When observing our own thoughts, we can, as an exercise, ask how the thoughts relate to our identity.
With some thoughts, it will be obvious as soon as we look - with a memory of an argument, thinking about the perfect comeback we could have said, about something we’re proud of or some reward we look forward to receiving. Just by scratching the surface we can see some association with the ego.
We might find that, even though we recognize these thoughts are based in ego, we want to persist with them. In that case, we can simply notice that impulse. Perhaps there is even a subtler desire to continue with the impulse. Again, we notice the desire.
Often in meditation, and in life, it is not necessary to seek to change things. By becoming aware of our own tendencies, we plant the seed of transformation.
Note: In the episode Kurt attributes a quote to Lao-Tzu - “When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be.” The quote is from a translation of Chapter 22 of the Tao Te Ching, but the translation is not faithful.
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I enjoyed your podcast. Ego and its self-preservation and justification of actions. Our egos desire to stay static and resist change. It is only our awareness of this resistance and identify it for what it is that we can move forward contrary to the ego and a status-quo state.
Good post. Thank you 🌸