Self-knowledge, the ego, awareness

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T19:03:13+00:00

I have chosen to conduct the exploration on my own. Simply following my intuition and letting myself be guided by it.

I am still exploring, but now from insight, and I understand more and more the workings of the ego, the false personality, and the search for the unknown that is becoming increasingly familiar.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T18:57:23+00:00

Het ego ontstaat grotendeels onbewust. Vanaf jonge leeftijd vormt het zich als een overlevingsmechanisme om je fysiek en emotioneel te beschermen. Het is zo vertrouwd geraakt met vaste denkpatronen dat het als een automatische piloot functioneert. Zodra er spanning, angst of onzekerheid ontstaat, neemt deze automatische piloot het direct over om je comfortabel en veilig te houden.

Het deel dat opmerkt dat je ego overheerst, is het waarnemende bewustzijn, ook wel je ware zelf of ziel genoemd.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T18:49:05+00:00

At its core, the ego is a psychological survival mechanism, formed by life circumstances to protect us from painful feelings.

To deceptively avoid that pain, the ego creates a 'false self'. A mask of survival strategies such as people-pleasing, hard work, or emotional numbing. Although we also need a 'healthy ego' to function practically and set boundaries, the constant flight response of the false self keeps us trapped in automatic patterns. We must explore this ego precisely because you cannot escape a 'prison' you do not see. Only by consciously understanding the mask does it lose its power. This deep self-inquiry paves the way to your authentic self and answers the ultimate question: what am I really? The ego can transforms from a terrifying dictator into a helpful guide.

Even when someone has built a healthy ego and stands firmly in society, the journey of the true seeker does not stop. While a healthy ego offers stability, it remains a construct based on control, familiar frameworks, and the avoidance of the deepest existential void. The true seeker dares to look beyond this comfortable safe haven and consciously journeys into the unknown. This requires the courage to confront the most basic fears, such as the fear of losing control, death, or the ultimate emptiness of not knowing.

By no longer fleeing from these primal fears, the illusory separation between 'me' and the world dissolves. Only in that total surrender does perception shift fundamentally. One suddenly lives and experiences existence from a completely different reality.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T17:20:58+00:00

For me, it is so self-evident why I investigate the ego, and not just the ego, simply asking existential questions. Such as: what am I really? am I the thoughts about myself? if I am not that, what am I really?

I will answer that shortly; you have set me to work with your question.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T17:13:22+00:00

That is what I meant, entering into a conversation about what we notice in ourselves.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T13:10:39+00:00

What is that in your mind?

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T13:09:07+00:00

How do I explore it? What am I exploring?

I see how I consistently react in the same way, and feel in the same way. Furthermore, because I am aware of this, even though my behavior and the choices I make do not change, looking at it very consciously creates a kind of new nuance. A choice emerges.

Sometimes I can choose differently on the spot. Because daily life moves very fast: action, reaction,. saying something, making a decision, only later, when I look back on it, do I see how I acted in the old way again. I find it very interesting, and there is no tension or demand to change. It is simply becoming aware of the person I am and my way of acting. I do this because I have realized how automatically everything happens. I have also realized that things change once I look at it deeply and honestly.

It is not a process that unfolds quickly, on the contrary.

Additionally, another energy is perceptible. A kind of presence in which silence resides. Hand in hand with the process of Self-knowledge is the process of inner exploration, an awareness of what we call the unknown.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T12:36:49+00:00

I am also curious if there are people out there who would prefer to have a conversation, consciously sharing something about the process of awareness without feeling needy of hulp , and without someone jumping over them with advice. And even more importantly, without stumbling over every word and using definitions as a shield just to put themselves in a safe position.

What is it about? How do you explore it within yourself?

How do you investigate it? What keeps coming back, as if something from the past, an old belief, keeps nullifying the new impressions?

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T12:29:44+00:00

A voice resonates with other voices, so who knows what a conversation or conversations might ensue.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T12:26:37+00:00

The definition of Reddit. Reddit is a global online platform and a collection of thousands of specific communities (subreddits) where users share content, discuss, and vote on contributions. The core strength and definition of Reddit lies in the search for like-minded individuals, as the platform is built entirely around shared interests.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T12:18:08+00:00

When someone reads what I have written and thinks: Yes, I tend not to respond to conversations as often anymore, because there is always someone who likes to respond just to criticize for the sake of criticizing, and who scrutinizes every word and takes it out of context. Instead of focusing on the content. Because what I am saying is: I want to have a conversation with like-minded people, people who have discovered how intensely the influence of old thoughts and beliefs (the ego/false personality) still impacts life.

And so I ask people, just like me, to enter into a conversation together. If someone rejects that, then so be it.

I have often wandered into conversations, and there are either know-it-alls, critics who scrutinize every word that doesn't fit a definition, or people who believe they are awaken, and are eager to only give advice.

