Beyond the Ego: How Yoga Helps Us Transcend Fear and Unlock Growth
- Sophie Le Reste
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
In our fast-paced, competitive world, the ego often drives our actions and decisions, but not always to our benefit. The ego, which yoga philosophy identifies as ahamkara (the "I-maker"), shapes how we interpret the world. While it plays an important role in building identity, the ego can also limit our opportunities by holding us back with fear. This fear manifests in many ways, including entitlement, greed, and obstinacy.
E-G-O: The Fear-Driven Traits That Hold Us Back
When driven by fear, the ego can cause us to fall into patterns of behaviour that limit our potential. Let’s break it down:
E - Entitlement
Entitlement arises when the ego convinces us that we deserve success or recognition without effort or growth. This can make us resistant to challenges or blind to new opportunities. Entitlement blocks gratitude and openness, which are essential for progress on and off the mat.
G - Greed
Greed is rooted in the ego’s fear of scarcity—a feeling that there isn’t enough for everyone. This mindset pushes us to prioritise self-interest over collaboration, connection, and generosity. When we act out of greed, we close ourselves off from the abundance of possibilities that arise through community and shared intentions.
O - Obstinacy
Obstinacy is the ego’s resistance to change. Stubbornness often stems from fear of failure or being wrong, keeping us stuck in our comfort zones. This rigidity impacts growth, both personally and spiritually, and prevents us from embracing new perspectives or lessons.
By understanding how these traits manifest in our lives, we can begin to see how the ego holds us back. Yoga invites us to observe without judgement and take intentional steps toward liberation.
What Yoga Teaches Us About the Ego
In yogic philosophy, the ego is seen as a false sense of self. It identifies with labels, external achievements, and fleeting emotions rather than the higher Self—our true nature, which is pure, limitless consciousness. The great sage Patanjali wrote in the Yoga Sutras that attachment to the ego creates suffering (kleshas), causing us to feel separate from others and our divine essence.
However, yoga also offers tools to rise above the ego. Through asana (physical practice), pranayama (breathwork), meditation, and self-study (svadhyaya), we can recognise ego-driven patterns and reconnect with our higher Self—a state of peace, humility, and clarity.
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