The Superficial Self

Author
Karla Solano

The superficial self, also known as the ego, plays a key role in our life because it provides us with a projection or concept of who we think we are and the part we should play in our existence. This superficial self is responsible for the lifestyle we choose to live, the circle of friends we surround ourselves with, the kind of places we choose to visit, the status we think we deserve, and the material possessions we acquire. Our ego is so preoccupied with the image it needs to portray at all times, that it tends to put a cloud of smoke between who we really are and the façade we wish to portray as individuals. This deluded vision of ourselves causes us to become attached to people, experiences and superficial ideas that create suffering in our life.

Realizing that this persona we create to feed our ego is not the true nature of who we really are is of extreme importance if we ever want to experience true happiness. This superficial self binds us to a life of impermanent events, thus leaving us with the feeling of always wanting something more to quench the thirst of our desires; because nothing is ever enough for the ego.

So if we are not the superficial self we have created, this persona we project to be, then who are we? Well let’s start by stripping all the layers; once we have removed the status, the profession, the name, the material possessions, the color of our skin, the gender, and the age, we are just a being, a being with the potential to transform ourselves and create a life full of blissful moments that don’t have a beginning or an end.

This being is like an empty vessel ready to make choices that will enable us to co-exist with one another in peace, love and compassion. I like to compare this vessel to a glass full of clean water, if we put dirt in the water (such as the drama we create to feed our ego) the water gets muddy and clouded and we can’t see through it; same way our façade prevents us from really seeking the true nature of our being. Once we take the dirt out of the water, the water becomes clean again and purified, so does our true self becomes clear once we let go of all the attachments that cause our impermanent state of happiness.

Becoming aware of our true nature is like being awaken into a new way of life, once we discover and connect with that true way of being there is no turning back; life becomes clear and our worlds cease to collapse. Once we tap into that heightened way of existence, we become a solid foundation full of courage and strength that will surpass any obstacles that may arise in our physical reality.

The good news is that we have the power to choose our own destiny and it is up to us to decide whether or not we want to follow the path of pure bliss and infinite possibilities or impermanence and suffering. So knowing that you do have a choice which one will you choose?


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