Every ego contains a “victim mentality.” Some have such a strong victim image of themselves, it has become the core of their identity. Resentment and anger are never far away from their thoughts.

Complaining and reactivity are favorite mind patterns through which the ego strengthens itself. By doing this you make others, or a situation “wrong” and yourself “right.” We are addicted to being “right” as it makes us feel superior which only strengthens the illusion of ego.

The ego must have conflict because it must have something to be against or fight against, demonstrating this is “me” and that is not “me.” Without the “unbeliever,” who would the “believer” be? Sadly, most of us have no idea. Collective identity is created and strengthened by having a group or tribe with the same enemy. Remember, the ego must have a conflict as it only exist through comparison and it will grasp at anything.

Lastly for today, envy is a by-product of the ego, which feels diminished if something good happens to someone they don’t approve of. It’s impossible to celebrate another’s victory or good fortune, which I believe, holds a key to breaking out of this self-constructed prison. Your victory may well be discovered in the celebration of someone else’s victory. What you long for may well be embedded in someone else’s wounds, (like Thomas and Jesus), or in someone else’s victory. Pay attention to how you feel when someone fails and someone succeeds. Is there any feeling of justification in their failure or any sense of resentment in their success? Noticing this could well help you see the illusionary fraud you have called “you,” for to long.
~Stan Tyra