We can only be sure the ego is affirmed when we're thinking, talking, reading, seeing a movie or using the mind in the interests of the ego. The great renunciation that arises in meditation is to drop all thoughts. When there's nobody thinking there's no ego confirmation.
A strong mind does not suffer from boredom, frustration, depression or unhappiness--it has learned to drop what it doesn't want. Meditation practice has given it the necessary muscles.
Thinking is suffering, no matter what it is that we think. There's movement in it and because of that there is friction. Everything that moves creates friction.
Above passages from the the late Baghwan Rajneesh.
I have read and re-read these passages hundreds of times over, and each and every time, my huge ego spits in my face!