EGO: The definition of ego in Webster's dictionary is described as ; The self as distinct from the external world. When we live from ego-only we cut ourselves off from experiencing the world in a holistic way. Ego is constantly thinking, observing, and judging. It is in this way that ego gives us the illusion of "safety" within our thought patterns. Our thought patterns are based on belief systems that we have created for ourselves since we were children. Throughout our lives our minds have recorded every experience, from ecstasy to despair, that we have ever had. At the exact moment of each experience our ego-mind created a thought pattern or belief system about that event. A simple example: If you were bit by a vicious dog when you were four years old, your mind might have recorded this event as "All Dogs Are Vicious." From this event, you now believe this to be true because it was your true experience. In the future when you encounter other dogs you automatically react with fear because your belief-system about dogs tells you they are vicious. Of course fears can be overcome in time, but not if the ego has anything to do with it. Ego is threatened by new experiences like trusting a new dog that is friendly and safe, because ego is limited to the constructs of the mind only. It does not naturally extend itself beyond the original recorded thought pattern of an already formed belief system. Although limited in its scope, ego does serve a purpose. Obviously it is wise to think problems through, observe behaviors, and make judgments based on right actions, but ego does not encompass all there is to know about life. It does not take into account being in touch with one's feelings, intuition, or ways of knowing other than logic-based ways. Ego is not a heart-based method of understanding the world. Ego is a product of the mind. What we need to become aware of is how to use our mind as a tool, instead of letting our minds use us a tool. From there we need to learn to trust the flow of information coming from our intelligent hearts to guide us. When we combine heart-felt desires with "healthy" positive thoughts we are living from our essence or true natures. This is the way we will achieve balance within ourselves.