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how are you?

it’s not what you think. it’s not the perfect question to check in with others. it’s the perfect question to check in with yourself. “how are you?” coming from the wrong person can ruin a whole morning. “how are you?” from the right person can make your entire day. it doesn’t even matter if they meant it or what you said in reply.

we know that day-to-day exercise is a great way to check in with the body and assess energy levels. the different “how are you’s?” are a great way to check in with the ego. right person, wrong person, the missing “how are you?” when you realize they didn’t even ask — the feelings that arise don’t have anything to do with these people. it’s your ego.

ego is the difference between a pleasant surprise and a dreaded inquiry or disappointing omission. inactive ego allows us to be open, accepting, receptive and non-judgmental. active ego creates expectations and judgment, alerting us to danger, bad vibes and what we don’t like.

when the world comes in, it hits your heart, your ego, your mind and body. check in with yourself and make sure you understand all the different voices.