One of the situations I regularly encounter in my day to day practice is the tendency of clients to swing violently from one Ego driven reaction directly into another without any calm rational thought, meditation or consideration of the bigger picture or their authentic self.

Almost like a rabbit caught in headlights, highly intelligent people act from their Ego and lose ‘faith’ in the Universe, themselves and their abilities.

They believe that, because they feel ‘trapped’ within a fearful, restrictive and sometimes extremely painful physical and emotional situation, the only method of escape is to do something equally extreme or of course the opposite – nothing at all!

Both are Ego driven reactions which produce inauthentic ways of behaving, and both lead into the negative ‘Ego circle’.

This extreme swinging reaction is usually generated by the Ego physical feelings they are experiencing in their chest and/or tummy and their avoidance of those feelings.

This is what I call the feeling of fear (FOF)

The correct approach is to confront those Ego feelings (FOF) in a calm, balanced and harmonious way, not avoiding them by either extreme action or inaction.

Understanding the ‘Universal way’ and more importantly, that they are not ‘special’ or immune from life’s twists and turns is a vital first step.

Then understanding that there are important life changing lessons to be learned from the situation they are encountering, regardless to how awful the ‘Ego’ feelings are.

The correct approach is to confront those feelings in an authentic, calm and rational way. Learn not to react to the intensely negative feelings (FOF), stay with them until they abate and you can re-contact your authentic self.

Obviously this is a very difficult process and better done gradually when dealing with smaller Ego provoking issues, until the methods are understood and mastered through practice.

I see the process as much like a gentle harmonious swaying of confronting, learning and moving on.

Unfortunately, we invariably only address these Ego issues when a major situation erupts and we feel that we are least equipped and practiced to deal with them.

It is during these turbulent times that we should find solace in the knowledge that, like the strongest bamboo, we have the inner strength to hold firm and grounded whilst flexing to cope with the passage of any passing storm.