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Originally Posted by BrazenApogee
Yeah, this is what my spiritual teacher tried to force on me "let go of your ego and emotions." I tried, I did everything he said, I had a complete breakdown. I shook uncontrollably for a month and a half. I stopped everything, eating, everything. And worse. I am still recovering.
Luckily, I continued my studies without him, and despite him. I have found the truth, as I can see it. He is now a shining example of who not to be and what not to do.
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I agree that to be forced to "let go of emotions" sounds odd. I wonder what he meant by that.
And how are you defining ego? The way I think about ego, it has only ever caused me problems. Confidence is desirable, but my ego keeps getting me into trouble.
From the book review above:
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In so many cases repeated throughout history, one’s ego, the very thing which allowed them to ascend to such great heights so quickly is also what ultimately leads to their failure. They become blinded by ego, set in their ways, ignorant to the opinion of others or so sure of themselves they can’t see what’s right in from of them. It can be hard or next to impossible to recognize the difference between ambition and delusion.
Think of UFC fighter Anderson Silva in 2013 in his fight against young upstart Chris Weidman. Silva had stormed into the UFC, winning his first fight in under a minute, winning the UFC Middleweight title in his second fight and successfully defending it a record 10 times in a row. Silva taunted Weidman throughout the first round, drawing boos from the crowd and ire from Weidman. Silva sometimes quite literally letting his guard down and leaving his hands at this sides. Early in the second round Weidman hit Silva with a left, Silva pretended to be hurt, then Weidman followed with a right and another left and suddenly Silva was on the ground and the fight was over.
Silva allowed his success and his ego. His inability to see past his ego and previous success caused him to overlook the fight and underestimate his opponent and unceremoniously ending his reign as the longest-serving UFC Champion.
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The way I see it, a person with confidence can acknowledge his own flaws and imperfections and will compensate and change when necessary. A person with an ego problem will deny that he has any flaws or imperfections. Ego denies reality. Confidence is more like self-respect, and accepts reality. I respect and value myself even though I'm aware of the reality of my own imperfections.