18. Ego | The Fiction of ‘You’ — How Your Mind Constructs Identity

Your ego shapes your thoughts, emotions, and identity—but what happens when you start to see through it?

In this episode of the *Still Life Podcast*, Henry Mitchell and Jim George explore the nature of the ego, how it forms, why we cling to it, and how letting go of it can bring true freedom. From spiritual misconceptions to personal struggles, they dive deep into what it really means to observe, understand, and transcend the ego.

Key Topics Covered:
🔹 What is Ego? – Understanding how the mind creates a sense of self.
🔹 How Ego Identifies – Why we cling to labels, beliefs, and personal stories.
🔹 Ego in Spirituality – The misunderstood role of ego in personal growth.
🔹 Why Let Go of Ego? – How attachment to identity fuels suffering.
🔹 Triggered Ego – Why we react defensively when the ego is challenged.
🔹 Observing the Ego – The power of Stillness to break free from egoic control.
🔹 Ego Death & Spiritual Experience – What happens when the sense of self dissolves?
🔹 Jim’s Relationship with Ego – Real-world insights into working with and integrating the ego.

This episode will challenge the way you see yourself—and show you a new way to experience life.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - 02:52 - Intro
03:07 - 14:09 - How Ego Identifies
14:09 - 23:20 - Expanded Ego
23:20 - 32:02 - Ego Misconceived in Spirituality
32:02 - 39:57 - Why Get Rid of Ego?
39:57 - 45:02 - Triggered Ego
45:02 - 53:57 - Henry’s Story / Ego
53:57 - 1:03:43 - Observing Ego
1:03:43 - 1:15:25 - Jim & Egoic Activity
1:15:25 - 1:18:27 - E.g. Working with Ego
1:18:27 - 1:23:07 - Ego & Spiritual Experience
1:23:07 - 1:34:10 - Death, Stillness & Ego
1:34:10 - 1:40:36 - Ego Death & Relief from Ego
1:40:36 - 1:54:51 - Jim’s Relationship w/ Ego