X. The Equality of Miracles, P 8
8 The ego is incapable of understanding content, and is totally unconcerned with it. To the ego, if the form is acceptable the content must be. Otherwise it will attack the form. If you believe you understand something of the “dynamics” of the ego, let me assure you that you understand nothing of it. For of yourself you could not understand it. The study of the ego is not the study of the mind. In fact, the ego enjoys studying itself, and thoroughly approves the undertakings of students who would “analyze” it, thus approving its importance. Yet they but study form with meaningless content. For their teacher is senseless, though careful to conceal this fact behind impressive sounding words, but which lack any consistent sense when they are put together.
Journal
I have become very interested in understanding the difference between content and form. Content might be guilt and form would be the belief that I am guilty of something I did or did not do. An example is that I might feel guilty for not being a better parent. Or I might think someone else is guilty of that. The confusion comes in when I think that I need to correct the form, so I try to make up for not being a better parent, or I might think the other person should do better at her parenting.
To truly experience a change, I will deal with the content instead of the individual forms the content takes. The way I do this is to recognize the uncomfortable feeling I have when I think of my seemingly failed parenting efforts. I then ask the Holy Spirit to heal my mind of the belief in guilt. In this way, a real shift occurs as opposed to the ego solutions, which are designed to make me feel better temporarily but with no intent to provide an actual solution.
The ego is never going to teach me anything of use. It has nothing to teach. And studying the ego is useless, though that is what we are encouraged to do. The ego loves the attention but nothing of importance is done in this study. I am not interested in the ego, only in undoing it. As I recognize that my thoughts are senseless and punishing, I give them to the Holy Spirit to correct. All I need to know about ego is how to recognize it when I use it to think so that I can change my mind.
© Copyright 2017, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice is included.
Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.