It’s great to get what you want. You feel happy, elated but this happiness is dated. It’s a temporary high; the feeling doesn’t last and then we’re off to grasp at the next thing to make us feel good again.
The ego is always seeking, whether it’s attention, praise, or more of something: more money, more fame, more stuff. This validation and striving is always for something outside of yourself. Can you remember getting what you wanted and then after an hour, a day, a month were back to feeling empty. Why is this? Because the focus was on you, on getting not giving. Our focus was on getting what we think we wanted instead of what we really needed.
Ego gratification does not nourish and satisfy our heart and soul and our authentic self. True nourishment runs much deeper than external validation and getting what we want.
I am most content and at peace when I’m centered in my soul, connected to God, Spirit, and feeling whole. Nothing I can gain from the ego will ever bring this kind of sweet, soul satisfaction. This kind of satisfaction runs deep into our bones and stays with you. This is the joy that sustains you and nourishes you from well within and the wonderful thing about this is it’s the simple things in life that bring you this heart felt contentment.
Here are some of my reflections and poetry on three ways that make for Soul Satisfaction instead of Ego Gratification.
1. SERVICE
Do something for others. It’s amazing how the quality of your day can change by asking yourself this question, “How may I Serve?” Whenever I get caught up in my ego focusing too much on myself I know I need to make a shift to focus on service. When I make that shift and surrender to service I feel a sense of peace, contentment and joy that I would of never received if I was to remain focused solely on myself. It’s a balancing act (self/and other) and you have to be aware enough to know when you need to make that shift. To help me remember to be of service, I write this question on my white board or post somewhere I can see it daily. Ask yourself this question today and see where you feel inspired to serve. Giving to others feels so good especially when it’s done unconditionally and sometimes anonymously.
Life is about living
Life is about giving
How do you want to live?
What do you have to give?
2. SILENCE
Spending time in silence just being still listening to my heart, connecting with my breath and sitting in my soul is so satisfying. Silent time has become my sacred time and it’s a gift we can give ourselves each day. Quite the noise and soothe your soul with some quiet time today.
Silence
is my solace
that soothes my soul
getting quiet within
I feel more whole
3. SHINING
Some of the most profound joy you can experience comes from expressing yourself authentically from Soul. We were born to express our love and gifts and shine our light in our own unique way. When we allow ourselves to Shine we open the way for love to express through us and this is so life enhancing and satisfying. Make it a priority to express yourself creatively through art, writing, painting, dance, movement, music and more.
Do your part and
express your art
Know your role and
contribute to the whole
There are people
who need you
so don’t hold back
give your gifts and talents
and you’ll make
a profound impact
So ego gratification or Soul Satisfaction: Which do you choose? The spiritual journey begins when you choose and focus on the later.
When your inner life
Becomes more important
Than your outer life
You don’t need
to be entertained
You don’t get bored
You are no longer
run by the ego
and self-absorbed
You are home…
Love,
Tracy