These days, one often hears much about the "ego". Many gurus and spiritual teachers talk about it.

"The ego is this…" "The ego will do that…" "Take control, don't let your ego rule your life…" But what is the ego? What is this thing that all of a sudden seems so negative and detrimental to our health and living?

The ego is like dog living your house. However, in most people's homes, the dog is untamed, neurotic and out of control. It is this way because people don't realize they are creating the imbalance that forms its bad behavior. Our lifestyles and trains of thought are often the root cause of this. And often, when on a journey of self discovery, people turn the ego into an enemy or worse, some monster that's out to get them. The ego is a function of the brain run amuck. The key is to put the ego into perspective and learn to work with it. A person can never get rid of the ego. For one, it's just a word. And why try to get rid of something that's largely just a mental construct anyways. That will drive a person nuts. That's also why so many people are looking for answers and never resolving anything.

The key to this life is balance. Realize that you are more than just a bag of bones but know that the bag and the bones are equally important to a healthy life. After all, all of the Earthly pleasures, treasures and all else that moth and rust consumes is part of the reason you are on the planet. Don't forget that.