The idea of shifting from “I” to “we” as a way to break the grip of ego is intriguing—like trying to rewrite the narrative of selfhood by slipping into a collective voice. On the surface, it seems simple, even poetic: if ego clings to the solitary “I,” then perhaps embracing the inclusive “we” could dissolve the boundaries that keep us trapped in self-referential loops. But this shift is more than just a linguistic experiment; it’s a deep psychological and spiritual practice.

To start, let’s unpack what we mean by “ego.” In a Jungian sense, the ego is the centre of our conscious identity—the “I” that perceives, decides, and navigates the world. It’s not inherently bad; it’s what allows us to function as individuals. But the ego also likes to believe it’s the whole story, the king of the inner kingdom. This over-identification with “I” can lead to isolation, defensiveness, and a lack of connection with others or the larger flow of existence.

Now, adopting “we” introduces the possibility of decentralising that egoic narrative. Suddenly, you’re not just an isolated “I” fighting your battles but part of a network—a collective of selves, perspectives, or energies.

This shift could play out in several ways:

1. A Plurality Within the Self

What if “we” isn’t just about other people but about recognising the multiplicity within you? As Carl Jung suggested, the psyche isn’t a monolith; it’s a community of inner figures, archetypes, and complexes. The “I” tends to privilege one voice—the ego—but the “we” invites these other voices to the table. The warrior, the nurturer, the shadow, the inner child—all have wisdom to offer.

When you adopt “we,” you might find yourself saying: We feel anger rising instead of I am angry. This subtle change creates space. It acknowledges that anger is one part of the collective psyche, not the entirety of your being. The grip of ego loosens because “we” doesn’t need to own or defend every fleeting emotion.

2. Expanding Into Interconnection

On a broader level, “we” dissolves the boundary between self and other. You start to see yourself as part of a relational web. Imagine saying, We are walking through the forest—not just you, but the trees, the soil, the air, the birds. It’s an invitation to experience the world as participatory, not dualistic. In this sense, “we” is an act of communion, a recognition that the line between “self” and “other” is permeable, even illusory.

Many spiritual traditions echo this. In Buddhism, the concept of anatta (no-self) challenges the notion of a fixed, separate “I.” Shifting to “we” can feel like a step towards that realization—not erasing individuality, but contextualising it within the whole.

3. Avoiding the Trap of a New Ego

Here’s the catch: the ego is tricky. It might co-opt “we” and turn it into a more subtle form of self-inflation. Think of people who use “we” to impose their views on others: We all agree this is the right way. Or those who blur boundaries in unhealthy ways, losing their sense of individuality in the process. To truly break the grip of ego, “we” must be authentic, not a mask for a larger, more collective ego.

4. The Practice of Living ‘We’

Adopting “we” isn’t just about changing pronouns; it’s about embodying a new perspective. Some ways to experiment might include:

• Mindful Language: Try using “we” when journaling or speaking, especially in situations that feel charged. Notice how it shifts your experience.
• Community Reflection: Engage in practices like group meditation or storytelling circles. Let the “we” emerge organically as you experience shared consciousness.
• Relational Awareness: In conversations, practice seeing “we” as the dynamic relationship between you and the other person—not just two separate egos but a shared space of connection.
• Nature Connection: Spend time in nature and practice seeing yourself as part of the ecosystem. Instead of walking in the forest, imagine you are the forest, co-creating its story.

5. A Mythological Frame

If we think mythologically, this shift could be seen as a movement from the archetype of the Hero (the solitary “I” on a quest) to the archetype of the Lover or the Community. The Hero often needs to transcend their ego to embrace something larger—love, connection, service. By embracing “we,” you might find yourself stepping into a new role, one that prioritises relationship over individuation.

Final Thoughts: Beyond Pronouns

Ultimately, breaking the grip of ego isn’t just about words; it’s about awareness. Whether you use “I,” “we,” or no pronoun at all, the key is noticing where your attention rests. Are you clinging to a rigid sense of self, or are you flowing with the interconnected dance of existence?

“We” is a powerful doorway, but it’s only one among many. Step through it with curiosity and see where it leads. Perhaps, as you walk this path, you’ll find that “we” isn’t just a word but a way of being—a reminder that the self is always more expansive, more interconnected, and more mysterious than the ego would have you believe.