Ancient mysticism teaches that the ego was given to mankind so that the soul could have a reason to move forward, making corrections through acting upon desires. You see, there is no growth without change, and there is no change without the Desire to move. Spiritual growth cannot take place if our desires are based only on selfish needs of the ego. So, here is my dilemma ... If we do things to satisfy our desires, how can we control our ego which is the very thing that feeds our desire. How are we supposed to control our ego while we grow?

I've often noticed that celebrities thank God when they are awarded for their success. Perhaps this is a clue to my dilemma. We need to remember where our talents come from. Judaism teaches that we are on this earth for "Tikkun Olam," to heal the world. How better to heal the world than to accomplish the very things that God has given us the talent to share while remembering where that talent originated.

For instance, I could ask myself why I am writing this blog. Naturally, I want as many people as possible to read it, but why? Is it to share my knowledge to help others or is it to get the satisfaction in knowing that people want to read what I have written. If it's for both reasons, how can I control my egotistical desires? The key is that I should always remember that my ability to write is a God given talent, and therefore I should use it to share with others in a way that will help the world. In this way, I am using the benefits of my writing ability for the good of others rather than for my own selfish reasons.

I sincerely hope that your ego will lead you to the ability to share your God given talents with others. Remember to trust your conscience as a guide to right and wrong ... both in your personal and in your private relationships ... and you can't go wrong. As long as your heart is in the right place, you will be using your ego in a way that brings you closer to a spiritual life.