How to recognise the spiritual ego
The spiritual ego is a fiddly- often awkward point of discussion, yet it is necessary to talk and be aware of it as you walk your spiritual path and mix with those who deem themselves to be spiritual.
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February 14, 2023What is the meaning of spiritual ego
What is the meaning of spiritual ego? The top 22 ways the spiritual ego plays out: In-depth explanation and guide
What’s the 🤔 Spiritual Ego? 🤔 It’s like the ego, but on 💊 steroids! We often don’t ⚠️ realise we’ve developed one until life 🤕 throws us a curveball and 💥 knocks us off our feet. 🤯
The spiritual ego is a fundamental-salient concept to examine to gain a deeper understanding of Spirituality and its effects on our lives as we walk the path and go toe to toe with the narcissistic-selffish side of our ego.
“The Ego is a veil between humans and God’. In prayer all are equal.”~ Rumi
“As William Penn put it: “Those people who are not governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.” Remember… that those tyrants are often self-imposed roadblocks of your lower self at work. ~ Wayne Dyer
Egotist: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.~ Ambrose Bierce
After all, we must keep the humour as we navigate the fields of spiritual ego.
Fun and joke aside. This blog post will take a deep dive into the top 20 ways the spiritual ego shows itself.
We will also explore how developing an awareness of the spiritual ego can help us better understand our true nature and spiritual potential and maximise our growth and development.
By the end of this article, you will have a clearer appreciation of the spiritual ego and how to understand, heal and manage it.
Table of contents
How to recognise the spiritual ego
What is the meaning of spiritual ego?
So where does this spiritual ego come from?
More than just the things we wear, eat and say
Challenges of the spiritual ego
Dangers of spiritual ego and why is so prevalent on the spiritual path
The spiritual ego can be a dangerous force in the lives of those who give in to it.
The 22 ways the spiritual ego plays out on the spiritual bath from beginners to advance stages
1.Living in your head and being overly intellectual
3.Another sign of spiritual ego is Judging someone’s worth based on how spiritual you think they are
4.Disconnection from yourself and others
5.Becoming overly judgemental and close-minded
6.Another sign of spiritual ego is losing your childhood sense of wonder and curiosity
7.Not actually practising the things you say you believe in
8.Another way spiritual ego plays out is having to argue one’s point all the time.
9.Another way spiritual ego plays out is having to argue one’s point all the time.
10.Being overly picking about the spiritual circles you are seen in
11.Overly promoting yourself and your way of spiritual life
- Another way the spiritual ego plays out is by preaching and claiming to know that your connection with the higher power is somehow more profound than others
- Telling others you are more divine than them or you are a reincarnation of a great spiritual teacher
- Practicing Spirituality at the surface level, usually by wearing clothes you see as spiritual or owing all the spiritual items such as tarot cards, crystals, incense and singing bowls with actually using them
- Using spiritual lingo to appear wise
16 . Name-dropping the spiritual books and teachers you have or currently read or listen to
19.spiritual bypassing, also known as Toxic positivity
21.Bonus number Wearing a mask of friendliness, optimism or knowledge
What is the meaning of spiritual ego?
Allowing the ego to take control of our spiritual journey can lead to us developing a spiritual ego.
Using spiritual tools and practices to be viewed as special by others or thinking you are superior because of your spiritual awakening instead of aiming to go beyond the ego.
You use possessions, what you eat, the things you do, the people you hang out with or what you know and how you dress to make yourself seem better than others.
Or you use spiritual practices, such as kundalini or tantra knowledge, soley to meet the needs of your more hedonistic -sexual side.
It can be challenging to recognise your own and other people’s spiritual ego, as it often hides behind seemingly ‘spiritual’ words and practices.
If you think someone is acting a bit too holy for their good, then there’s a good chance their spiritual ego is running the show.
Some tips that can help you spot the red flags of spiritual individuals, teachers and communities who are oozing in spiritual ego.
1) Constantly talk about their spiritual growth and how ‘enlightened’ they are, even if it’s obvious they’re not.
2) Imposing their beliefs on others and judging those who don’t agree with them. If you don’t agree with them, you’re wrong, period.
3) Attempting to control conversations and interactions to make them appear more enlightened than everyone else. It’s almost like a game of spiritual one-upmanship!
4) Referencing obscure spiritual figures and thinkers in everyday conversations and treating everyone else like they’re completely clueless.
