Spirituality Blog

Shadows of the Ego

Articles about the shadows of the ego, the roots of the seven deadly sins and the patterns we need to recognize within ourselves.

Adult standing before an abundant table while a dark void remains open in their chest

Gluttony: excess as an attempt to fill a void

Understand what gluttony is, how excess may try to fill emotional needs and why temperance restores freedom to one's relationship with food.

Read article Adult tending golden plants while dark roots transform into an illuminated tree

The seven virtues that help transform deadly sins

Understand how humility, generosity, chastity, charity, temperance, patience, and diligence help transform the seven deadly sins.

Read article Adult observing another person's happiness while their own shadow grows through comparison

Envy: suffering in the face of another's happiness

Understand what envy is, how comparison turns another person's good into suffering and how this feeling can be recognized and transformed.

Read article Adult regaining calm while a dark storm represents the anger that had dominated their thoughts

Anger: when anger dominates thoughts and attitudes

Understand when anger turns into wrath, how it dominates thoughts and attitudes, and how to recover a conscious response.

Read article Adult guarding a safe surrounded by a wall of coins that separates them from life

Avarice: attachment to money and material security

Understand what avarice is, how fear of scarcity feeds attachment to possessions, and the difference between financial prudence and disordered accumulation.

Read article Adult surrounded by ribbons representing desire competing for control of their choices

Lust: when desire starts to control consciousness

Understand what lust is, when desire begins to control choices, and how to live sexuality with respect, responsibility, and freedom.

Read article Adult standing before a path while distractions circle around and small golden steps indicate consistency

Laziness and acedia: the refusal of effort and inner growth

Understand the differences between laziness and acedia, how avoiding effort prevents inner growth and why diligence does not mean living without rest.

Read article Adult standing on a pedestal while their shadow grows above the other people

Pride: when the ego puts itself above all

Understand what pride is, how it manifests in the ego, relationships, and spirituality, and why humility helps transform it.

Read article Person before an ancient manuscript surrounded by seven shadows representing the origin of the capital sins

What is the origin of the seven deadly sins?

Understand how the eight thoughts studied by Evagrius Ponticus gave rise to the current list of the seven capital sins.

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