"Le sentiment d'ego dont nous sommes conscients maintenant n'est donc qu'un vestige rétréci d'un sentiment bien plus vaste."

Sure, let's dive into it. The main idea here is that what we currently recognize as our ego—our sense of self—is just a tiny fragment of a much broader and expansive feeling that we once had. Picture this: you know how sometimes you get so lost in a moment, like when you're in nature, or deeply engrossed in a creative project, and you feel connected to everything around you? That’s a glimpse of what this more extensive feeling might be.

Historically speaking, this concept harks back to ideas found in philosophy and psychology. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, often explored the idea of the ego and its evolution. He suggested that our modern sense of self has become more isolated and confined compared to a more interconnected and holistic state that might have existed in our distant past or in our early childhood when the boundaries between ourselves and the world were less defined.

Now, let’s ground this in a real-life example. Imagine an artist deeply immersed in their work. They're not just painting; they're pouring their soul onto the canvas. In those moments, the boundary between the artist and the artwork blurs. They aren't just aware of themselves as a separate entity holding a brush—they're part of the creation process, connected to something much larger. It's as if their sense of self expands to encompass the whole act of creation.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Well, try to find activities or moments where you can lose yourself entirely. It could be anything that makes you forget the ticking clock—maybe gardening, playing an instrument, or even a long run. The goal is to experience that expansive state where your ego takes a backseat, and you feel a broader connection to the world around you. It’s a bit like reawakening that larger self that’s usually tucked away.

Alright, let me share a story to illustrate this. Think about a time when you were a kid, playing in the park. You weren't just a small person running around aimlessly. You felt like you were part of the whole scene—the swings, the trees, the laughter. Your sense of self was fluid and connected to everything. But as we grow up, society tells us to tighten up, to shrink our sense of self into something more manageable and solitary.

But every now and then, you get a chance to tap back into that expansive feeling. Imagine you're on a hike. The world is quiet except for the sounds of nature. As you climb, you start to notice the little things—the patterns in the leaves, the sounds of birds. You forget about the emails waiting for you or the errands you need to run. For that moment, you're not just you anymore. You're part of the forest, part of the experience. That’s the more extensive feeling we’re talking about.

So, give yourself permission to seek out those moments. They’re not just good for the soul; they're a reminder of something profound—that our sense of self isn’t fixed. It can expand and connect in ways that make our lives richer and more meaningful.