For one throb of the artery,
While on that old grey stone I sat
Under the old wind-broken tree,
I knew that One is animate
Mankind inanimate phantasy.
These lines from Yeats once fascinated me, leading to a lifelong journey from self-centeredness to a deeper connection. As a young student, I took them in with an exaggerated confidence in the significance of “me.” I even humorously reworded Einstein’s E = mc² as a playful joke: Existence = My Ideas². If “my” is 1, then 1 squared remains 1; therefore, existence equals my ideas. I was sure that the only thing I could genuinely understand was myself.
A Note for the Reader: If you find yourself in that state of “naive certainty,” remember that it is a normal part of growth. We all begin by thinking our viewpoint is the complete map. The first step to discovering a connection beyond ego is simply realizing that the map is not the territory.
I named my early philosophy “Claytonic Thought”. If Plato had Platonic Thought, why shouldn’t I? I wrote down aphorisms, many of which are now outdated, but one still serves as a helpful guide in life: “Just because someone asks a question doesn’t mean they want the answer.”
Practical Advice: In interviews, discussions, or even casual conversations, take a moment before responding. Consider: Is this person looking for truth, or do they just want to be acknowledged? Sometimes, the best thing you can provide is silence, or a question that leads them to discover their own answer. This is a small yet crucial step in transitioning from ego to connection.
I often say that university (and the universe) teaches humility if you are open to learning. There is so much knowledge that no one can know it all. I’ve encountered many smart individuals, but none have claimed to know everything for sure. University ultimately brought me down to earth. It revealed two important lessons that I hope will benefit you as well:
- No one has all the answers. Even the top professionals in their areas are always learning.
- Disagreement isn’t a threat. People who have different opinions aren’t always incorrect or harmful. Many times, they are caring, considerate individuals aiming for the same positive outcomes as you.
Try This: Next time you face a perspective that opposes yours, look for one aspect in their argument that is based on a common value (such as safety, fairness, or love). This approach can soften your heart and expand your mind, helping to connect you with others instead of feeling isolated.
By the time I reached my forties, I thought I was getting better at overcoming my ego, but it’s a challenge that always finds new ways to conceal itself. It was my journey into holistic healing that made me realize how much work I still needed to do in managing my ego. I consumed energy healing manuals, obtained certifications, and believed I was prepared to help others. I felt self-assured…until just two days before my initial appointment.
My confidence crumbled at 5:00 AM. I feared I would not succeed, that clients would view me as a fraud, or that friends would think I had lost my mind. Who did I think I was? A miracle worker? I began to doubt everything I had learned about moving beyond ego and becoming a conduit for universal energy.
A Reminder for Your Journey: If you experience a sudden surge of impostor syndrome or anxiety before a significant step, remember that it usually indicates you are on the verge of growth. The ego is afraid of losing control, while the soul flourishes in letting go. When panic sets in, consider communicating with the universe, your higher self, or softly saying, “I am not alone in this. I am a channel, not the source.” This act of surrender is essential for changing ego into connection.
As my first appointments approached, I reached out to God, Jesus, the angels, and the Energy itself. My wife would probably say I was not the easiest person to be around during those days. Still, I managed to get through it. The sessions began, and to my astonishment, they went wonderfully. I had two consecutive appointments that first day. I might have talked a bit more than usual (I tend to be chatty even on good days), but that conversation kept my ego busy while the rest of me willingly embraced the healing. A force greater than myself guided the process; I am certain of that.
The Key Point: You don’t need to be flawless to be impactful. In reality, striving for perfection can hinder the assistance you desire. When you’re feeling swamped, consider “expressing your thoughts” to engage your active mind while allowing your instincts to guide you. Have faith that you are backed by a force greater than your own strategies. This faith serves as the link on your journey from self-importance to a deeper connection.
Now, as I revisit Yeats’ poetry, I perceive it in a new light. I realize that “One” is vibrant, and we all belong to that One. Viewing ourselves as distinct from the Whole is merely an illusion.
I express these reflections amidst trees, flowers, birds, a Corgi named Tuxedo, and numerous insects under a clear blue sky. When I take a moment to observe my surroundings, I am overwhelmed by a deep realization: the world is truly a miracle; a stunning, extraordinary creation. Why would anyone in their right mind want to see themselves as apart from such a miracle?
- Pause and Look: Take a moment right now to notice one living thing around you—a plant, a bird, the light on a wall.
- Feel the Connection: Remind yourself that you are made of the same essence as that miracle. You are not separate; you are part of the “One” that is alive.
- Let Go: If you sense the burden of your own ego weighing you down, picture placing it on the ground, just for a moment, and inhaling the awe of being part of something vast and vibrant.
This was originally posted on July 27, 2009, and was updated on May 21, 2026.
Kim Hutchinson