5) Not actually practising what they preach. They may sound like a spiritual guru, but if their actions don’t match their words, then chances are they’re all talk. They could also act out of ego, using Spirituality to gain recognition and power.
So where does this spiritual ego come from?
The spiritual ego is an evolved form of the original ego. It is an enhanced version of the ego, expanded in magnitude, and most do not recognise it until it has become a full-on mini-me- think Austin Powers, but with a more spiritual twist or Sheldon from the big bang theory.
Whereas the original ego was about pursuing pleasure and power,
the spiritual ego is about seeking enlightenment and wisdom., while neglecting other areas of life and personal growth.
Spiritual seekers can easily become trapped in the cycle and use their spiritual knowledge to feed into their egos, without recognising that this is what they are doing, while justifying their “spiritual ego” with spiritual concepts.
This is what makes the spiritual ego so dangerous, as it can always talk itself out of being seen as having an ego, and that’s the dilemma- as Nelly and Kelly Rowland once sang – “it’s getting hot in here, so take off all your ego!” sorry wrong song—-kinda, anyway
Let's be real here, it's a lot easier said than done when it comes to spiritual egos.
They can be particularly tricky to identify and even trickier to remove.
It’s like a game of hide and seek, where the spiritual ego is the master hider and we are left in the dark, trying to find it.
And if we find it, it’s likely to be a long and drawn-out process of battling the ego until we learn to manage it.
The primary way to spot a spiritual ego is when a person feels superior to others because of their spiritual knowledge or practice.
They may use spiritual language to justify their ego-driven opinions or act as spiritual gatekeepers, using their knowledge to judge, mislead or criticise others.
More than just the things we wear, eat and say
Other signs may include a tendency to talk about spiritual concepts without demonstrating any real connection to them, wearing spiritual clothes or using spiritual tools, such as crystals or tarot, to appear more spiritual than you are.
Then, there’s the insistence that others must “conform” to their spiritual beliefs, even if it doesn’t make sense to do so.
For example, if you don’t believe in yoga, they might try to convince you that it will help your spiritual growth, even if you are interested in it.
They may even go as far as to tell you that you’re not “spiritual” enough if you don’t follow their guidance.
They may even go a step further and suggest you give up your favourite activities like Netflix binging and replace them with chanting mantras and meditating 24/7.
After all, if you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment, you might find that watching the latest season of Tiger King or You, all is good in balance, yano, and yes, mantras help.
Still, like other spiritual knowledge and tools, they aint the be-all and end-all, a si had to find out the hard way.
My point is many think being spiritual means giving up on other things, and yes, we do have to make sacrifices.
We cannot Netflix and chill 24/7, and it is best you limit the people you do that with, as yano STDs and all-spiritually transmitted diseases as well as sexually transmitted diseases.
And don’t get me wrong, yoga is excellent, but there’s other practices like pilates, weights, squats and tai chi which is my preference…..
Back to the article recognising the signs of spiritual ego can help you avoid becoming entangled in fake Spirituality, where Spirituality is misused to feed the ego.
Instead of working towards a higher purpose, a person uses Spirituality to serve their own needs and desires rather than transcending the ego and grow spiritually.
Challenges of the spiritual ego
While Spirituality is beneficial in many ways, the spiritual ego that often develops through our awakening can be a source of conflict and challenge.
As the ego becomes increasingly focused on spiritual growth, it can lead to self-righteousness, a false sense of superiority, and overly rigid beliefs.
Additionally, some people can use spiritual principles to justify their negative behaviour or manipulate and control others.
The spiritual ego can lead to a kind of spiritual bypassing, where difficult emotions and life circumstances are ignored in favour of more spiritual pursuits.
Like yano, I’ve got to keep my crystal polished – it’s just too important to ignore! I can’t be bothered with mundane activities like, you know, having to work to pay the bills and keep a roof over my head.
No, no, that’s just not for me.
I’d rather spend my days playing with my tarot cards, burning incense, colouring my adult mandala colouring book, and generally vibing with all my other spiritual toys. Yano, that’s just what’s gotta be done……………………..right
Nevertheless, its essential to remain mindful of the potential pitfalls of the spiritual ego to attain authentic spiritual growth and transcendence.
Dangers of spiritual ego and why is so prevalent on the spiritual path
The spiritual ego is so prevalent on the spiritual path because waking up is hard; it involves taking a deep look in the mirror and changing your bad habits; we all have them.
Yet, most of us blame others for our faults or see them in others rather than claim them as our own.
