alter ego
1. a second self; a perfect substitute or deputy
2. an inseparable friend
3. another aspect of one’s self
alterECO
1. the one true self; perfect self
2. an inseparable friend
3. self as a unique aspect of Oneness
In Latin, alter ego literally means “second I”. A familiar term, “alter ego” is often associated with the idea of a split self, one side of the split being essentially “good” and the other side basically “bad”. The classic example was introduced by Robert Louis Stevenson in his book The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in which the kindhearted man of integrity Dr. Jekyll takes a potion, revealing his dark side – the wicked and detestable Mr. Hyde.
AlterECO is a term of my own creation, designed to guide my own (and, hopefully, others’) “salvation”. While clearly a play on the term alter ego, a core difference is that while alter ego emphasizes a split or separation (for better or for worse), alterECO – one word – emphasizes connection, oneness (only for the better, never for the worse). Like alter ego, alterECO can certainly be viewed as “an inseparable friend”, but while the former is referring to a friend who is actually separate but seems inseparable, the latter refers to a friend who is truly, literally inseparable, in that this “friend” is one’s true, perfect self.
The alterECO is the very best friend of each of us – and unique to each of us, though how many of us really know, or have even had a proper introduction to, this inseparable friend within us? How many of us have a conscious relationship with our one true self?
So, why ECO in place of ego? While an explanation of this term could lead me deep down the rabbit hole, I hope the following will resonate. ECO is an acronym for Ecology of Conscious Oneness. In short, what I mean by this is that one’s true self is the point of awakening where we – as human “organisms” – interrelate with fellow humans, other beings, and the environment (Ecology) in a way that demonstrates our Conscious awareness of Oneness and the fact that we are each unique aspects of the Oneness that is ALL. Got it? If not, stay tuned, as I will be approaching this concept of the alterECO from different perspectives in upcoming blog posts in hopes of painting a picture that resonates in a powerful, meaningful way with my readers.
Until then, perhaps the following perspective will be useful. Another (totally congruent) way to think of the acronym ECO is “Ecology, Compassion, Oneness”. Thus each person’s alterECO is the one true self, as epitomized by: one’s responsible place in the Ecology of the Universe; one’s Compassion for all life; and one’s awakening to Oneness. Or to borrow the language of Pachamama Alliance (an organization I love!), this would be one who embodies “environmental sustainability” (Ecology), “social justice” (Compassion), and “spiritual fulfillment” (Oneness). I believe every human on Earth (and any that may be drifting in space) has these intrinsic qualities as the very essence of their being. These three qualities explain why we belong.
So, since alter means “second”, how does that fit with the Oneness theme? Outstanding question! Here is where our human perception comes into play. As humans, we have this way of seeing, or sensing, ourselves as “separate from” others (humans, animals, things, ideas, etc.). We feel separate from, so we think in ways that reinforce this false notion of separateness.
In the one word alterECO, I am essentially implying “the One, perceived as separate”. We perceive our true self as separate, but we come to know it is one with us and we are one with it. Kinda like Chirrut Imwe’s mantra in Star Wars Rogue One, “I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.” But perhaps not including all of the awesome Jedi moves.
Have you met your alterECO? Stay tuned for more about this guiding light in your life.
May your alterECO guide you to truly fulfilling day!