A New Earth, Chapter 2, Sections 2.4, 2.5
Eckhart Tolle - Content and Structure of the Ego & Identification With Things
Listen here - not exactly what I wrote but close.
When I last wrote about this book, I mentioned that Eckhart had caught a glimpse of his ego; as he found himself judging someone as crazy, suddenly he saw himself in that person, realizing he wasn’t so different. Laughing out loud, he thought how life isn’t so very serious. This was a glimpse into awareness, or the part of him that sees his thoughts, sees the bigger picture.
Another moment of awakening came when something tragic occured; from this Eckhart began to reconsider his life plans. Arriving in class one Monday, he found out that his professor, whom he deeply admired, had killed himself. Eckhart was stunned; he thought that his professor had all the answers. This man was intelligent, working in an esteemed position at a respected institution, perhaps all the things Eckhart, at that time, saw in the future for himself. If this man had all that, how could he commit suicide? It was at this time that some doubt about the intellect being everything began to seep into Eckhart’s thinking.
A more complete awakening was yet to come, something we’ll get to later. Meanwhile here he begins to introduce us to his definition of the ego.
THE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE OF THE EGO
Eckhart begins with the egoic structure of the mind, explaining a simple concept; we humans are compelled to make ourselves look better by acquiring stuff. We acquire things, money, degrees, titles, etc., to enhance how we are seen by others. He goes on to define some terms, like identification.
The word “identification” is derived from the Latin word idem meaning “same” and facere, which means “to make.” So when I identify with something, I “make it the same.” The same as what? The same as I. I endow it with a sense of self, and so it becomes part of my “identity.”
One of the most basic levels of identification is with things: My toy later becomes my car, my house, my clothes, and so on. I try to find myself in things but never quite make it and end up losing myself in them. That is the fate of the ego.
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
IDENTIFICATION WITH THINGS
Notice how marketing is all about making you realize you really want something? Why do you want it? Well, as Eckhart says, it is implied that you will be somehow improved. Maybe you’ll be more yourself, or maybe you’ll look younger, become smarter, stronger, wiser, on and on it goes. And if you won’t actually become those things, maybe you’ll seem like it to others.
Most advertising/marketing appeals directly to our egos. Perhaps it began as informational and still can be, but often rather than providing information, it speaks to our insecurities, to our inner need to be seen as valid, valuable people. Look at me, I’m wearing Gucci! Like my ride? Helps me get a little on the side.
Okay I’m done having fun with rhyming messaging, but really, isn’t that what we do? We put up signs to those around us that say who we want to be, how we want to be perceived. Eckhart calls them identity enhancers. He points out that if everyone could wear Gucci, then we wouldn’t want to. I would also say that if (when?) no one wore Gucci, then we would no longer be interested. But we are human and might as well accept it. シ (Nothing wrong with brands…many began as quality, then devolved into more about exclusivity.)
Paradoxically, what keeps the so-called consumer society going is the fact that trying to find yourself through things doesn’t work: The ego satisfaction is short-lived and so you keep looking for more, keep buying, keep consuming.
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
Hey we all like to express ourselves and buying/wearing/doing what you like is fine; we need stuff to live. Nothing wrong with that. We can enjoy the things, enjoy the process. However, when we get attached to the stuff as our image enhancers, then we set ourselves up to suffer.
Ego-identification with things creates attachment to things, obsession with things, which in turn creates our consumer society and economic structures where the only measure of progress is always more.
The unchecked striving for more, for endless growth, is a dysfunction and a disease. It is the same dysfunction the cancerous cell manifests, whose only goal is to multiply itself, unaware that it is bringing about its own destruction by destroying the organism of which it is a part.
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
Eckhart closes this section with what I think is a wonderful invitation.
As a spiritual practice, I suggest that you investigate your relationship with the world of things through self observation, and in particular, things that are designated with the word “my.”
Do certain things induce a subtle feeling of importance or superiority? Does the lack of them make you feel inferior to others who have more than you?
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth
I love this invitation because it is something I can do now, put into practice in my life. I can notice, without judgment1 when I feel superior or inferior. I can then pat myself on the back for noticing my ego in action. Each time we see the ego, are aware of it, we let some of it go, dissolve it just a bit. And wow does that feel good.
Maybe you too want to play with noticing your reactions, discover when it is your ego leading the show. Remember not to feel bad about it (Eckhart goes into this more later) but to be glad you noticed. I’d love to hear how it goes.
Speaking of hearing how it goes, later this week I’ll invite you to join a chat on Substack just for us, just to talk about how we are doing with mindfulness in our lives. You need the app to participate - I’ll send all the details. Would love to be in conversation with you!
Next time I’ll share one of my favorite Eckhart stories that really impacted me. Till then!
Thanks, namaste, and make it a good day. シ
That is just my ego again, telling me I’m not doing well or not doing it right.