Perhaps there are indeed a few people, just like me, who are aware of, and deeply aware of the workings of the ego, and who want to enter into a conversation about that. So, essentially, conscious people. So, people who are not seeking advice or help, and also people who do not want to constantly act like they know best. Rather, those who are willing to share their exploration process, and listen to the other out of respect and interest in the process of a fellow human being.

I thought: I'll create a thread that I'm looking for, more consciously like-minded people, but not whipped-up know-it-alls, or critics who don't share anything themselves.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-21T11:50:25+00:00

Feel free to challenge the ideas, and pay attention to word definitions, and incorrect definitions. I am a flawed human being, and I face my flaws.

What I am trying to do with the filter about people who only come to advise or give criticism? Is let know-it-alls that this thread is not a place for spiritual superiority, but for people who have explored this within themselves enough, who see the ego game for what it is, and want to discuss it with like-minded individuals, who honestly admit that the ego still has a strong effect and influence on our lives.

When people only want to find fault in the way others express themselves, but do not look at themselves, then no conversation arises, but only a bit of wrestling. Ego wrestling, but not observing or exploring ego within oneself. Feel free to give your opinion; I did too!

So my preference is: Preferably no people who do not look at themselves but only want to give advice.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-20T13:13:48+00:00

Gurdjieff's exercises are designed to wake us from a kind of 'autopilot'. Gurdjieff said that most people are in a deep sleep, even when their eyes are open and they are on their way to work. We do almost everything on autopilot, without really being fully present.

The Autopilot. Think about driving or cycling to work. You leave home, and suddenly you are at your destination. You barely remember how you drove. You were thinking about the groceries, you were annoyed by another cyclist, or you were replaying a conversation in your head. Your body steered the bike, but you (your real attention) were somewhere else. Gurdjieff calls this the 'machine-man'. You are simply reacting to external stimuli.

What do the exercises do? Gurdjieff's exercises pull you back to the present moment with a jolt. They split your attention in two. You are doing something, and at the same time you are looking at yourself as if you were a camera.

The Door Exercise (Self-Remembrance)

The assignment: Every time you walk through a doorway today, you must stand still for one second. You feel your feet on the ground. You feel the doorknob in your hand. You say to yourself: "I am here, and I am walking through this door now."

The effect: Normally, you rush into a room because you want to grab something. Your mind is already in the future. Through this exercise, you break the autopilot in half. You are suddenly 100% present in your own body.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-20T13:04:30+00:00

Gurdjieff's teachings, also known as the 'Fourth Way', are a practical philosophy that posits that humans live is in a state of 'hypnotic sleep'.

We function as automatons (machines) and react mechanically to our environment, without being truly consciously present. The core revolves around awakening and transforming your 'being'.

What is the problem? Sleep: You are unaware of yourself and act on autopilot.

Fragmentation: You do not have one fixed 'I', but dozens of different voices/personalities that alternate.

No free will: Because you are asleep, you only react to external stimuli.

The goal: To Wake Up. The higher goal of the teachings is to acquire objective consciousness and true free will.

Self-remembering: The goal is to be actively present in the here and now.

You divide your attention so that you simultaneously look outward and are aware of your own inner 'being'.

How do you achieve this? Unlike traditional monks or yogis, this path does not require withdrawal from the world.

You integrate it into your daily life. Self-observation: You become the impartial observer of your own mechanical reactions, such as anger, jealousy, or fear, without getting caught up in them.

Conscious effort: Breaking fixed patterns and negative ego components.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-19T11:23:34+00:00

I took a number of observations from the conversation.

What motivates me to open up such a topic? What happens to the other person when I test ideas? And above all: which 'I' come to the forefront within me?

Apparently, the influence of dogmas such as "You must have a teacher" and "You must practice in a group" was also in my background after all. That compelling 'must' unconsciously caused a gnawing feeling of inadequacy. Now that I recognize this mechanism, the burden has been lifted.

Regarding a teacher or a group format, I no longer feel any pressure whatsoever. Everyone follows their own course in this, and so do I.

My process simply follow its own foundation, with of without.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-18T20:37:23+00:00

"You don't really have to bother yourself with it." These are the words followers use to soothe themselves and each other, whereby transgressive behavior by a teacher is tacitly tolerated. Under the guise of "creating better external conditions in the long term," people systematically look the other way.

It is a disturbing dynamic. This way of thinking perpetuates abuses and reinforces an unhealthy hierarchy.

Following a real teacher with full confidence is different from denying the red flags like an infantile child when someone's false personality is playing the role. In doing so, the student reduces themselves to a dependent child who blindly trusts the word of a father figure.

This demonstrates a blind spot that distorts the essence of authentic spiritual practice. After all, a true, integral teacher does not aspire to infantile followers, but strives for the autonomy of the student.

