The word ego is common in our everyday language, although it’s usually used to refer to someone’s self-importance, pride, or arrogance, as when we say that such and such has a “big ego.” Psychologists also speak of a “healthy ego” when an individual seems to be a well-adjusted, productive member of society. But the ego is more complex and dynamic…
Tag: self-discovery
Key Aspects of Introversion and Extraversion
Are you an introvert or an extravert? A lot of people get confused about the distinction between these categories and call themselves “extraverted introverts” or “introverted extraverts.” I think this comes from a lack of understanding that the terms introversion and extraversion are psychological concepts referring to the natural orientation of your psychic energy rather than your personality as a…
How To Cultivate Contentment & Inner Peace
A young woman got pregnant in the small village where Zen master Hakuin was living. Her father forced her to confess the name of her lover, but she managed to protect him by pretending it was Hakuin. When the child was born, the infuriated father brought the baby to the monk, saying, “It appears this is your child!” along with…
Why You Need To Balance Activity With Relaxation
If you are like most people, you’re always active, busy with work and relationships. You’re ‘on’ from the moment you wake up till you fall asleep, tackling many chores and errands on a regular basis. You go from one thing to another each and every day. This is the nature of your mind—always running, thinking, pushing… As a young child,…
You Can’t Be Happy Without Understanding Your Mind
Two young Zen monks were traveling on a muddy road under a heavy rain when they saw a pretty girl in a silk kimono and sash looking at the road. She was clearly hesitant to cross the intersection and get her clothes dirty. One of the young men offered to carry her over the mud, lifting her in his arms…
From Stagnation To Inner Transformation
One of the things I love about living in the mountains of Western North Carolina is that as soon as the weather warms up, nature explodes everywhere, turning things colorful and expansive, and awakening the drive to get out, to release the stagnation of the winter months. As I work in my backyard, tending to the flowers and removing dry…
