weekly horoscopes 9th to the 15th of April 2023
February 18, 2023
How do I let go of my spiritual ego?
February 23, 2023Can a spiritual person be a narcissist?
Table of contents
So what is self-awareness, and how to build it? And why is it essential on the spiritual path to avoid spiritual narcissism?
This is part two you can read part one, which talks about the normal ego, the id, the superego and the importance of having an ego here.
And you can read the final part here, which talks about the stages of attachment and how to practice detachment.
As we grow and develop in life, it is essential to have a certain level of self-awareness to be fully aware of our thoughts and reactions at any given moment and live more authentically.
Self-awareness is necessary for personal growth, as it allows us to gain insight into our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Further, this understanding of ourselves helps us to be more conscious of our decisions and actions in our daily lives.
Self-awareness is a concept that is often misunderstood, but it is an invaluable tool that can help us to live a more meaningful life.
It is essential for personal growth and development, as it allows one to make conscious decisions and avoid spiralling cycles of unhealthy behaviour.
Building self-awareness requires self-reflection, understanding one’s motivations, and being open to constructive feedback from others.
It is also an essential component of the spiritual path, as it helps to guard against spiritual narcissism and ensure progress is made on the journey to enlightenment.
Growing in self-awareness involves developing an understanding of your thoughts, feelings and actions and recognising influences from external sources.
Self-awareness can be developed through practices such as mindfulness and self-reflection.
Mindfulness involves paying attention to your present experiences with an open and non-judgmental attitude.
While self-reflection involves actively reflecting on your past or current experiences and examining your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Both of these practices help us develop greater self-awareness and understanding; journaling your thoughts or video or voice recording them daily can help you track your toxic thoughts and behaviours.
Attending therapy and listening to or reading self-help books can also help you know yourself, they are many other tools that you should research and pick the best ones for you.
Developing self-awareness is an essential part of effective spiritual practice and growth.
It provides an essential means of avoiding spiritual narcissism and can stop you from placing too much emphasis on your own spiritual path and ignoring the needs of others on the same journey.
Self-awareness helps to cultivate an understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, motivations and desires, and how they interact with the world around them.
This helps grow a sense of belonging, acceptance, humility, and respect.
By gaining a better understanding of yourself and your spiritual path, you can develop the insight and wisdom to be more conscious and intentional in your decisions while still being open and accepting of the paths and choices of others.
Self-awareness is a critical tool to help you align your life with spiritual and otherwise values.
By deepening your understanding of yourself and your motivations, you can begin to move closer to your highest and most authentic self.
With self-awareness, you can take the steps necessary to avoid spiritual narcissism and create a deeper, more meaningful connection with the spiritual path.
step by step tips on how to practice self-awareness
1) Set aside time each day for self-reflection
2) Keep a journal to document your thoughts and feelings
3) Observe your reactions to different situations and people
4) Seek feedback from trusted others about how they see you
5) Be open to learning more about yourself, even if it is difficult
6) Practice mindful meditation to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment
7) Seek professional help if you feel stuck in unhealthy behaviour patterns.
And don’t forget the benefits of self-awareness are far-reaching, as it can help improve our relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.
How Does the Spiritual Ego Develop into spiritual narcissism?
Well, the short answer is a lack of self-awareness, self-questioning and openness.
This can lead to feelings of a spiritual superiority, the need to be right, and a tendency to judge others and their beliefs.
This can be further intensified by a sense of entitlement and a feeling of being above criticism or judgement from others.
Eventually, this can lead to spiritual narcissism, where the individual has extreme and exaggerated feelings of their own importance or superiority, and they are unable to take into account the feelings or opinions of those around them.
Comedy version
As discussed above, the ego is something we all possess, but it can become something much more powerful when we throw spiritual knowledge into the mix.
It can become a vastly larger version of itself, growing so big, it’s practically its own entity.
Think of it like a ‘Super- super- Super Ego’!
The uncontrolled spiritual ego is like a combined turbocharged version of the ID and superego, always finding ways to justify its actions with spiritual explanations.
No matter what you say, the spiritual ego is sure it’s right and can never be questioned, which can be really annoying.
An uncontrolled spiritual ego takes on a life of its own, and it’s not going to be easy to get it back to its regular size.
In fact, it’s almost like trying to put the toothpaste back into the tube after you’ve squeezed it out.
