“Seth material” search engine (Jane Roberts)

There are levels of which we have not yet spoken. The repository of potentiality however is contained within those layers that are not conscious. As a rule the ego chooses those elements from this repository which it feels will be most beneficial in dealing with physical reality.

In many instances however, because of environment and other influences, the ego accepts few of the abilities available, and therefore hampers the full development of personality. Of necessity the ego discards more than it accepts, and this is why Ruburt runs into difficulties when he becomes too egotistically concerned.

In actuality the ego itself definitely benefits by allowing greater flexibility. It does become more active, and to some degree more permissive under such conditions, but the flexibility involved adds to its strength in beneficial ways.

Ego concern is a very jealous concern, and it is directly connected to the personality’s concept of survival necessities within the physical universe. The ego that is overly fearful for survival will allow little potential to show itself unless that potential is directly connected with physical survival. Actually what happens here is that the ego sells the personality short, out of fear, and denies those very abilities that are needed, and in practical terms.

The ego that ignores too many of the possibilities of the inner self is soon in dire difficulty, and is forced to realize that it has been considering survival in a very limited light.

For the personality in such circumstances will shrivel up, and ultimately the physical self will die ahead of its time, and despite all emergency efforts made by the ego, unless it makes the necessary effort. Survival within the physical universe, as within all others, is determined by the full development of potential.

You may find it helpful, and certainly fascinating, to study your own dreams, looking at them for the purpose of searching in their framework for abilities of which the ego is not aware.

Your own talents have worked for the survival of your personality, Joseph. They have given you a strength that you would not possess if your ego had not allowed them to emerge. You may not think of your artistic abilities as serving any practical purpose, insofar as survival is concerned, and yet they have been your main security, and in very practical ways.