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Authentic Self Seeks Meaning

2/16/10 at 12:15 pm | 17 Comments   by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

What’s the difference between our authentic self and the false self created by ego? Authentic self wonders: How may I serve? Ego’s attitude, on the other hand, is: Gimme, gimme, gimme—I need more, and I can never be satisfied. When we align with ego’s voice, the universe provides experiences that match the Gimme, gimme, gimme energy. It may not seem obvious at first, but if we pay attention, it’s quite clear that this energy creates pressure, anxiety, and stress. Why? Because allying with ego means that we’ve chosen to live in a demanding environment. We simply haven’t realized that we have a choice to join forces with our authentic ideals and live in a nondemanding environment. The Law of Attraction works either way!

The more we demand from the universe, the more is demanded of us. The more we give away, the more is given to us. It’s truly a simple matter of attitudinal energy generated from within ourselves. Consistently thinking of needing more attracts that needy energy back to us. When we consistently generate thoughts of giving, however, we attract the energy of giving back to us.

Lao-tzu speaks of the “absolute joy and freedom” we can experience by aligning ourselves with the practice of “kindness and selflessness.” My new book The Shift: Taking Your Life from Ambition to Meaning is a contemporary interpretation of this ancient teaching. I hope to impart that “Meaning” is not achieved through your ego and its selfish ways, but through the part of yourself that is selfless. Lao-tzu speaks of practicing “undiscriminating virtue”—this is your path to the freedom and joy that characterize a purposeful life.

FILED UNDER: lao-tzu, ego, authentic self, giving, kindness, virtue

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Comments (17)

  • 1.
    February 16, 2010
    10:31 am

    This is such a great lesson - one I've been working on. Thank you for the perfect words at just the right time. They inspire me to continue to find my way through this.

    - Bettina
  • 2.
    February 16, 2010
    11:27 am

    Practicing kindness and selflessnes is the path to true joy, we also need to to be "as wise as a serpent but as harmless as a dove" , it's possible to give too much of ourselves in service to others.

    - Valerie Curcuro, Life Coach
  • 3.
    February 16, 2010
    11:41 am

    An effortless way to live is by these 4 simple rules: 1. Give more than what is expected of you. 2. Expect less than what you're entitled to. 3. Do it with love in your heart. 4. Be grateful at all times. Simple, joyful and effortless in every way!

    - JanetPfeiffer, The Secret Side of Anger
  • 4.
    February 16, 2010
    11:13 pm

    My second chance....December 21 I had a stroke do to Cardiomyopathy....I had no idea but I was lucky some people never wake up. I am scared yet brave enough to "understand I need to let go of who I am to become what I might be" Lao Tzu. May you all be blessed in what you do and thank you for giving your strength to me.

    - Scott
  • 5.
    February 17, 2010
    4:35 am

    I look about me and ask "How can I serve?" My family, my community, my country and my world are filled with limitless possibilities for serving up kindness, hope, love and compassion. I can give all that I am, and in so doing, have everything I need.

    - Kenneth
  • 6.
    February 17, 2010
    8:35 am

    You have been my teacher for many years. And, as usual, you came up with exactly what I needed today. Thank you!

    - Beverly
  • 7.
    February 17, 2010
    5:29 pm

    Thanks for the reminder of what we focus on is what we are given. I needed that today!

    - Tara
  • 8.
    February 17, 2010
    7:03 pm

    Perhaps the Authentic Self doesn't have to seek, because it is always Here. Full connectivity provides meaning. The authentic self feels the energy that is gifted to us in the moment without censorship from the ego. Thoughts and static are a barrier to full receptivity. We serve by BEING True to what we feel fluently in the Now.

    - Bern ~ Walking in Stillness
  • 9.
    February 18, 2010
    3:48 am

    "taking my life from Ambition to meaning", these word resonate heavily in me.... i have found that being happy is easier when what u do means something personal rather the desire to conquer or win. there are so many ways these word have provocked my thinking. thank you once again Dr. Dyer

    - Tersoo
  • 10.
    February 18, 2010
    6:20 am

    The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. worderfull articlel

    - Mucunda
  • 11.
    February 18, 2010
    6:57 am

    I've experienced this fist hand with service work in recovery. From James Allen, "Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are." Once I turned to love and giving, I receive love and giving... shortly after a women came into my life which became my wife. Truly amazing. I can be of service regardless of profession or circumstance.

    - Jared
  • 12.
    February 20, 2010
    8:54 am

    Service can take many forms but it all stems from Bhakti, to God and our fellow souls on this planet.

    - Brian
  • 13.
    February 20, 2010
    8:29 pm

    I want to live my best authentic self, too. This is a great reminder of all the demands we recieve as a consequence of being so demanding ourselves. The most peaceful approach is simply to be kind in the face of unkindness. It's something to practice everyday.

    - Jentri
  • 14.
    February 24, 2010
    10:45 am

    You have been such a tremendous teacher. I love the idea of giving. Please be better Wayne. I saw you on TV a few nights ago where you announced you have leukemia, but not the serious kind. I have been saying prayers for you. You have added so much love and insight into my life as well as my children's too.Thank you Gracias Merci

    - Michele
  • 15.
    February 28, 2010
    8:07 pm

    Great expression of words Wayne, and so true. If we can just "remember" that we are "spirits having a human experience" and function from that perspective what a better world it would be. I would gladly trade worldy knowldge for spirital "remembrance" anyday. Cheers Dr B

    - bryan
  • 16.
    April 9, 2010
    7:26 am

    Being in love means seeing the Beloved all around me. R Dass

    - Mucunda
  • 17.
    April 9, 2010
    7:28 am

    My twitter is wrong,: Or perhaps it is me that belongs to another generation?

    - Mucunda

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