The uncontrolled spiritual ego, or narcissist spiritual ego as its also called, is constantly coming up with clever excuses and justifications for its actions, and it always manages to find a way to make spiritual sense out of whatever it is doing.
Technical version
The spiritual ego is a self-deception that develops as we gain spiritual insight up and take on more responsibilities.
And if we don’t catch it in time, it can turn into spiritual narcissism based on the false belief that you are separate from the higher power- God -the universe or whatever else you call the source creator.
And you get to the state where you come to believe that you are the higher power, all-knowing and seeing of all things, knowing what’s right for everyone else.
Most cases of spiritual narcissism develop because of Spiritual materialism, which is when individuals use spirituality in a self-serving manner, as opposed to its intended purpose of personal growth and service.
Instead, people use their spirituality to give themselves an advantage, whether it be through the guise of false humility or self-righteousness that declares them to be ‘more enlightened’.
In some cases, individuals may even use spiritual practices and ideas in an attempt to directly benefit their worldly possessions and status rather than to grow spiritually.
An example of spiritual materialism would be using meditation practices to create a peaceful state of mind without doing the inner work of dealing with your shadow thoughts and behaviours to achieve peace of mind.
Lack of authentic self-control
So instead of learning to manage your thoughts and reactions in all of life’s circumstances, you can only manage them when you’re doing meditation or yoga, but as soon as you finish your session and someone pisses you off, you’re back to your “non-spiritual-zen state”.
You know, as soon as someone steps on one of your crystals, you start screaming about how you’re the only one who understands the true power of crystals, even though you’ve never really taken the time to read up on them.
Then you’ll proceed to lecture them about the power of loving all humans and how you’re the only one who truly gets it, on you go like a broken record.
And proclaim that only you truly get it, despite the fact that you’ve never opened a single book on the subject, nor do you try to practice loving anyone but yourself in your day-to-day life.
And of course, you can’t forget about the fact that you’ve been meditating and have the most knowledge about that, so your spiritual enlightenment is unparalleled.
You’ll finish your tirade with a smug smile as if you’ve just imparted the secrets of the universe with the omniscient wisdom of Yoda.
After all, you’re convinced that you’ve unlocked the mysteries of the ages.
And sure, people you vent at may nod in an argument just to make you stop, but secretly wonder if your newfound spiritual enlightenment is just a result of too much time spent in your sweatpants.
Induced spiritual states
Using drugs or alcohol to remain in a numbed-out or euphoric state to avoid dealing with reality and your emotions is another way the uncontrolled spiritual ego develops into spiritual narcissism.
Don’t get me wrong, at times; we need things like Peyote and cannabis to chill ourselves out.
I am not shaming anyone for using them, but if this is the only way you can feel divine, then you may want to question why over time. This is too rich a subject to discuss here, so ill leave this discussion there.
The uncontrolled spiritual ego or spiritual narcissism can also be seen in people who purchase and use crystals, amulets-charms, incense, “spiritual foods”, and other spiritual items to create an image of being spiritual.
While these things may provide temporary relief and external validation, it is essential to remember that inner peace and happiness come from within and cannot be found in external material things or people.
Using spiritual materialism to deal with emotional pain can lead to further suffering in the long run, because It can cause an individual to become entrenched in their egocentric worldview.
And thus can prevent them from journeying beyond themselves and into a more meaningful understanding of their place in the world and robs them of an authentic connection to their higher self and power.
If left unchecked, the spiritual ego will negatively affect all areas of your life, including your relationships, personal development and career.
To overcome its effects, it’s important to remember that we are one with all things – including the higher power/God/the universe.
Keeping in mind that the uncontrolled spiritual ego’s main fear is being integrated into the divine order, while yano just like the traditional form of narcissism, the spiritual narcissist hates to think there is a higher power greater than themselves.
It’s like a bad game of Jenga – if one piece is out of place, the whole thing is off balance, and the spiritual narcissist descends into spiritual madness.
This is usually a result of their inflated sense of self and their need to be the centre of attention.
They often act out in bizarre ways and become obsessed with their spiritual journey – sometimes going to extraordinary lengths to ensure everyone notices their spiritual progress.
They become so bogged down in their own spiritual exploration that they lose sight of the bigger picture and often start to act irrationally.
