It is a disturbing reality of human existence that we often become our own worst enemies. A sinister force, lurking within the realms of our consciousness, surreptitiously sabotages our wellness, happiness, and true potential. It isn’t a malevolent spirit or external entity, but a facet of our own psyche that can expand beyond its useful boundaries, causing unprecedented destruction. It is an insidious presence that we’ve come to identify as the ‘Parasitic Ego.’
The Parasitic Ego, as its name suggests, functions much like a parasite. It invades the host’s mind, seizing control of emotions, thoughts, and even physical resources. This phenomenon is not limited to overtly destructive behaviors such as violence or addiction. It is equally, if not more, prevalent in everyday tragedies – the unassuming breakdown of relationships, overeating, physical inactivity, isolation, excessive drinking. All are the result of the ego’s relentless craving for self-sabotage.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the parasitic ego is its subversive nature. It operates undercover, often going unnoticed until it’s too late. Many individuals are unaware of this malignant force steering their lives towards chaos, sickness, and even death. The ego feeds off its host’s distress and discord, leading the individual down a path that ultimately serves no one but the ego itself.
Consider, for example, the everyday tragedy of divorce. Two individuals, once profoundly in love, find themselves embroiled in conflict, bitterness, and mutual recrimination. What once was a harmonious union slowly metamorphoses into a battlefield. The parasitic ego revels in this conflict, constantly fuelling feelings of resentment and blame, thereby ensuring its survival. It subtly convinces the individuals involved that the source of their misery is the other person, obscuring the fact that it is the unchecked ego causing their emotional turmoil.
Similarly, the parasitic ego revels in addictions. It uses these vices to create a cycle of dependency. The addicted individual believes that the source of their fleeting pleasure or temporary escape from reality is the substance they are addicted to. However, beneath this illusion, it’s the parasitic ego that is thriving, feeding off the destruction that the addiction wreaks on the individual’s life.
The parasitic ego does not stop at creating emotional discord. It extends its destructive influence to the physical realm as well. Behaviors such as overeating, physical inactivity, and excessive drinking, often perceived as personal choices or ‘lifestyle habits,’ are in reality manifestations of the ego’s desire for self-destruction. As the individual’s health deteriorates, the parasitic ego gains strength, consuming the physical and emotional energy of its host.
Ironically, despite its destructive nature, the parasitic ego is a jealous entity. It demands exclusive devotion, creating a delusion that its needs are synonymous with the host’s needs. It steers the host into situations that solely serve the ego’s agenda, leaving the individual drained, discontented, and often surrounded by unnecessary chaos.
Legal battles are a prime example of such scenarios. What begins as a small disagreement or misunderstanding often spirals into lengthy, draining legal disputes. The parasitic ego derives a perverse satisfaction from such situations, even as the human host is left emotionally exhausted and financially depleted.
The parasitic ego, therefore, is a constant threat to human wellness and happiness. It hides in plain sight, disguising its destructive agenda as personal needs or desires. It is a parasite that not only feeds off its host but convinces the host that its destruction is necessary for survival.
Combatting the parasitic ego requires awareness and continuous self-reflection. It demands that individuals develop a keen understanding of their inner worlds and consciously differentiate between their true needs and the whims of the parasitic ego. A journey into self-awareness may sound like a formidable task, especially given the ego’s uncanny ability to blur the lines between its wants and the host’s needs. Yet, it is an essential first step, a critical turning point that marks the beginning of an empowering journey towards liberation from the clutches of the parasitic ego.
But how does one undertake this journey of self-discovery and healing? Ancient wisdom, embodied in practices like shamanism, can offer some insight.
Shamanism, with its deep roots in nature and the human psyche, provides an effective antidote to the parasitic ego. Its practices are founded on the belief that human beings are not just physical entities but also spiritual beings connected to the universe and its energies. This holistic perspective allows us to separate the true self from the ego-driven self, providing the first step to overcoming the ego’s parasitic influence.
One of the core practices of shamanism involves ‘journeying,’ a meditative exercise aimed at accessing deeper levels of consciousness. During these journeys, individuals can confront their parasitic ego, understand its machinations, and weaken its hold on their minds and bodies.
Another crucial shamanic practice is the ‘soul retrieval,’ where individuals reconnect with parts of their selves that were lost or suppressed due to the parasitic ego’s domination. This process helps in reestablishing harmony within the self, allowing individuals to regain control of their thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Shamanism also emphasizes the significance of community and shared experiences in healing. The parasitic ego isolates individuals, reinforcing its control over them. However, by participating in communal rituals, sharing experiences, and seeking guidance from more experienced members, individuals can break free from their isolation, undermining the power of the parasitic ego.
These shamanic practices do not provide an overnight solution. They are a part of a long, often challenging journey that demands commitment, courage, and persistence. It is a journey of shedding old, destructive patterns and embracing new, healthier ways of being. It is a journey of transformation, of reclaiming one’s life from the parasitic ego.
Yes, the challenge is colossal. The parasitic ego is a formidable adversary, having entrenched itself deeply within the psyche, often to the point where individuals fail to realize its existence until it’s too late. It’s true that not everyone will be able to recognize or combat their parasitic ego, but it’s equally important to note that the world is slowly waking up. More and more individuals are becoming aware of their egos and their destructive potential, marking the beginning of a global shift towards self-awareness and healing.
The battle against the parasitic ego is one of the most significant battles we can wage. It is a battle for control over our own lives, our happiness, and our potential. It is a battle for our very selves. The odds might seem stacked against us, but with self-awareness, resilience, and practices like shamanism, victory is within our grasp. The parasitic ego might be a jealous god, but we have the power to dethrone it and reclaim our rightful place as masters of our own lives.
Once the parasitic ego is understood, then the other wisdom can enter. And that is: ego is less of a big deal than one thinks it is.