Waking up spiritually is hard work, and its a lot more than burning some incense, flipping some tarot cards, mastering mountain or bakasana pose, and wearing crystals.
To truly become spiritually awakened, it requires us to take a deep dive into our innermost selves.
It’s like going on a quest, asking the tough questions and searching for the answers within. It’s a journey of self-discovery, understanding and accepting who we are, and learning to embrace our flaws and gifts.
We have to stop looking for the answers outside of ourselves and start looking within.
The spiritual ego is so dangerous because it is nearly impenetrable.
The dangers of the spiritual ego can be challenging to navigate, but with proper care and consideration, they can be overcome.
Spiritual egotism can lead to arrogance, accruing false wisdom, and spiritual discrimination.
It can also lead to a sense of superiority, a lack of awareness, and an inability to recognise the beauty of the world and its inhabitants truly.
Those who succumb to spiritual ego may begin to act as if they are more knowledgeable and experienced than those with lesser understanding.
They may begin to feel as if their spiritual path is the only one that is valid, discrediting any other belief or perspective.
Some spiritual seekers can spend their entire lives (or even lifetimes) stuck in the trap of unknowingly misusing spiritual words, ideas, practices, and paths to inflate their egos.
It is common for individuals to believe they are on a spiritual journey, working hard to progress and attain a higher level of understanding.
Still, in reality, they may simply be succeeding in furthering their ego.
This misconception is unfortunately quite common, as many spiritual teachers in the past and present provide a platform for spiritual seekers to feel good about themselves and their accomplishments.
But do not necessarily provide the necessary insight and knowledge they need to find true spiritual enlightenment.
Fake shamans and goddesses
Many of these teachers simply capitalise on the naivety of some individuals seeking spiritual knowledge and direction, offering them a false sense of spiritual accomplishment, which often results in a false sense of pride and self-importance.
Those seeking spiritual progress must make sure they find genuine guidance and wisdom to improve their spiritual understanding and overall well-being.
Being aware that it is so easy to fall into the traps of fake gurus, goddesses and healers as you embark on a spiritual journey.
If anyone acts as if they are the all-seeing eye or tries to make you form a dependency on them, their teachings or spiritual community could be cultist individuals/organisations that pray on your lack of awareness.
These charlatans can be hard to spot, even when they put on an impressive show of being the ‘all-seeing eye’.
But fear not – if you keep your wits about you and remember that no one is infallible, then you will be able to spot these cultist individuals and organisations from a mile away.
Also, to stop yourself from falling into spiritual ego or to get yourself out of it, the things you speak about, read about and proclaim you know.
These should be the things you actually practice in your day-to-day life; if your actions don’t match your words or knowledge- then nine times out of 9, spiritual ego is at play.
So yep, It is sadly true that the spiritual path can be used as a tool of the ego, rather than a tool to defeat it, and they are many spiritual teachers that encourage this practice.
The spiritual ego can be a dangerous force in the lives of those who give in to it.
It can lead to a sense of entitlement and a false sense of self-importance.
It can lead to the person believing that their spiritual understanding and practices are better than everyone else, causing them to be judgmental and arrogant.
It can lead to a sense of separateness from others, fostering a sense of loneliness and isolation.
It can also lead to a self-destructive cycle of spiritual pride and arrogance.
****note some paths do require us to walk alone, for a period of time; in fact, moments of solitude are often needed as part of authentic spiritual practice. And we should never enter toxic situations that affect our overall well-being- still, we should try and make equal and genuine connections with others****
These dangers are why staying grounded and humble on the spiritual path is pertinent-valuable.
Recognising the signs of spiritual ego is one of the essential skills to acquire in pursuing true, lasting spiritual growth.
An inflated sense of spiritual superiority, overconfidence in one’s abilities, and a lack of genuine humility are all symptoms of spiritual ego.
They can lead one down a path of false spiritual fulfilment.
This can lead to a dangerous loss of humility, as the individual may become so wrapped up in their spiritual journey that they forget that each of us is on our own journey towards enlightenment.
Rather than diminishing the paths of others, we must embrace the diversity of beliefs that this world offers, appreciating each spiritual path as integral to the collective spiritual evolution of humanity.
Avoiding the spiritual ego and all its traps is key to maintaining a balanced, healthy spiritual journey.
Like the song by jax jones state, I call it housework causes its life work- and spiritual awakening and practice is not only hard work, but it can be a life if not soul-long journey!!
Here's a little poem, I wrote for all you seekers
I call it housework,
Coz spiritual ego can drive you berserk,
Spiritual awakening is not a quick fix or quirk.
