isn’t about becoming more —
but about returning to who you were all along.

That is the freedom that lives behind the ego.

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