It can seem like a duel of fates at times. On one hand, you have the clear high minded self that sages have called "self realized". And on the other hand, there is the addict; the one who feeds off of attention, quick and meaningless highs, and loads of drama. This side of you may be called "the ego". Like a coin constantly being tossed into the air, both sides are of the same origin. Yet, only one can rear its head. The other waits for the opportune moment to shine. But, ironically, the other needs to be exposed for its opposite to come forth and one cannot fade away unless it is present. Both sides of you are interdependent. They give birth to one another and simultaneously take away from the others' power.

Can we be rid of the side we do not want?

The answer is both simple and perplexing. The answer, if you look at it, is a bold no! Remember that you are both sides to this coin, and both sides need one another. It is simply a perspective that you are observing through that makes the difference.

My advice: Instead of being totally usurped by either side, instead of being totally locked in your "ego" or "self realized" state of being, be the coin thrower, the one who can see both sides of the coin and knows and appreciates their being. That state I like to call "Enlightenment".