Breaking Free From Ego (MATRIX SERIES 3)
How to break free from the ego
Shattering another trap, stopping us from transcending
Welcome back. Readers, are you ready for another breakdown of the Matrix? In my article, we will be discussing how the ego can be an agent and why we must transcend from it. By utilizing analogies from The Matrix, we can gain a concrete understanding of what spiritual awakening truly entails and how it unfolds. While some individuals may perceive spiritual awakening as a feeling. Essentially, a spiritual awakening involves recognizing that we have been imprisoned within a system that has controlled us, masquerading as our true selves.
We have lived under the assumption that we are separate entities existing within a physical realm, possessing free will. However, we now comprehend that we have been under the sway of a fabricated program, which we mistakenly believed to be our authentic identity. This program operates as a series of automated triggers, compelling us to perceive, think, and react in ways that do not align with our genuine desires at our core.
Understandably, this realization can be quite shocking. However, if you are undergoing this awakening experience, I urge you not to let the weight of this revelation instill fear or overwhelm you. Such reactions are also products of the mind’s programming. In truth, this realization should be met with joy and excitement, as you have just regained your freedom. Becoming aware that you have been trapped within a psychic software program called the ego is, in itself, liberation. As mentioned in previous episodes, the ego can only operate unconsciously. The moment you become conscious of its existence, its grip and influence over you diminish because it relies on your unconscious belief in it to sustain itself. This fact is symbolized by agents in The Matrix who attempt to eliminate anyone aware of the Matrix, as they only hold power over you when you are unaware of them. Similarly, the ego fights to keep you in an unconscious state. This brings us to the first step in breaking free from the mental matrix of the ego.
Responding to the Call
In the movie, the initial step taken to free Neo from the Matrix is to make him question his reality. They encourage him to delve beneath the surface layer and become suspicious of the world as he knows it. As depicted in the film, anyone seeking to leave the Matrix must heed the call from a higher dimension. This call originates from your higher self because, once you have endured enough suffering caused by your ego, a desire to be liberated from this suffering emerges. This is your higher self signaling that you are prepared to surpass these programmed patterns. The programs have fulfilled their purpose by acting as catalysts for your personal growth, and you are now ready to transcend them and progress towards the next stage of human consciousness known as enlightenment. Eventually, the term "enlightenment" will become obsolete as it becomes the normal state of being. It is the collective destiny of humanity to attain this level of consciousness, much like how we evolved from an earlier state of consciousness.
Begin to view each thought with suspicion. The question is whether you consciously choose each thought or if they arise automatically. This inquiry will disclose the existence of two selves at play within your consciousness. There exists the automatic self and the natural self, or rather, the ego and the true self. Distinguishing between these two is quite simple. Any thought that brings about negative feelings originates from the automatic self. Because no one consciously chooses to feel bad. If given the choice, we would all prefer to feel good constantly, wouldn’t we? We never intentionally think to ourselves, "I’d like to experience anxiety right now. Thoughts simply arise automatically based on our conditioning. There is no thinker of thoughts. The idea of a thinker of thoughts is a program ingrained within the matrix of ego. The ego attempts to instill a personal sense of ownership over every thought that arises. Like a clown taking a bow after the curtains close, despite never being part of the play. The ego, a program of the mind, seeks to anchor us to a limited sense of self-identity. The true self always feels good because it is inherently perfect, whole, and complete. It remains in constant peace with itself. Thus, anything that diminishes this feeling is a clear indication that it stems from the program and not the true self. These programs, which appear in the form of identities or beliefs, serve as anchor points that grant the ego influence over us.
Removing the anchor points of the mind
Instead of attempting to bend the spoon, as portrayed in The Matrix, focus on realizing the truth, That there is no spoon. It is not the spoon that bends, but rather yourself. The ego thrives on three primary anchor points: the body, the mind, and memories. It strives to make us believe that we are the body, defined by its appearance, that we are the mind, identified by the thoughts arising within it, and that we are our personal history - the things we have done and what has happened to us. However, these identities are illusory. There is no spoon. Rather than trying to eliminate these identities, simply recognize their unreality. There is no separate self living an individual life. It is an illusion.
Only life itself exists, and you are life itself, adopting the illusion of being a person to partake in the journey of evolution. When you perceive yourself from this highest reality, the ego loses its grip on you. It is true to acknowledge that you have a body, a mind, and memories, but the ego desires you to believe that you are the body, the mind, and memories. If it can convince you of this idea, it creates the illusion of an imaginary individual living a separate life. It is this fictional identity that leads to all forms of suffering.
Perceiving Past Illusions
When we perceive ourselves as the universe perceives itself, we become immune to the ego’s influence. This requires acknowledging that we are not separate from the world and avoiding beliefs that leave us vulnerable. For instance, if you identify as a musician, do it for the love of music rather than attaching your self-worth to it. Otherwise, criticism or comparisons can threaten your sense of self. Recognizing that your identity isn’t fixed, but rather something you do, you can break free from the mind’s limitations. It may be painful to uproot these beliefs, but doing so leads to freedom. Don’t be swayed by appearances or thoughts that seek your attention. By disregarding them, they lose significance and dissolve. The key is to remain unshaken and unaffected by whatever arises. Giving less attention to negative thoughts and emotions drains their power. Your freedom isn’t dependent on achieving a particular state or feeling, but rather on knowing your true self beyond thoughts and emotions.
If you want to check out my other matrix series articles check down below.