As their game of Jenga unravels, the spiritual narcissist can become increasingly unhinged, to the point where they may confuse their own spiritual progress.
With the progress of their Jenga tower, many on their spiritual path forget the most important lesson: the more pieces they remove, the more likely the tower is to come crashing down.
If a person neglects their whole self and needs, they will inevitably collapse.
This is why taking care of all areas of your health, not just the spiritual, as you make your journey is essential, or you will become blinkered and out of balance which can turn the spiritual ego into a narcissist
The psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of your being must all be taken care of.
Think of it this way: if the Jenga tower is your life, the pieces are each area of your health.
You have to make sure that each piece is strong and sturdy, so that you can build a tall tower.
If one of the pieces is weak or not working properly, it can easily topple the entire tower.
So make sure you take care of every area of your life, from the physical to the spiritual like you’re playing a life-sized game of Jenga.
It can be hard to discern when the spiritual ego turns into spiritual narcissism because the ego’s job is to keep us focused on our goals.
Yet this must be done in a balanced way; if your spiritual practice or lack of it makes you feel like you are better than anyone else, then you can be sure you are on the pathway to becoming a spiritual narcissist.
If you find yourself on that pathway, you need to start to see the inflated spiritual ego for what it is …a complete jack off—.
And work on overcoming its negative effects; when you do this, you will find your journey to be richer, more fulfilling, and ultimately spiritual.
And again, don’t feel shame as yano; we all fall down the trap of inflated spiritual ego; it can be a very unconscious thing; when we first discover spiritual teachings and tools, such as tarot, we want to tell the world.
And there will be times at the start of your spiritual awakening when you do feel a bit yano better than everyone else, but this is a habit you need to grow out of as you become more self-aware.
How do you tell- discern the spiritual narcissism
It starts with self-reflection and an understanding of your own spiritual values.
You have to be honest with yourself and ask hard questions to get to the heart of the matter by practising self-awareness.
Then, you can start to develop an authentic spiritual practice that aligns with your values and beliefs.
That could be anything from therapy, self-help, meditation to yoga, journaling to reading spiritual books, or even taking a long, hot bath and connecting with the higher power you believe in- whatever works for you.
You must consistently practice and be mindful of the ego, as it will try to convince you that feeling superior to others or sitting on the couch and eating ice cream counts as “spiritual practice” (it doesn’t, by the way).
Make sure to be consistent in your practice, and don’t give up!
Trust that your spiritual practice will eventually pay off, maybe not in the ways you expect – but it will.
As I said, the spiritual ego is a normal part of spiritual awakening and is a much-needed part of your spiritual journey.
Like a surprise party that you don’t know is happening until you walk in and find your whole family, friends, or other closes ones waiting with balloons, streamers, and banners.
It can be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s ultimately a good thing because it helps us recognise and accept our spiritual power, potential, worth and intuition.
It would be best if you always kept in mind that the spiritual ego is a tool for growth and development, not a badge of self-centred pride.
The right attitude can help us navigate our spiritual journey with greater awareness and understanding.
However, if we ignore the wake-up calls we get to prevent the spiritual ego from becoming an egoistic pride driven A%$£ wipe, it will hinder our progress.
You must remember to keep it in its place and use it as a tool to help us on our journey, not as a source of prideful boasting.
With the right attitude and awareness, we can use the spiritual ego as a powerful tool for growth and development.
More about the Development of Spiritual Narcissism
Spiritual narcissism is a malignant presence that threatens to undermine the sacred purpose of spiritual practice and insight.
Spiritual narcissism happens when you may ignore inner or outer warnings that your spiritual ego is growing too large for its boots.
When someone develops an excessive belief in their own spiritual power or worth, they no longer turn to the divine source for guidance, coming to think they are the source.
This can negatively affect the person’s mental, spiritual and emotional health.
Spiritual narcissism is rooted in a distorted sense of self-importance, where the individual seeks to use the practice and experience of spirituality to exaggerate or increase their sense of personal importance rather than diminish it.
Although most people will deny that there selfish in any way, if they could look into their preconscious mind, they would see, like every other human, there are a lot of selfish ideas and triggers.
Now, this is nothing to be ashamed of, although it is scary.
I didn’t use to like this fact, but now I know for a fact I am no better than anyone else, and this goes for all human beings regardless of wealth, status or anything else.