For it’s hard work – a lifelong journey,
That can take you to the top, if you’re willing to learn.
Just like the song by Jax Jones states,
You have to keep moving to the bass to your feet hurt
It’s hard to find the time to meditate,
Yet don’t let the needs of your passions dictate.
But if you seek the truth, and take it to heart,
You won’t be stuck in the same place you start.
So keep your feet moving, and never give up.
Your life and your soul will soon be filled with love.
And if you keep on the path of spiritual growth,
You will find your life is taking a turn.
Forget your past and but remember the lessons learned,
And keep your chin up, even when it burns.
You’ll find yourself thriving, and growing each day
And you’ll be sure to have some fun along the way.
So never give up, and keep your head held high,
Your path to growth will begin to shine bright
For we are never awake, we are always awakeniing
Now I will discuss the top 22 ways the spiritual ego plays out, so you can spot it in yourself and others
1. Living in your head and being overly intellectual
Living in your head- intellect is one of the key signs of spiritual ego.
This is when individuals become so focused on the mental aspects of their spiritual path that they also forget to focus on the physical aspects.
This can lead to feelings of disconnection from the physical world, and an inability to be present in physical moments.
Living in your head or intellectual reasoning can also lead to an unhealthy obsession with the spiritual journey and unrealistic expectations about the outcomes.
Individuals may become overly focused on their internal spiritual world and forget to engage with the physical world around them.
This can lead to feelings of disconnection and disassociation from the environment, which can be detrimental to physical and mental health.
To combat this, it is essential to remember to focus on physical aspects of life, such as spending time outdoors, engaging in physical activity, and engaging in constructive conversations with fellow human beings.
Going for a walk in a park or on a beach, playing a sport, or simply calling a friend to have a chat can be great ways to connect with the world around us.
Additionally, engaging in physical activities can release endorphins and help elevate mood, which can help to break the cycle of living in your head.
2. Another way you can fall into spiritual ego is by having toxic thoughts and behaviours, such as comparing yourself to others.
Toxic spiritual habits, wrought out of spiritual ego, are the bane of many a spiritual journey.
They are insidious and can often remain hidden from plain sight, woven into the very fabric of our lives, until we recognise that the time has come to unbind ourselves from them.
These habits often involve a sense of spiritual superiority, a focus on the outward appearance of our faith, and a need to be seen as “enlightened” by our peers.
They also include a tendency to view the spiritual practice as a competition, an obsession with perfectionism, an attachment to specific beliefs and ideas, and a lack of humility.
The biggest toxic spiritual ego habit is believing that you are morally superior to others, talking about spiritual concepts as though you have exclusive knowledge or wisdom, and focusing on how “enlightened” you are rather than focusing on how to be of service to others.
Additionally, spiritual ego may manifest as an unwillingness to accept feedback and criticism and an excessive need for validation and recognition from others.
Developing a spiritual ego can be incredibly dangerous, as it can lead to a sense of self-importance and an entitlement mentality.
This can cause a feeling of disconnect from the world around you and difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
It is valuable therefore, to be mindful of your ego and ensure that it does not become too big. Instead, it is also helpful to focus on being grounded and humble and looking for ways to use your spiritual gifts to help others.
This will ensure that your ego does not take over and does not become a barrier to connecting with others.
Additionally, being mindful of your ego will allow you to stay connected to the spiritual world, as it will be easier to remain humble and tap into the power.
Ultimately, toxic habits and thoughts, born of spiritual ego, can stunt our spiritual growth and keep us from reaching our full potential.
3. Another sign of spiritual ego is Judging someone’s worth based on how spiritual you think they are
Another sign of spiritual ego is judging peoples worth based on how spiritual you perceive them to be.
This can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It could mean judging someone for their lack of knowledge about Spirituality or their beliefs or for not engaging in spiritual practices.
It could also manifest in thinking someone is more spiritually advanced because of their outwardly spiritual pursuits and accomplishments.
This kind of attitude can be very damaging because it implies that a person’s worth is only based on how spiritual they appear to be, instead of looking at the whole person.
It also fails to recognise that everyone’s spiritual journey is different, and that each person is at a different level of spiritual development.
We all have different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences, and it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Spirituality.
Instead of judging someone’s worth based on their spiritual pursuits, we should focus on understanding and supporting each other’s journeys, regardless of our own beliefs and practices.
It’s important to remember that spiritual growth isn’t a competition but rather a personal journey that each person is on at their own pace.
