Our minds are constantly filled with thoughts and emotions. Many people believe that this continuous stream of thinking is who they truly are. This voice in our heads, which talks to us all day, is what we often identify as our “self.” However, this identification is a trick of the mind, creating the ego. The ego is not our true self; it is a false identity built from our thoughts, emotions, and the things we attach to in life.

The ego creates a sense of “I” in everything we think, feel, or remember. But this “I” is not real; it’s like an illusion. Albert Einstein even called it “an optical illusion of consciousness.” This means that our ego makes us believe in something that is not really there. By holding on to this false identity, we create suffering for ourselves and others. The ego makes us act without thinking, causes conflicts, and stops us from connecting with others.

In moments of great difficulty, when old ways of thinking no longer work, we are forced to change. Suffering also serves a “noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness and the burning up of the ego.” And just like sea creatures had to adapt to living on land to survive, we must now evolve beyond our ego. Hopefully, more and more people are beginning to break free from this old way of thinking.

This new awareness allows us to see beyond our thoughts and beliefs. It helps us recognize that we are much more than the thoughts running through our minds. As more people awaken to this truth, we can create a better world—free from the ego-driven problems of the past.

Today’s world often tells us that our achievements, background, and material possessions define us. But true freedom comes from letting go of the ego and realizing that these things do not define who we are. The ego will try to trick us into thinking it is our true self, but we begin to wake up by recognizing this trick. This awakening is like a light shining through the darkness, showing us our true selves.