One always treads with a joyful step when one has dropped the burden called the ego

One always treads with a joyful step when one has dropped the burden called the ego

Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest and spiritual teacher, often spoke about the importance of letting go of the ego in order to find true happiness and inner peace. In his teachings, he emphasized the idea that the ego is the root cause of suffering and that by releasing it, one can experience a sense of freedom and joy that is not dependent on external circumstances.

The quote "One always treads with a joyful step when one has dropped the burden called the ego" encapsulates de Mello's belief that the ego is like a heavy weight that weighs us down and prevents us from fully experiencing life. When we are caught up in our ego, we are constantly seeking validation and approval from others, comparing ourselves to others, and living in a state of fear and insecurity. This constant need to protect and defend our ego creates a barrier between ourselves and the world around us, preventing us from truly connecting with others and experiencing the beauty and wonder of life.

De Mello believed that the key to finding true happiness and inner peace lies in letting go of the ego and embracing our true selves. When we drop the burden of the ego, we are able to see ourselves and the world around us more clearly, without the distortions and limitations imposed by our ego. We are able to live in the present moment, free from the constraints of the past and the worries of the future. We are able to experience a sense of lightness and freedom that comes from being fully present and engaged in the world.

When we let go of the ego, we are able to tread with a joyful step because we are no longer weighed down by the need for approval or validation. We are able to walk through life with a sense of ease and grace, knowing that our worth and value come from within, not from external sources. We are able to experience a deep sense of joy and contentment that is not dependent on our circumstances or the opinions of others.