In its broadest sense, the term “ego” refers to our conscious experience of ourselves – the sense of “I” or personal identity. The concept originates from psychology and philosophy, where it has been interpreted in various ways over time. Most commonly, it is known in wider culture through the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud, who divided the structure of the psyche into three fundamental parts: id (unconscious instincts), ego (the self), and superego (the internalized societal norms).

Freud’s Perspective:

• The id represents unconscious drives and desires (e.g. the instinct for food, sex, aggression, etc.).
• The ego is the part that tries to balance the demands of the id with external reality and the requirements of the superego. The ego attempts to fulfill impulses while considering societal, moral, and practical boundaries.
• The superego is, in simplified terms, our conscience or internal moral compass, shaped by societal and parental values.

In everyday language, “ego” is often used to describe a sense of self-importance, self-confidence, or even arrogance. In this sense, someone with a “big ego” is perceived as considering themselves more important than they truly are, prioritizing their own interests above those of others.

Philosophical Dimension:

Many philosophers and spiritual teachers also describe the ego as an illusory center of consciousness composed of memories, habits, beliefs, and the feeling of separateness from the world. In some spiritual traditions (e.g., Buddhism), the sense of “I am separate from everything” is viewed as an illusion that causes suffering, and they emphasize the realization of unity or non-duality.

In short, ego is a complex, multilayered idea that spans from psychological explanations of personality structure to philosophical and spiritual perspectives on self-awareness.

The Ego in the AEQ Method

In the AEQ Method, the ego plays an important role in understanding and regulating the relationship between consciousness, the body, and the environment. Within AEQ, ego is not merely a psychological or philosophical concept, but is closely tied to our somatic patterns, responses, and adaptability to change. Ego can be understood as the dynamic component of consciousness that manages our defense mechanisms, perception, and the way we consciously perceive and direct our body in space.

The method emphasizes that an imbalanced ego – either too rigid or too passive – leads to an inability to effectively connect consciousness with the body. An overdeveloped ego can suppress flexibility and hinder the ability to feel change, while an underdeveloped ego reflects the inability to take responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.

The key task in the AEQ Method is to become aware of the functioning of the ego through learning, which helps to identify limitations and automated movement patterns, and gradually transform them into more conscious and effective ego patterns. In this way, the ego becomes more balanced and supports our emotional, physical, and mental growth.