Are you a Conscious Writer?
3 ways to transcend your ego
“…unless you know the basic mechanics behind the workings of the ego, you won’t recognize it, and it will trick you into identifying with it again and again.“ Eckhart Tolle “A New Earth
I recently ran into a friend who is writing his first book. He was brimming over with excitement and told me that he knew that this would be “the best book ever!”
I had to smile since I know this feeling well - the excitement of having something amazing to share with the world. But I also know that our ego-minds can often get in the way and take us off course.
In this article I identify three ways to stay conscious and transcend your ego when embarking on any project, and particularly writing.
The most important thing
When people ask me about writing, I always tell them that the most important thing is to be clear about why you are writing the book, article or media posting. For example, are you wanting fame and fortune or are you simply wanting to share what you know?
But this is not enough. Buried deep in your psyche is an ego-mind that will wreak havoc unless you wake up to its voice and transcend it. It will implant its’ own intentions (usually based on fear) and take you completely off course.
So here are my three suggestions to write more consciously.
1. Be clear about your intention
Before I begin writing I always write out a “statement of intention” and I read it every single day. It motivates me and keeps me on track. My intention is the main reason I am writing a book or article.
Many writers think that they are writing to “help others” but that is rarely the primary aim. In most cases you are writing for YOU. You are writing to help yourself in some way. Maybe to grow, maybe to learn, maybe to expand, maybe to make money. If it were not for you, then you would not be motivated to write.
Here is my own intention, to help explain what I mean:
“I am writing this book to learn, grow and become more conscious and loving. My intent is to bring together ideas and practices to help me stay on the path of awakening. As I grow, I intend to integrate my learning and become an example for others. I intend that my learning will benefit others and be for the good of all- particularly through my writing.”
2. Do not attach to the outcome
The idea of non-attachment is a fundamental principle in most wisdom traditions. In Buddhism, for example, “clinging,” or attaching to outcomes, is seen to be the main cause of human suffering. Indeed, the flip side, or accepting “what is,” regardless of how it turns out, is an important skill of those who are awake.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether you are attached to the results of your work:
Are you hoping that something will be “different” as a result of your writing (e.g., Are you hoping that readers will learn from you or become awakened)?
Will the “success” of the book impact how you feel (e.g., If the book never sells will you be disappointed)?
Do you feel that your book or article “needs” to be a success (e.g., If it does not sell or impact others will you feel that it was a waste of time, money or effort)?
Would you be embarrassed or ashamed if it was a “failure” (e.g., If no one ever read it would it impact you)?
3. Notice your ego at play
If you have done any work of surfacing and transcending your own egoic-mind (I write more on this on future articles), you will be alert to when your ego is acting up. Often it will send you into fear. If you write when in a state of fear, you will produce restrictive fear-based ideas. If you write when in a state of love, you will create expansive ideas.
Here are some questions to help you surface your egoic-mind:
Do you feel the need to prove yourself? (e.g., I am so smart!)
Do you think you will be liked or respected more if you write a book?
Do you feel the need to defend your ideas? (e.g., My ideas are brilliant!)
Do you feel that readers need your help? (e.g., My ideas will change people and the world!)
Do you feel that you are better than others? (e.g., My ideas are right and others are wrong.)
The bottom line
I hope these suggestions help raise your awareness and aid you in transcending your egoic-mind. Here are some phrases I use to keep me on track and stay connected to my higher self:
I am whole, complete and content.
I don’t want or need to change anyone - not even myself.
I am happy with who I am and feel I am enough.
I am completely okay inside.
I feel so abundant that my ideas flow from within.
I write freely from a place of still confidence, gratitude and ease.
Stay tuned.
In my next entries I talk about:
What is the egoic-mind
Where did the ego come from?
Why waking up is so difficult.
Thank you for joining me.