Ego Strength vs. Authentic Strength

There is a difference between Authentic Strength and Ego Strength. When we are standing in authentic strength, we are able to be who we are, we are flexible (a sign of good mental health) and we go with the flow. We are in acceptance of reality and staying in present time. We feel bigger and more expansive. We see vulnerability as the greatest strength and a sign of courage. We do not minimize, judge or criticize our self - when those kinds of thoughts arise, we dismiss them or self reflect and make any necessary adjustment to our character traits. When and if we confront someone, we do so with the intention of opening things up, to go deeper, to better understand and expand our perspective or to set a boundary. We are in our own corner, practice good self care and set and maintain healthy boundaries.

Ego Strength is a defense mechanism. Defensiveness is a sign of poor self identity, understanding and self worth. It has a sense of incapacity and weakness underneath. There is a separation from our sense of self. We can tend to be hard, angry, blaming, resisting or wanting to change reality. What we push to change will come back in on us. What we resist will persist: energetically this is how things work. We engage in judgment, criticism and devaluing of self and others. We see any display of vulnerability as a sign of weakness. As a result, we do not self reflect and refine our character, rather, we tend to blame the external: someone else or some event/experience. We do not stand in integrity, assuming full responsibility for our life. When we confront someone, it is with the intention to go up against something or someone: there is no intention to heal or improve relations, just to hurt or feel self righteous.