I am aware of my true nature, all aspects of it, and I use my conscious mind as should you to make the right choices, and I urge you to do the same, but hey, it is your life; I am not the karma police.
The central premise of spirituality is to do no harm to yourself and others, and yes, we all make mistakes and fail to live up to this 100% of the time, but if you aim for at least being in this zone 51% of the time you on your way to becoming a balanced human being.
Spiritual narcissism typically manifests in an excessive focus on outward displays of religiosity-mysticism or spiritualism, a preoccupation with being regarded as an enlightened individual, and a tendency to dominate spiritual conversations and all other discussions.
If we don’t control our spiritual ego, then it becomes narcissistic, and that is a whole other cattle of fish.
Unfortunately, as I just said, spiritual narcissism can be tricky to identify, as it can masquerade as a genuine spiritual practice while, in reality, being driven by a devious sense of self-aggrandisement.
Never forget the narcissistic spiritual ego can always justify itself.
Now I will talk about behaviours that can help you identify spiritual narcissism in yourself and others.
They may be extremely focused on the physical appearance of their spiritual practice; for instance, they might only use the ‘right’ type of yoga mat, clothing, or incense.
They may also be overly attached to their spiritual title and brag about it; a spiritual narcissist may be emotionally distant, unsupportive, and often fail to see the feelings of others.
They may also be manipulative, using their spiritual beliefs as a way to control and dominate those around them
Coming to believe their spiritual path is the only right one, that they only have the correct knowledge and path, and that you must follow their ways or else.
Often trying to force their beliefs on others or make them feel guilty for not following their path.
Many stuck in the spiritual narcissism stage, or spiritual development, develop cultish behaviours or groups, such as claiming they are the only ones who know the ‘truth’ and that everyone else is wrong.
So how do you know if you or someone else is in the spiritual narcissism stage?
If you are around someone who is fixated on being right and constantly trying to prove others wrong, they may be in the spiritual narcissism stage.
If they are unable to have a discussion or debate without getting defensive or angry, this is another sign that they might be spiritually narcissistic.
They are always bending the rules; for instance, they may say they drink alcohol and take drugs only to induce a spiritual state, yet when they do so act in ways that go against what someone who says they are spiritual should do, such as cheat, lie and become excessively violent.
To overcome spiritual narcissism, developing a healthy sense of self-identity is crucial.
Like non-spiritual narcissism, it can be challenging for someone who is a spiritual narcissist to recover from this behaviour, and on the esoteric level, it can take several lifetimes to cure.
This is why it is crucial as you walk your spiritual path to be aware of the outfalls of the spiritual ego from early on and take preventive measures to stop yourself from becoming a spiritual narcissist.
Still, Spiritual Narcissism can be battled through self-reflection, receptiveness to external perspectives, and a willingness to take responsibility for your behaviour.
With a measure of sincere introspection and honest self-assessment, those who have developed spiritual narcissism can work to identify it.
Thinking about the motivations and behaviours and where they have become too focused on themselves, and can take the necessary steps to correct the course of their spiritual journey.
With a healthy balance of humility and self-awareness, the rewards of a genuine attempt to cure your spiritual narcissism can be rewarding and lead to a balanced lifestyle.
It's crucial to learn how to set healthy boundaries and cultivate empathy for others as well as yourself.
This can be hard to do when you’re at this stage as you often believe that you are all loving, caring and compassionate and have no need for boundaries or to follow the rules.
Still, if you are willing to do the hard work to develop and maintain a healthy spiritual ego and live a fulfilling spiritual life, getting back on your path of self-correction each time you fall.
And you will fall many times; then there is a big chance you can gradually reduce your spiritual narcissism.
If you are dealing with a spiritual narcissist and wish to help them on their journey, this is good but know you cannot change them no matter what you do; only they can transform themselves.
It is ultimately a process they must undertake and complete on their own.
There can be no shortcuts or easy roads taken, for spiritual transformation is a journey of discovery that leads to a vast and unexplored land.
It is a dangerous and untamed world filled with challenges, tests and hardships.
But the courage and strength needed to face the darkness and recognise the light that is within the darkness is within you if you search for it.
As such, the rewards of conquering spiritual narcissism will be well worth the effort.
Individuals will feel more connected with the divine and their inner spiritual being than ever before.
