Just wanted to share this observation with you: If several buttons get pushed in your psyche, you are more likely to react (ego state, defensive, offensive, in essence fearful) than to be. Having one mayor or several minor buttons activated I find it pretty tricky to return to a centered state of being. The same situation from a centered-, soul-, or perspective of the self (however you may wish to call this more objective state) makes things appear just neutral. You are just observing, things are, you are. Done.

The shift between an ego and spirit state is quite interesting. I was wondering how prevent yourself from letting "the buttons take over". When the feeling comes up and you can consciously observe what is going on, it is relatively easy to get yourself into a safe space by just observing and breathing. But when these buttons get activated in a situation where you have low mental energy, stressed out, sick, other buttons pushed already or in a dream state, I find it very difficult to get out of the activated ego state again. ...even though I am aware that things are not how they should be.

Does anyone have suggestions?

One thing that just came to mind was to have a little mantra in the sleeve: I am.
It brings back my awareness on me. I am not, what is outside, I am not this situation, I just am and don't depend on anything that is just happening.
That might be a little bit helpful, even though it needs constant concentration in the beginning. Better than nothing

Thoughts about the connection between ego and self. Ego is always there. It's potential exists as long as are not fully awake and aware. It is in every thought - there couldn't be a thought without ego even. So that means in turn that we constantly have to act to keep us on the self-side. While we are getting accustomed to it, a new way of thinking evolves and we are getting used to live on the self-side. Nevertheless this is not a guarantee, in any moment that forms an unaccustomed situation we are on the verge between ego and self again. Bugger.

Anyhow, I just need to add that ego is nothing that we need to avoid under any circumstances and that it is a bad state to be in. In my opinion the only real exercise is to be aware when the ego is dominant in a situation. Just to protect ourselves and others from reactions we would later regret.