Ego is part of being human, but when it becomes inflated it can damage our peace of mind, relationships and personal growth. A healthy sense of self gives us confidence. An unhealthy ego makes us cling to being important, superior or always right. Learning to recognize this difference helps us move from self-centred reactions toward humility, empathy and cooperation.

What Ego Is

In everyday language, ego means an exaggerated attachment to our self-image. We begin to think, “I am the centre of everything. My way is the right way.” We defend our opinions, dismiss other viewpoints and measure our worth through praise, status or success. Ego can also be remembered as “Edging God Out”: allowing pride and self-importance to crowd out humility and a sense of connection.

In many spiritual traditions, the ego is the identity that makes us feel separate from others and from a larger consciousness. It strengthens attachments, desires and fears. When we identify too strongly with this limited self, we become less open to love, compassion and deeper awareness.

Why the Ego Becomes Inflated

An inflated ego often grows from insecurity rather than genuine confidence. We all want to be appreciated, included and valued. Problems begin when this natural need becomes a constant demand for attention or approval. Comparison at school, work and in society can make us feel superior when we succeed and insignificant when others do better.

People who feel inferior may overcompensate by boasting, exaggerating their abilities, taking credit for other people's work or blaming others for failure. These behaviours may look like confidence, but they often hide fear of rejection, insignificance or being left behind.

Check Your Ego

Ask yourself honestly whether you often:

1. Turn conversations back to yourself or your achievements

2. Assume you are right without considering that you may be mistaken

3. Dismiss other people's feelings, needs or opinions

4. Seek praise and become upset when it is not given

5. Feel jealous of another person's success or enjoy pointing out faults

6. Boast about your achievements, possessions or abilities

7. Interrupt frequently and listen mainly to prepare your reply

8. React defensively or angrily to constructive criticism

9. Need to win arguments, even through blame or shame

10. Take credit for success while blaming others for failure

A few “yes” answers do not make anyone a bad person. They simply show where greater awareness and practice may be helpful.

How Ego Harms Us

An inflated ego creates conflict, resentment and emotional distance. It weakens empathy and makes constructive feedback feel like a personal attack, blocking learning and growth. Decisions may protect status rather than consider facts, long-term consequences or other people's needs. When self-worth depends on achievement and praise, failure can trigger shame, anger, anxiety or depression. Constant competition and control may also lead to stress and burnout.

Ego and Healthy Self Esteem

We do not need to destroy the ego. A balanced ego helps us develop identity, confidence and the courage to act. The goal is to keep it in proportion.

Ego is like fire: it can cook the food or burn the house. Used to help others, ego becomes healthy self-esteem. Used to prove superiority, it becomes arrogance. Competing with our own previous performance can support growth.

How Laughter Yoga Softens the Ego

Laughter Yoga offers a practical way to loosen the grip of ego. Its playful exercises invite us to be open and vulnerable in a safe group. Laughing at ourselves helps us rediscover humility.

• Shared humanity: Laughing together reduces barriers and reminds us that we belong to a larger human family.

• Emotional release: Laughter releases tension linked with pride, jealousy and resentment.

• Self awareness: Playful practice helps us notice defensive habits and choose a calmer response.

• Empathy and compassion: Eye contact and shared joy help us value other people and their perspectives.

• Less stress: A relaxed mind has less need for approval, control or a rigid self-image.

From I to We

Inner growth does not erase individuality; it teaches us to use it wisely. When we move from “I” to “we,” confidence is balanced by respect, humility and care. Laughter Yoga helps us practise this shift through joy, connection and the freedom to laugh at ourselves.