Examples of the Spiritual Ego / spiritual narcissism
Knowing how spiritual narcissism can manifest within yourself, others, and the wider spiritual communities is fundamental.
Here are a few typical examples of spiritual ego playing out in my depth; many do border on spiritual narcissism
1. Seeking validation from others
Seeking validation from others is an example of the spiritual ego at work.
This is when an individual relies on external validation from others to feel good about themselves and their sense of self-worth.
It’s based on a false idea that others have the power to define who we are and what we should do in life.
This often leads to feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence.
Ultimately, it means we rely on external sources to feel good about ourselves rather than trusting our inner wisdom.
2. Feeling superior to others
Feeling superior to others is a spiritual ego trait, defined as an exaggerated sense of self-importance rooted in an individual’s spiritual beliefs and practices.
This can manifest in a number of ways, such as believing that one’s own way of practising spirituality is the only right way and that others who do not subscribe to it are wrong.
People with the spiritual ego may also judge or criticise others for their spiritual practices or feel that they are inherently better than or have more knowledge than those who practice differently.
On the spiritual path, you will hear people call those who are not spiritually awake- or awakening, as I like to put it……is that spiritual ego showing itself there lol!!????
Anyway, we all heard those deemed as not spiritual be called low vibrational beings, stuck in 3d, sheeple, the walking or spiritually dead.
Although some of this does have a point, when we are spiritually awakening, we must show compassion for others’ journeys because we all must experience all levels of earthly incarnation to evolve.
So we have or will have lifetimes where we are viewed as the walking dead or low vibe.
The main thing about spirituality is seeing we are all equal, and it can be hard to be around those who are not on the spiritual path, and there is no need to be best friends forever – BFFS with everyone, but show them some respect.
Regardless of the current earthly lessons we are going through, we are all equal, and yes, I know it’s a hard pill to swallow.
Mine is still digesting at the back of my throat….anyway just do your best to see even those who commit the most despicable of human acts, as humans too.
3. Believing that spiritual knowledge is the key to success
Believing that spiritual knowledge is the key to success is a classic example of the spiritual ego.
This is when someone believes that their spiritual knowledge or gifts make them superior to others and that this will lead to material and all other forms of success.
This can manifest in a variety of ways, from taking a superior attitude towards others to expecting special treatment based on their spiritual status.
This kind of spiritual ego is dangerous, as it can lead to feelings of entitlement and prevent a person from learning and growing in their spiritual journey.
Many people believe in a prosperity version of spirituality using tools such as the law of attraction to manifest material wealth; although I am not saying it’s completely wrong, this is not my place.
If you only use spiritual tools for material gain, you should take a deep look within yourself.
It is essential to remember that spiritual wealth is more important than material wealth.
The goal should be to create an internal balance of harmony so that your life is full of true and lasting prosperity.
If you can learn to appreciate what you have and be grateful for even the smallest of blessings, you can create a life of abundance in all aspects.
4. Refusing to accept life’s challenges
Refusing to accept life’s challenges is a sign of the spiritual ego. This is when a person views themselves as above the challenges of life, unable or unwilling to confront them.
They try to ignore challenges or find ways to avoid them rather than looking within and facing life’s hard truths.
This is a sign of an ego refusing to accept its own mortality and its powerlessness.
The spiritual ego also views challenges as obstacles to overcome or avoid, rather than opportunities to learn and grow.
This attitude can lead to a lack of personal growth, and an inability to learn from mistakes.
5. Spiritual Self-righteousness leading to spiritual narcissism
The deep and oftentimes dark underbelly of spiritual self-righteousness can lead to a dangerous form of spiritual narcissism.
A practice of believing oneself to be spiritually superior to all others, even to the point of disregarding the spiritual practices of others, this form of spiritual arrogance is often born from a sense of entitlement and a false sense of moral superiority.
It can be manifested in a variety of ways, from looking down on others who are not as spiritually advanced or enlightened as oneself to a complete disregard for the spiritual practices of those who don’t follow a particular spiritual path.
In the worst cases, spiritual narcissism can lead to a form of spiritual elitism, where only a select few are seen as worthy of the divine grace and knowledge of the higher realms
Those who practice this narcissism believe that they are better than those who have yet to attain the spiritual insights they have, thus creating a spiritual caste system.
