Our Dual Nature

 by Donna May

Everyone needs to develop a good self-image. This does not mean a big ego, but it means recognizing the value, the worth of human life and knowing that the Creative Power of the Universe indwells each of us. Amalie Frank

Many of the great spiritual philosophies teach the concept that there are two forces or two wills within each person: one is the will of the human nature and the other, the will of the divine self. Some of the words that describe the human part of us may include ego, lower nature or lower self. The divine nature may be described as the higher self or the spiritual part. Whatever terms are used, the idea is that there is a constant battle between these two forces that are within each person. Each person has free will and can choose to act from the human personality self or from the divine self. As dual beings we are continually swayed between the thinking of the ego and the whispers of the Divine Spirit within. In each moment we are choosing which part of us is going to be in control. The ego stands for “edging God out.” It is simply a false idea that has evolved in the minds of human beings based on the belief that we are separate from God and separate from each other. It sees only bodies and fails to realize that as spiritual beings we are connected to each other and to our Source. The ego is concerned with separateness, competition, win/lose, scarcity, blame and judging others. The ego has a strong hold on most of us. Its thinking has the support of all other beings who are acting from their ego natures. Other ego minds will support us in our right to be hurt, offended or resentful. When we talk to other ego minds we feel justified in being upset. To transcend the ego means to leave behind the thinking of the masses and to venture into the realm of the Higher Self.

We all have moments of being connected to that higher part of ourselves. We are there when we are experiencing feelings of love, connection, joy, peace, compassion and inspiration. We can be sure that we have let the ego take over when we are experiencing conflict, jealousy, resentment, guilt and feelings of separateness. One moment we may be acting from our spiritual self and the next moment the ego may be in charge. Instead of just reacting, we need to take a moment to ask ourselves, “How do I choose to respond?” Do I want to respond with kindness or do I need to prove that I am right? The ego is concerned with winning. The spiritual self is concerned with being kind. The ego self likes to focus on the past and the future. The spiritual self operates in present time. The ego is filled with fear and all the emotions stemming from fear. The spiritual self is filled with love and all the emotions radiating from love. The ego will eventually dissipate as we allow the Divine Spirit to be in charge. How different the world would be if everyone made an effort to act from the perspective of their higher, divine self. What if children were taught this philosophy and were encouraged to choose their greater self more of the time?

There’s a wonderful little children’s book that has been in print since 1957. I recently bought the reprinted 2000 version at the Mystic Grounds book store at Renaissance Unity in Warren, Michigan. The book is called The Little Me and the Great Me by Lou Austin, ISBN: 0-934538-26-3. The book teaches a child how to recognize when he or she is being “the little me.” For example, the little me wants to be first, thinks only of self and is not very happy. The little me doesn’t want to help around the house or do things for the family. Also the little me brags and is a show-off. People do not enjoy being around the little me. The child is shown how to blow out the “little me” and breathe in the “great me.” You can’t see the great me, it is like breathing in air, but you can tell when you are the great me because, the great me is kind, helpful, happy and fun to be around. When you are operating as your greater self, God is your partner. Children can learn from their own experiences that our true happiness doesn’t come from the Little me, but from THE GREAT ME. Imagine how wide spread practice of this concept could benefit the world!

Donna May MA Ed, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Stress Management, Pain Relief Specialist, practitioner of NLP, Reiki and Yuen Energetics. She utilizes spiritual principles and “A Course in Miracles” teachings. Available for classes, public presentations or private consultations. (248) 626-4859 or DonnaMay27@comcast.net.