Yesterday, while reading a meditation** about the practice of centering prayer (a form of contemplative prayer that I have been practicing for the last year), I was introduced to the term “ego-ectomy”. I have spent the last 19+ years attempting to perfect the art of surrendering myself to my Higher Power; so when I read this term, I experienced one of those lightbulb moments that serve as a catalyst into the next dimension of spiritual growth.

Everything I have learned during the process of recovery from addiction points to moving beyond our own egos, so that we can move toward the will of our Higher Power. For the longest time, my mantra has been: “E.G.O. stands for Easing God Out.” Shared with me by an “old-timer” in recovery, that idea has consistently helped to remind me that any time my ego is running the show, I am not fully surrendered to my Higher Power’s will. To this day, I catch myself reciting it when sharing with those who have asked for my guidance with their own recovery. Now, I have a follow-up to it: “What we all need is an ego-ectomy!”

Ego-ectomy. Stop for a moment and just think about that concept.

As I have been studying towards my master’s in theology, this has been a constant theme: set aside all that you have and all that you want to follow Jesus. As I have been learning the art of spiritual direction and spiritual formation, it has been posed as the main intention of all seekers: removing the “false self” – the self we show to the world, or the self we think we are supposed to be – is the key to finding the “true self” that God intended us to be. What I am learning here is that I need an ego-ectomy in all areas of my life.

Unfortunately, like other words that end in “ectomy”, an ego-ectomy is not the most enjoyable experience. In fact, it can be messy and downright painful. Who wants to surrender? Who wants to let go and let God? Who wants to set aside all material desires in order to follow Jesus? Who wants to stop talking and listen to the silent voice of Spirit in order to attempt to aid others on their spiritual path? An ego-ectomy is not for the faint of heart. It is for those seekers who are serious about their seeking. It is for those who are finished playing games and are ready to lay it all down in order to find peace in the will of their Higher Power. The good news about an ego-ectomy is that it is also similar to other “ectomy” words in another very important way. An ego-ectomy will end up relieving the recipient of future pain and a premature physical (and emotional and spiritual) death. Trust me on this; I speak only from personal experience on this one!

**Susan Rush, “A Prayer for Living—A Prayer for Dying,” Contemplative Outreach News, December 2009.