I am looking for a guide...

[itstopshere]

Dear Eliz,

Thank you for those answers, and of course you are very welcome.

I have one last question. You mention the 'ego'. Can you explain to me what the actual experience of 'ego' is?
Is there more than just thoughts appearing?

[Eliz]

Thanks, itstopshere. That's a good question of course. :)

I know that the ego has been specifically defined in psychology and Buddhism in specific ways. But here I will just tell you what I mean when I say it... instead of some other definition that is commonly used. :)

During this experience, the ego represents the part of Eliz that causes a sense of separation. The sense of "I" or "me" that tries to say that Eliz is a separate entity from her environment. There are only thoughts there when the ego comes up. It feels as though there is a part of Eliz that doesn't want to know the truth...to me, that part is the ego. When Eliz can let the "ego thoughts" pass away without attachment, only then is there "seeing" and "feeling" instead of "thinking." Does that make sense?

[itstopshere]

So suddenly an Eliz exists again? And it has parts?
Just take a close look and see what ACTUALLY comes up over what is inferred and believed.
Isn't it more accurate to say that sensations and thoughts come up?
Maybe thoughts about separation, thoughts about 'me', but they are just thoughts, are they not? Is there any proof they are a kind of entity like an 'ego' ? 'ego' is just like 'me' and 'I'. It's something that can be used for description, but should not be mistaken for what actually is. Do you agree with that (from your experience!)?

[Eliz]

Thanks for the note, itstopshere! I didn't mean that an Eliz appeared again as a separate self. :) I just meant that the ego represents a group of thoughts that are focused on the concept of a separate self.

So I agree with you... it's just a set of thoughts. I only used the concept as a description of that type of thought.

[itstopshere]

Great, Eliz. I'm just confirming these things with you to be absolutely sure there is no confusion :-)

I will propose you to my fellow guides now and see what they think. Maybe they have an additional question or two :)
Enjoy your day for now!

[Eliz]

Thanks so much, itstopshere. I appreciate you making sure that there is no confusion. :)

Please let me know what your fellow guides say. I'll be happy to answer any additional questions. Hope you have a nice day also!

[itstopshere]

Dear Elliz,

All of them confirm you're in the clear! ;-) No further questions.
You will soon get a blue color instead of green here on the forum, which means that you're confirmed and will gain access to additional subforums where you could do further looking if you were interested (there's more to break down, if you're curious to do so :) ).
Furthermore, you can join the facebook community if you like. There are quite a lot of people out there by now and it's always nice to get in touch with 'others' who 'understand' :-)

Was a pleasure looking with you. Enjoy!

[Eliz]

Dear itstopshere, Thanks again for your time and care. I really do appreciate your excellent guidance during this process!

I will definitely continue to participate in the other subforums. I'd like to continue to break this down as you said.

It's been a pleasure to work with you also. :)

[itstopshere]

By the way, if you want to join the facebook community, just send me a message here (through the 'pm' button under my name) with your facebook name and/or link to your profile. I can add you there. :)