The Courage to Face Our Ego’s “Pain-Body” – Step 9

Diagram of fit male body highlighting pain at the stop of the spinal column w/ sfz title

“The pain-body, which is the dark shadow cast by the ego, is actually afraid of the light of your consciousness. It is afraid of being found out. “

– Eckhart Tolle (1948 – ) German spiritual author

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When was the last time your own shadow or ego resulted in actions that masked your own pain, lately?

OR

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How can facing your mistakes with honesty help you feel more connected to others?

Eckart Tolle Brief Bio (2:51)

This Wreckage – Gary Numan live (7:46)

Eckhart Tolle Pain Body Discussion (10:05)

Analysis (≤250 words)

The Big Book describes a vital shift. Step Nine asks us to clear the emotional debris created by self-will. This shift invites humility and courage. It also requires awareness of the inner resistance that disguises itself as fear or false pride. As the Wellbriety movement teaches, “Healing begins when we face our unfinished business with honesty” (Coyhis, 2019). This reminder supports the Zonr post’s message.

Moreover, It Works: How & Why explains how denial once protected us. That protection blocked empathy. It also blocked a conscious relationship with a Higher Power. However, honest amends reverse that pattern. They open room for compassion. They reconnect us with community.

Furthermore, Eckhart Tolle’s insight on the “pain-body” clarifies this inner work. He notes that ego-based reactions fear exposure. This fear mirrors the emotional recoil many feel approaching Step Nine. Yet awareness weakens that recoil. Awareness invites gentleness. Additionally, Brené Brown reinforces this truth. She writes, “We can only rebuild trust through grounded honesty” (Brown, 2018). Her insight aligns with Step Nine’s purpose.

Gradually, action dissolves shame. Willingness grows. Connection strengthens. The process transforms isolation into belonging. The Higher Power becomes an active partner rather than a distant idea. Consequently, the path of amends turns into a path of freedom.


TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL

CITAS Y ENCABEZADOS TRADUCIDOS

LA VOLUNTAD DE ENFRENTARLO –
“We attempt to sweep away the debris…” (The Big Book, p. 76). →
“Intentamos barrer los escombros…” (El Libro Grande, p. 76).

CEGADOS POR EL YO –
“After all, in our active addiction…” (It Works & Why, pp. 45–46). →
“Después de todo, en nuestra adicción activa…” (Funciona y Por Qué, pp. 45–46).

“The pain body… is afraid of being found out.” – Eckhart Tolle
“El cuerpo del dolor… teme ser descubierto.” – Eckhart Tolle

Citas adicionales:
“Wellbriety teaches…” →
“La Bien-Estariedad enseña…” (Coyhis, 2019).
“We can only rebuild trust…” →
“Solo podemos reconstruir la confianza…” (Brown, 2018).


ANÁLISIS (ESPAÑOL)

El Libro Grande muestra un cambio esencial. El Paso Nueve pide limpiar los escombros creados por la autosuficiencia. Este cambio invita humildad y valor. También exige reconocer la resistencia interna que se disfraza de miedo o falsa pride. Como enseña la Bien-Estariedad, “La sanación comienza cuando enfrentamos nuestros asuntos pendientes con honestidad” (Coyhis, 2019). Este recordatorio apoya el mensaje del post de Zonr.

Además, Funciona y Por Qué explica cómo la negación antes nos protegía. Esa protección bloqueaba la empatía. También bloqueaba una relación consciente con un Poder Superior. Sin embargo, las enmiendas honestas revierten ese patrón. Abren espacio para la compasión. Reconectan con la comunidad.

Asimismo, la idea de Eckhart Tolle sobre el “cuerpo del dolor” aclara este trabajo interno. Él nota que las reacciones del ego temen la luz. Ese miedo refleja la resistencia hacia el Paso Nueve. Sin embargo, la conciencia debilita esa resistencia. La conciencia invita suavidad. Además, Brené Brown afirma: “Solo podemos reconstruir la confianza con honestidad con los pies en la tierra” (Brown, 2018). Su idea coincide con el propósito del Paso Nueve.

Con el tiempo, la acción disuelve la vergüenza. La disposición crece. La conexión se fortalece. El Poder Superior se vuelve un compañero activo. Así, el camino de las enmiendas se convierte en libertad.

Pregunta (6º grado):
¿Cómo puede ayudarte enfrentar tus errores con honestidad a sentirte más unido a otros?

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Comments

5 responses to “The Courage to Face Our Ego’s “Pain-Body” – Step 9”

  1. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I was at a meeting for work a few months ago and was shocked to my core when a few very influential people expressed that they did not see any barriers in our industry that faced people of color. So much so it was difficult for me to express my thoughts with out literally vibrating with contempt.

  2. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    Welcome Tom to our message board. So much in recovery feels rooted in modern as well as ancient philosophies and faiths.

    So thanks for pointing out how when we tell our story, it can be an act of liberation and help us to be more present. I think insights such as yours and our fellow contributors help us all see the steps with new eyes.

    So by all means, please feel free to keep them coming.

  3. tom Avatar
    tom

    I like Tolle’s emphasis on the “story” we carry as an obstacle to being fully present. We don’t wish to shut the door on the past, but to be free as described in the Promises. Forgive and remember can work better than attempting to forget what it was like and what happened. What is it like now? It’s informed by story but not limited or defined by it. That’s progress.

  4. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I’m constantly having to face my ego an see where I’m being overly attached to something that really doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things.

    I pray the more often I look at my motivations and my part the quicker I’ll be able to prevent myself from going down the same road in the future.

  5. easy does it Avatar
    easy does it

    yes the anger flares up, the ego surrounding that was expecting persons to do what i wanted them to when i wanted them to, the stress inflicted by this needs to be released somehow , at one time was checking out.. but now a 10th step is the solution, seeing my part and my ego, things i can “control”

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