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from "How To Meditate" by Kathleen McDonald:

The reality of our existence is that we are a combination of body and mind. Each of these is in turn a combination of many parts, all constantly in a state of flux. Unfortunately, our ego is not satisfied with such a simple explanation. It complicates matters by fabricating a view of an I or self based on our conceptions, likes and dislikes. We think, "I'm attractive," "I'm ugly," "I'm a good dancer," "I won't succeed," "I have a bad temper." We believe these projections and assume that they are permanent and unchanging.

We do the same with people and objects in the world around us. We believe "he is ugly," "she is good". We build up our own elaborate and very solid picture of reality and hold onto it unquestioningly.