A prayer to Kali-Ma!

The best part of my morning commute to work is passing a local business that always has the best quotes on their sign.  Some quotes are so great that I actually write them down.   Like this one:

"We want to be humble but we're afraid no one will notice"



How true is that statement? I was reminded of  this quote today after seeing some ego driven posts on facebook.  My first reaction to someone who's being incredibly egotistical is to get angry.  "What a jack-ass!" is usually my reaction.  Now, don't get me wrong... I know I have an ego just as much as the next guy but at least I TRY to keep my ego in check.   And when I can't get my ego in check myself I can depend on my friends to remind me when  I'm the one being the jack-ass.

After my usual rant of  "WHAT A JACK-ASS!!"  my friend, Jon reminded me with a gentle  "C'mon, he's a real person."  I needed to take a look at myself and my reaction to said Jack-ass....I mean real person.  

What exactly motivates such strong negative reaction  in me when someone else's ego is so inflated?  Why does it bother me so much?  Why does my blood boil at other people's bad behavior?   These are some of the questions I'm asking myself tonight.  

Here's the ugly truth I uncovered:

1.  Envy.  I envy their ability for shameless self-promotion.

2.  Self-righteousness.  I have strong values and morals and I feel that everyone else should too.

3   Respect.  My perceived lack of respect for teachers.

4.  Humility.  I believe it's the foundation for spiritual practice and feel frustrated when people act as though

     it's optional. 

Listen, I know I'm not perfect, not by any stretch of the imagination, but COME ON people!! How can you preach letting go of the ego in one post and then proclaim your greatness in the next?  How can you preach oneness while you work tirelessly to elevate yourself above others?  

Let's not forget Kali-Ma.   If you don't offer up your ego willingly she will cut off your head!! 

Jai Kali-Ma..... I offer my ego and my self-righteous attitude to you willing and I pray that you illuminate my consciousness whenever I may be acting as bad as said Jack-ass...I mean real person.