In this stage, you may also think they have all the answers and can’t be wrong, or they are the only ones with spiritual guides, guardian angels/masters, who can talk to the divine, have a walk-in soul or are some other form of special spiritual being, different to others.
This type of spiritual elitism is not only detrimental to the individual who practices it, but it is also damaging to the collective spiritual evolution, as it denies the potential of the many in favour of the few.
Ultimately, this form of spiritual elitism is a form of self-serving narcissism that seeks only to isolate the individual from the larger spiritual community while simultaneously blocking their connection to a higher power.
The resulting disconnection is damaging not only to the individual, but also to the collective spiritual evolution of humanity, as it denies the potential of those who have been excluded.
Such selfishness is ultimately a hollow attempt at power and only serves to deplete the energy of those who engage in it.
This side of the spiritual ego shows a lack of humility and respect for others’ beliefs.
It is important to remember that we all have different paths and that no one is perfect.
Respect and humility are essential for spiritual growth.
6. Self-judgement, the judgment of others and thinking others don’t get you
This can work two ways, thinking you’re the only human being who can judge yourself, which has some truth, but if you don’t practice self-reflection-awareness, then the things others say about your spiritual ego may be true.
This is why introspection is important, as is the ability to call yourself out on your own bull crap.
The other side to self-judgment is the tendency to constantly compare ourselves to others and judge our own or others’ worthiness or lack thereof.
Like constantly taking spiritual images and posting them online, thinking eating a plant, vegan or other special diet makes you more spiritual than others.
And you may judge someone who takes a picture of themselves eating a meat burger, for example, and think they cannot be as spiritual as you because of this.
Self-judgement can manifest in many different forms, such as self-criticism, perfectionism, and even a need for external validation to prove your opinions or spiritual intuitions.
Then using this external judgement of yourself to judge yourself and others.
Rather than a strong connection with the higher power you believe in and your highest self, this type of ego often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.
The key to overcoming all forms of self-judgement is cultivating a greater sense of compassion and self-love and practising mindfulness and self-acceptance.
By recognising our own worth and value, we can learn to be kinder to ourselves, let go of the need to be perfect, and project an image of being spiritually superior.
7. Focusing on the material world
This aspect of Spiritual narcissism is focused on using spiritual tools and knowledge to get financial or other material gains.
Seeking money, power, fame, and status to fulfil their purpose and sense of self-worth.
They are driven by the desire to accumulate things that they can show off to others.
They may be drawn to superficial relationships and be superficial themselves, often trying to impress others with material possessions and often shallow spiritual knowledge or practice.
Usually, these types brag about how much time they can spend meditating, stay in specific yoga poses, or how quickly they can do tarot readings etc; whatever their spiritual tool(s) of choice are, they brag about their spiritual accomplishments.
And are highly competitive and focused on winning or the idea of winning. They often have a strong need for control and may be manipulative or abusive in relationships.
8. Feeling disconnected from the divine
Feeling disconnected from the divine is one of the most common experiences of those battling or lost in spiritual narcissism.
People who find themselves in this state often feel a sense of separation from a higher power, either due to mental blocks or a lack of faith in said power.
This can lead to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and a general sense of being unfulfilled.
It can also sabotage one’s spiritual practices and experiences, as the spiritual ego doesn’t want to be confronted with what it has become.
If a person finds themselves in a state of spiritual narcissism, a state of feeling disconnected from their divine power, they should do all they can in a healthy way to become more understanding.
And heal and manage the emotional, psychological and spiritual traumas that prevent them from feeling a sense of wholeness and a connection to their higher power.
Through the awareness of one’s inner struggles and by understanding the deeper wounds inflicted upon the soul, one can work to unlock the pathway to spiritual healing and growth.
By engaging with the process of self-reflection and self-inquiry, you can gain insight into the blocks and traumas that prevent them from feeling connected to the divine and empowered to live out their full potential.
Through a compassionate attitude towards yourself and a gentle exploration of the wounds of the past, you can begin a journey of healing and reconnection to your higher self.
Guided by the need to form a deep understanding of your own inner struggles, you can find a path of true liberation and freedom, allowing you to live in harmony with the divine and with your highest potential.
9. using spiritual terminology or concepts to justify yourself
Such as yano, the universe gives, it never takes away, or thoughts attract things, which I was guilty of in my earlier spiritual development.
