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  • Writer's pictureJim Hostler

Who is in Control of Your Life?

In the vast expanse of human existence, there exists a perennial question: who is truly in control of our lives? Is it the small, self-serving ego, or the expansive, enlightened higher self? The ego, a construct shaped by past experiences, strives for predictability, control, and survival. Conversely, the soul, our higher self, resonates with joy, heart wisdom, and the profound understanding of our interconnectedness. As we embark on the journey of self-discovery, it becomes critical to discern who occupies the driver's seat of our lives, for this self-awareness serves as the genesis of our transformational odyssey.


dog with sunglasses on in the driver's seat
Who is in your driver's seat?

The ego, often likened to a protective shell, arises from our past experiences, conditioning, and societal influences. It operates on a paradigm of fear, seeking to maintain control and perpetuate survival mechanisms ingrained within us. From a psychological standpoint, the ego manifests as the culmination of our identities, beliefs, and desires. It thrives on comparison, judgment, and separation, fostering a sense of individuality distinct from the collective whole.


Driven by the incessant need for validation and security, the ego constructs intricate narratives to reinforce its perceived identity. It clings to familiar patterns, resisting change and novelty, as deviation threatens its sense of stability. The ego's realm is rooted in the material world, fixated on tangible outcomes and external validation. However, beneath its veneer of confidence lies a profound vulnerability—a fear of inadequacy and insignificance that permeates its every action.


In contrast to the ego's narrow confines, the soul transcends temporal limitations, resonating with the eternal wisdom - your heart wisdom. The soul connects you to your authentic self, compassion, and our interconnectedness. It perceives reality through the lens of love, recognizing the inherent divinity within all beings. Unlike the ego's incessant chatter, the soul communicates through intuition, guiding us towards alignment with our true purpose.


The soul is beyond space and time and is our access to the divine, to divine wisdom, heart wisdom and intuition. It transcends individuality, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the profound knowing we are all one. At its core, the soul embodies joy—a state of being that transcends fleeting pleasures and external circumstances. It beckons us to embrace the present moment, surrendering to the flow of life with grace and gratitude.


In life, the ego and the soul engage in a perpetual dance—a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, fear and love. While the ego seeks to maintain control through manipulation and resistance, the soul gently nudges us towards authenticity and surrender. Each moment presents an opportunity to discern which voice we choose to heed. It is in this conscious awareness of this choice that we delve into self-discovery and Self-realization. And the more we choose our connection to our soul, to higher energy, the less choosing of who is in the driver's seat we will have to do. As there comes a time when we embody higher energy - higher consciousness - in who we are.


The journey of self-awareness entails cultivating mindfulness—the practice of observing our thoughts, emotions, and actions without judgment. Through introspection and reflection, we unravel the layers of conditioning that obscure the radiance of our true essence. As we awaken to the presence of the ego, we recognize its limitations and the illusion of separation it perpetuates. In doing so, we create space for the soul to emerge, guiding us towards alignment with our deepest truth.


The realization of who is truly driving our lives marks the threshold of our transformational journey. It invites us to relinquish the reins of control, surrendering to the wisdom of the soul. This journey is not without its challenges, as the ego vehemently resists relinquishing its grip on the illusion of power. However, through patience, compassion, and self-love, we navigate the labyrinth of the psyche, shedding layers of egoic conditioning with each step.


Central to this journey is the cultivation of presence—the art of being fully immersed in the present moment, free from the shackles of past regrets or future anxieties. In the stillness of presence, we discover the eternal essence that animates our being—the spark of divinity that unites us with all of creation. Here, in the sanctuary of the heart, we find solace amidst the chaos of existence, anchoring ourselves in the eternal truth of our interconnectedness.


As we transcend the limitations of the ego, we awaken to the profound unity that underlies all of existence. No longer bound by the illusion of separation, we recognize the intrinsic divinity within ourselves and all beings. In the embrace of unity, we find liberation—a liberation from the chains of fear, judgment, and division that have plagued humanity for eons.


This journey is not one of reaching a destination but rather an ongoing process of unfolding—a continuous dance of expansion and integration. As we align with the wisdom of the soul, we become co-creators of our reality, infusing each moment with purpose and meaning. In the tapestry of existence, we are but threads, intricately woven together in the fabric of life—a testament to the inherent interconnectedness of all things. This is a profound journey of self-discovery, transformation and Self-realization. As we awaken to the presence of the ego and embrace the wisdom of the soul, we transcend the limitations of the past, stepping into the boundless potential of the present moment.

OM Spiritual Center
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