Let go of ego

This summer I saw a short documentary on Netflix’ Chef’s Table about a Buddhist monk in South Korea who is a stellar cook. The nun, Jeong Kwan, was featured in the show's Volume 3 lineup, where she talked about how ego and comparisons interfere with it. Her belief was that creativity and ego don't mix. That freeing oneself from making comparisons and jealous thoughts opens the way for endless creativity. That owning your environment instead of allowing it to own you, gives way to free thought and an open stream of creativity.

Such a powerful sentiment. 

After all, creativity that’s hemmed in by stifling dams of egoism and pride has nowhere to flow. Nor can it surface when self-judgement and censorship stand on top of it; when reputation clamps down on creative inspirations. And, what about those ifs?

What if my idea isn’t good enough?

What if no one likes what I’ve done?

What if no one understands my piece? Appreciates my design? Values my concept?

What if no one buys my sculpture?

What if people laugh at my app?

What if critics slam into my invention, online or in print? Or both?

Sigh. There’s so much at stake, isn’t there? If only things like work and income and reputation weren’t of any concern. Then I could try anything. Then it wouldn’t matter if I painted with manure. Or cooked with rotten tomatoes. Or wrote stories without using words. I could just let go and see what happens, right?

The thing, there is something big at stake: the creative spirit. Inspiration and innovation open new doors, new perspectives, new ways of being. Daring to let go and let your creative spirit soar matters. Unfold your wings and fly.


Karen Maserjian Shan is a communications professional, editor and writer with an expertise in connecting people and businesses through written communications in print and digital platforms.