The ego of most people exists as a learned, limited set of reactions that involve separation, distance (from what are considered “others”), conflict, and a circumscribed (though false) center. Thought/thinking is the source of the ego, not the other way around. Egos, being restricted in nature, often cause havoc in the world; just check out the news. The ego, being limited, is often a cause of suffering (both with what are considered “inward” and “outside” events). The ego manifests suffering (because of its confinement and falsity). Deep, holistic compassion is dynamic and involves unadulterated perception. Such perception is direct and is not a mere reaction… it is action and is not robotic (like superficial reaction is). When the ego is transcended, a real, holistic compassion may occur that exists as immense and profound intelligence.
My Blog primarily consists of close-up nature photos (that I've taken locally) combined with original holistic-truth oriented prose and/or poetry involving mindfulness/awareness. I love nature and I love understanding the whole (not merely the parts and the details). I'm a retired teacher of the multiply handicapped.
I have a number of interesting hobbies, such as fossil collecting, sport-kite flying, 3D and 2D close-up photography, holography, and pets. Most of all, I am into holistic self-awareness, spontaneous insight, unconventional observation/direct perception, mindfulness, meditation, world peace, non-fragmentation, population control, vegetarianism, and green energy.
To follow my unique Blog of "Nature Photos and Mindfulness Sayings" and for RSS feeds to my new posts, please access at: tom8pie.com (On my regular Blog posting pages, for additional information and to follow, simply click on the "tack icon" at the upper right corner... or, on my profile page, you can click on the "Thomas Peace" icon.)
Stay mindful, understanding, and caring!...
Thanks, Sara, but the photo — like one told the previous person — is just a superficial add-on. 😉 (Yes, those butterflies — these days — are few and far between.)
Yes, yes, yes to this Tom – “The ego manifests suffering (because of its confinement and falsity).” Too bad many egomaniacs won’t realize this until it’s too late, and they are too far gone. UGH! 😣
Thanks much, Kym. 😊 The ego exists largely as a result of disorderly miseducation. We were taught to compete and to excel above “others” (or above those who are looked at as “separate”).
And so many of us mindlessly fit into the rat race without giving it a second thought. When the left hand attacks the right hand, seeing it as separate… that is an extreme lack of intelligence.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Love the photo!
Thanks, cigarman501, but the photo is just a very superficial add-on. 😉
Oh that photo! how I long to see one of these butterflies again…we have had so few this summer…
Thanks, Sara, but the photo — like one told the previous person — is just a superficial add-on. 😉 (Yes, those butterflies — these days — are few and far between.)
I was responding to the latter Tom…
Muy hermosa, bellísima Tom! 🙂
Amazing orange and red colors! Art of nature.
Thank you, Marcela! 😊
Yes, yes, yes to this Tom – “The ego manifests suffering (because of its confinement and falsity).” Too bad many egomaniacs won’t realize this until it’s too late, and they are too far gone. UGH! 😣
Thanks much, Kym. 😊 The ego exists largely as a result of disorderly miseducation. We were taught to compete and to excel above “others” (or above those who are looked at as “separate”).
And so many of us mindlessly fit into the rat race without giving it a second thought. When the left hand attacks the right hand, seeing it as separate… that is an extreme lack of intelligence.
Thank you for your wise words Tom.