Ego Deep Dive

One of my goals this year is to learn more about the ego and eventually begin to become aware of the effects through “shadow work.” As a prerequisite to doing that work, I’m learning about the psychology behind the ego. I came across a fascinating model called the “honeycomb model of the ego” by Dr. Richard Beck. Here’s a quick overview of the six sides:

• Ego Volume: This refers to the volume of the “inner voice.” The quieter the inner voice, the healthier the ego. This allows for more presence and mindfulness.
• Ego Focus: This is the ego’s flashlight. It describes where attention is directed, inward or outward. A healthy ego is generally more focused outward.
• Ego Investment: How obsessed we are with ourselves. A healthy ego is more self-forgetful than self-absorbed.
• Ego Stability: How reactive we are to life events. A healthy ego is grounded and stable in success or failure.
• Ego Valuation: This refers to self-worth. A healthy ego has a durable conviction of worthiness.
• Ego Size: How we see ourselves in relation to the world. A healthy ego maintains a modest self-perspective, realizing our place in the larger universe.

I appreciate this model for exploring and understanding my ego. I’ve already started practicing mindfulness and meditation to gain control of my “ego volume.”