Transcending Dogma: The Ego Center

“All models are wrong, but some are useful” -George Box, statistician

The irony of Human Design is that its highest aim is to free us from dogma and empower us to trust ourselves and our own authority— yet it can easily become just another rigid belief system. 

I recently retook the foundational course Rave ABCs with Genoa Bliven (head of HD America with 30+ years of experience). In one class, he made a bold passing comment: We all have something to prove, regardless of whether or not we have a defined ego.

That puzzled me. I’ve lived the past 6 years embracing Ra’s open ego mantra: “You have nothing to prove”. Now you’re telling me that I actually do have something to prove? I don’t want to have something to prove!!

Later, I asked Genoa to elaborate. He explained that we each have a unique mission. We all have things that we’re here to reconcile and resolve during this incarnation as part of our own hero’s journey.

Of course, there are real, observable patterns and trends regarding how ego definition influences behavior and experience. In group settings, it’s usually the defined egos who are most assertive and take up the most space. And in a Foundation reading, it can be helpful and provide great relief to tell someone with an undefined ego— someone who likely carries wounding around self-worth— that they have nothing to prove.

But eventually, it’s not about proving or not proving— that’s all just language. It’s about living your life and being yourself.

In the next class, Genoa added, “When someone says, ‘I don’t have an ego’, what they’re really saying is, ‘I’m too good to have an ego’”

I laughed, remembering a spot I sometimes found myself in during arguments with a former partner. He has a heavily defined ego and mine is completely open. He found it irritating and absurd when I would assert that I don’t have an ego; any ego he feels coming from me is actually just my innately innocent and pure open ego acting as a mirror, reflecting and amplifying his massive ego back to him.

There was some truth to what I was saying, and also hubris. Dogma (and egoic defensiveness) distorts awareness. 

If you appreciate what I’m sharing, perhaps I could be a helpful ally for you as you experiment, empowering you to see through the dogma, refine your awareness and deepen your relationship with truth.

I am an IHDS certified analyst offering Foundation Readings, Partnership Analysis, ongoing integration support and more. You can learn more and book a session here.