The book “Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self (Contemplations from the teachings of David R Hawkins) reminded me of mouthwash.
Mouthwash???
When I take my nightly rinse of Listerine sometimes I have to dilute it. In its natural state it’s a bit too strong for me. Though my dentist tells me it’s most effective if I don’t dilute it.
“Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self” contains a series of descriptions of pure Truth statements, organized in short paragraphs, on the nature of the Ego. Strong stuff. It’s good, but just like mouthwash, it is best taken in small doses. It’s not a book to rush through, rather I recommend reading a paragraph or two at a time, setting the book aside, and contemplating what you just read.
Here is a passage from the book that resonated with me:
“Realization is a progressive process. Spiritual progress is hastened by understanding the true nature of the ego. It is not an enemy to be attacked or defeated, nor is it an evil to be vanquished. It is dissolved by compassionate understanding.”
“The ego secretly loves and clings to the position of victimhood and extracts a distorted pleasure and grim justification from pain and suffering.”
When I find my thoughts going down a path of being “the victim”, I can think “OK, that’s my Ego talking. It’s not bad – just my Ego. Recognize that and replace it with more positive, life affirming messages.”
Here’s another:
“The first evidence of the Presence of God is an awakening of curiosity or interest in spiritual matters. That is the crack in the ego’s dam. When the person begins to desire or practice spiritual goals or pursue spiritual information, the Presence is already taking hold of his life.”
Whew! That’s a relief. One of my passions is reading about spirituality, hearing talks from wise teachers, in hopes that this information will help me live better each day, and be of service to others. I have my moments, though, of self depreciating thoughts, forgiveness issues, and struggles just like anyone else. This passage gave me comfort that maybe, just maybe, I am becoming more aligned with Spirit, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
There are numerous other passages in “Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self” that struck a chord with me. While I prefer authors like Wayne Dyer or Cheryl Richardson who relay spiritual truths and life lessons through stories of everyday life, I still found this book valuable. It helped me see how my sometimes distorted thinking is coming from my Ego and recognize that. It’s a book to take in small dosages, just like mouthwash, to get the maximum benefit. Read and savor each paragraph, and don’t take too much in at one time.
You can get “Dissolving the Ego, Realizing the Self” from these book sellers:
This is another book review in my partnership with Hay House. I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