This is why I say if you can do anything on the spiritual path, build self-awareness and never be afraid to call yourself out on all your shit.
Another way people use spiritual ego is by refusing to deal with their emotions or those who are emotional by saying they are negative, which falls into spiritual bypassing.
Also, many people use their previous incarnations, stating they are the reincarnation of some historic spiritual being like the Buddha when if you are, it doesn’t matter this lifetime as we are all equal.
Or saying that because of someone’s current level of awareness, they cannot understand you; this is a double-edged sword as it has some truth, yet we are all equally and again someone who was a historical, spiritual being.
Who achieved enlightenment in their past life, can be here to live a life of a prostitute, murderer or someone else we look down upon in society.
Not to play down crime but to state again, if someone lis ike I am so spiritually aware you can never understand me or you need to get on my level, then this is likely to be spiritual narcissism.
10. spiritual bypassing
Spiritual bypassing is a term that has been around for some time and is becoming increasingly popular and relevant.
It describes a tendency to use spiritual explanations to avoid dealing with complex psychological issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma and other challenging emotions.
In other words, rather than facing difficult emotions and attempting to make changes in our life to improve our mental and spirtual health.
Some people may choose to simply adopt spirtual beliefs or practices that allow them to bypass those issues.
It can be a form of escapism, as it can prevent people from confronting the deeper issues that are causing their mental distress.
Spiritual bypassing leads to spiritual narcissism because people do it to avoid uncomfortable emotions and spiritual and psychological work.
When this happens, it can lead to a sense of entitlement, an inflated sense of self, and an inability to accept criticism or feedback from others.
Because they have trained themselves to rely heavily on their own spiritual beliefs and practices without taking into account their own feelings and the views and feelings of others.
This leads to a lack of empathy and a tendency to use spiritual concepts and practices to manipulate others and avoid personal accountability.
In short, spiritual bypassing is a way for people to neglect their inner work and ignore their unresolved traumas by using spiritual practices to avoid dealing with difficult emotions and personal issues.
Consequently, spiritual narcissism is a particularly dangerous trait and one which should not be taken lightly.
11. thinking your intuition or other psychic gifts make you special , using spiritual tools such as crystals. Incense, clothing or tarot cards to give off a spiritual vibe, without actually practising spirituality
So yes, wearing and using all the spiritual tools without doing the research, thinking your psychic gifts make you superior to others.
Imitating basically what you think a spiritual person is, without doing the inner work to become one — all of these are common pitfalls that many people fall into when they’re first starting out on their spiritual journey.
And while, of course, it can be fun to try on the trappings of a spiritual lifestyle, it’s important to remember that this is only the beginning.
It’s easy to get caught up in what society thinks a spiritual person should be, but the truth is that spiritual growth and development comes from doing the inner work.
What is inner work?
Inner work is a process of self-reflection and personal exploration that allows a person to delve into their feelings, beliefs, and values to better understand themselves and build greater self-awareness.
It is about unlocking the inner wisdom within us and uncovering the truth that can help us live an authentic and meaningful life.
Inner work encourages us to look beyond surface-level understanding and explore our inner selves more deeply.
It allows us to explore our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and gain insight into how these may be impacting our lives.
Inner work can help us create a more compassionate connection to ourselves and our inner world, leading to more meaningful and purposeful lives.
This inner work is far from easy and can take many forms.
It could involve long periods of meditation, self-reflection, journaling, and even reading.
It could also involve spiritual practices such as yoga, chanting, or even connecting with nature.
No matter the activity, the important thing is to take the time to go within and do the work necessary to become a more connected, spiritual person.
It takes effort and dedication, but the rewards of spiritual growth and more balanced emotional and psychological health are worth all the hard work.
Faq
The answer to the question, “Can a spiritual person be a narcissist?” is yes.
A spiritual person, like anyone else, can display narcissistic behaviours.
When it comes to narcissism, it’s not about what a person believes but rather how they behave.
Narcissists display an excessive need for admiration, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a lack of empathy for others. These behaviours can be found in people regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs.
It is possible for a person to have a spiritual or religious belief while also engaging in narcissistic behaviours and attitudes.
In fact, religion and spirituality are often used by some narcissists as a way of furthering their own goals and manipulating others.
