When you quiet the mind, the ego goes to sleep. The ego can switch on in an instant once another person comes into the picture. Even the thought of another person can awaken the ego. That’s when the pretending and gamesmanship begins.

The ego is the person that you and society have created. It’s the mask you wear when others are around. And it’s the voice you reason with in your mind. This is not the real you. This is the you that you think you need for survival. The real you is more laid back, less-defensive, more generous, and more humble.

Let go of your outer identity and search for your inner identity. The you beneath the persona you’ve created. Not only the one you show to others, but also the one you imagine yourself to be. There’s a you beyond those identities. A you that is love, joy, and peace.