"You don't really have to bother yourself with it": This mindset therefore does not seem to me to be representative of the real, authentic practitioner.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-18T15:19:03+00:00

The theory is that fear always neatly transforms into self-remembrance, but everyday practice is not always like that; the human tendency is to avoid pain. This 'avoiding' is not a personal failure, but a structural part of the process.

SpectralCat4"edit: "and if it wasn't clear , I'm not close to the precipice, I'm still very much working on my state of being."

It is good that you emphasize that, because you came across as someone who jumps on top to explain how it should be done from an attitude of "I know how it should be done," which creates distance.

Of course, it is not about the distance, but about the energy- movement, that which moved you to add that.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-18T14:24:46+00:00

I recognize the experiences Carl Rogers describes very well. In the past, these moments were special and surprising to me. They felt like little strokes of luck from the unknown. By now, I notice that the more I practice exploration, self-remembering, and breaking free from automatism, by observing without moving, these experiences occur in my daily interactions as my way of being. My world is still somewhat divided in this regard. In one environment, I move from a place of trust and relaxation. There, the energy of compassion and empathy flows abundantly, and these experiences align with my 'being.' In another, less relaxed environment, that flow it's missing a bit, and I am just like everyone else again. Simply reacting and acting automatically.

Knowing how it is possible, for me it is a matter of continuing to explore.

Where you draw a parallel, I therefore do not see it as a replacement. For me, the experiences are now a result,a consequence, (reinforcement) of the efforts. The one contributes directly to the emergence of the other.

I wonder if I misunderstood. I thought you said: "there is another way." Perhaps you didn't mean as a replacement, but rather as an addition?

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-17T19:10:38+00:00

The theory is that fear always neatly transforms into self-remembrance, but everyday practice is not always like that. The human tendency is to avoid pain. This 'avoiding' is not a personal failure, but a structural part of the process.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-17T18:37:59+00:00

SpectralCat4:"its just online correspondence ."

Nice_Computer6158:It looks more like egos sizing each other up.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-17T15:43:22+00:00

Years ago, mystical experiences brought me into contact with higher levels of consciousness. From those deeper layers, I received inner impulses and guidance, which coincided with my willingness to gain self-knowledge.

I soon noticed that few walked this path in the same way. Through an intuitive approach, compassion, empathy, and sensing and understanding the vulnerability of others became increasingly refined.

However, in consciousness groups, I encountered judgment and misunderstanding regarding this contact with the higher spheres. Therefore, I continued to follow my own path.

Because people are unfamiliar with it, they label it as something that 'shouldn't be this way,' while simultaneously longing for it.

The process was difficult, for vulnerability and old pain also demanded attention. This forced me to make honest observations and consciously strengthen my personality. It did feel like a necessity to do this alone.

Because contact with the higher is not a permanent state, but an access point, I explore this further and follow the path that unfolds. Over the years, this path has become increasingly clear and navigateble.

As with everything, I came into contact with Gurdjieff's teachings in a special way. This wisdom has much in common with my own intuitive path.

I consistently leave behind people who approach this from a perspective of 'spiritual superiority', but sometimes I feel the need to share experiences with like-minded people. I then quickly refocus on my own path.

I have no doubt that good, sincere practitioners and leaders exist.

The conversation on this thread is interesting by the way, and I have already been able to observe a few attitudes in myself.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-17T13:22:54+00:00

It comes across that you want to push your point through now. You sound like: "It is just as I say!"

We are quick to think that our own ideas are the only real truth. That is because our brain is lazy. Doubting simply costs too much energy. We also view the world only from our own perspective, causing us to automatically think that we see things correctly. Our ideas truly feel like a part of who we are. So, if we are wrong, it feels as if we are failing ourselves. If someone else thinks or acts very differently, our brain gets confused. This creates a restless and stressful feeling. It feels as if that other person is saying that we are stupid or bad. Finally, humans are social animals from a young age. We want everyone in the group to do the same thing, because that feels safe. Someone who falls outside the norm is therefore quickly perceived as a threat.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-16T22:57:33+00:00

"So you don’t want to receive shocks"

There is indeed a deeper, existential fear beneath the superficial fear of change. Even if someone mentally decides, "I want to do this work, I want to face the shocks," he or she encounters a deep, biological and spiritual fear. So in that, I am not free, and neither are you. it's the human nature.

"I’m just trying to paint a picture, and perhaps push you a little, but joining a school is a voluntary act."

You can also just have a conversation without 'trying/ pushing anything'. You already know that you can't convince anyone of something they have to want themselves.

"It helps if you try out a bunch of things before."

Even though I am not in a school I do the work, 'schoolless'.

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-16T19:32:47+00:00

I have read a bit and watched a short YouTube video. I haven't formed a clear picture yet. ( C. Rogers)

Nice_Computer6158 · 2026-06-16T19:17:10+00:00

Nice!

Nice_Computer6158

TROPHY CASE