Notes from the book - Exploring your life

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  1.  The unconscious mind is both dumb and wise. Dumb because some functions of the mind are machine-like. Wise because it is responsible for our ingenious creativity and inspiration.
  2.  The ego formed initially to help protect us and to allow differentiation of self from those around us, so in a sense, it almost feels as though we owe it our existence. It continues to exist because conscious perception is limited and finite, and it misses seeing reality correctly. When it reflects on who we are, it cannot properly perceive itself. It would need to see the true potential of our entrie being, but instead it merely holds on to a sliver of who we are and positions this as the entirety of our being. As its hold strengthens, we see how it runs our lives and causes  us misery. The ego grows more powerful and exaggerated when we acknowledge it, when we cater to it or when it protects us during times of adversity.
  3. Ultimately, who we are is beyond all of these things. For this reason, it is important to transcend the limitations of the unhealthy ego.
  4. The self or ego, is still an illusion, and it is important to come to terms with those illusions that cause us to suffer.
  5. Goals that involve Externals strengthen the ego, causing attachment and compounding our suffering. 

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