This is also a great time to explore different spiritual practices, such as meditation or yoga, to help increase your spiritual connection.
Ultimately, Juno in Pisces invites you to look within and strengthen your relationship with yourself.
4. Disconnection from yourself and others
Another sign of spiritual ego is feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
This can manifest in various ways, such as constantly talking about yourself and your spiritual journey but never listening to anyone else.
It can also mean that you have a strong desire to be the ‘wisest and most enlightened’ person in the room and an inability to take advice from others.
You may also find yourself rolling your eyes at the slightest bit of negativity from someone else or feeling like you are above mundane conversations.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, it might be time to take a step back and re-evaluate your ego.
After all, it’s not very spiritual to think you know it all!
Spirituality shouldn’t be a form of escapism from the world or thinking you are better than human and earthly existence; authentic Spirituality.
It must be a way to transform yourself and play your part in changing the world, as believing you are the only one who can change the whole world is also part of the spiritual ego.
You should be connected to nature and the people in it in a healthy way; sure, you don’t have to be best friends for life with everyone, but you still need to connect with the world in some way.
That means you have to be ready for awkward conversations, the occasional hug, and maybe even the occasional heart-to-heart with a complete stranger.
And don’t forget the occasional embarrassing moment when you show up to a party dressed to the nines and then realise everyone else was wearing shorts and flip-flops. Just remember, it’s all part of the spiritual journey!
5. Becoming overly judgemental and close-minded
Another sneaky form of spiritual ego is becoming close-minded, which can be challenging to detect as one might think they are open-minded when, in reality, they are not.
This is an issue that I, regrettably, have experienced during my journey of self-discovery and growth.
The lack of meekness and modesty accompanying close-mindedness can be a significant obstacle to spiritual realisation.
It can be a difficult hurdle to recognise and overcome.
Still, with careful consideration and assessment of one’s beliefs and values, it is possible to transcend this mental barrier and move forward in one’s spiritual development.
It is essential to bear in mind, however, that the path to further spiritual enlightenment is one that requires a great deal of inner strength, resilience and dedication.
It is a journey of self-discovery, learning to look within, and understanding and embracing one’s personal truths.
Along the way, you will uncover the depths of your inner power and wisdom, the beauty of your uniqueness and the potential and strength that lies within you.
It is a path that will lead you to a place of greater clarity and understanding.
Your journey of self-discovery will be one of profound inner transformation, for it is through this exploration that you will come to uncover the sheer magnitude of your own potential.
Coming to recognise the potential that lies within you, and the clarity of vision and understanding that awaits you.
It is a path that will lead you to a place of greater peace and understanding, a place of true inner harmony.
6. Another sign of spiritual ego is losing your childhood sense of wonder and curiosity
Instead of wanting to look at the stars in the night sky and dream about the possibilities.
You just want to look at your phone and text your friends about your latest spiritual awakening and vegan finds.
Instead of playing with bugs and getting lost in your imagination, you want to talk about you had enough of the walking dead- those you see as less spiritually aware.
Instead of spending hours building a fort in the woods, you want to talk about spending 10 hours in bakasana pose.
Spiritual ego can take away the magical, childlike wonder that exists within us, replacing it with a shallow, narcissistic need for recognition and admiration.
When we become too consumed with our own egos and spiritual path, we may end up blocking out the beauty and joy available to us in life.
We may become so focused on our spiritual growth and development that we forget to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and relationships available to us; instead, we can become lost in a cycle of comparison and self-criticism.
It’s important to remember that the beauty of life lies in its diversity and that our spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination.
To awaken, we must remember that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey, not something that can be achieved instantly.
To awaken the deepest parts of ourselves and our spiritual potential, we must be willing to let go of expectations and comparisons, remaining open to life’s possibilities.
We must also practice compassion and self-love, understanding that true spiritual growth comes from within.
Every step we take along our path of spiritual awakening brings us closer to a true connection with our higher selves.
7. Not actually practising the things you say you believe in
Another sign of spiritual ego is not practising what you preach.
It’s easy to talk the talk, but it takes a conscious effort and hard work, dedication, constant character refinement and many other things to walk the walk.
We can all be at peace and in a zen state when we’re meditating, but as soon as someone takes the last piece of cake or the parking spot we wanted.
Forget all about our spiritual side and our “let’s have love for all” mentality, and we go straight into rage mode.
We forget all the mantras and mindfulness we had been preaching; instead, we just want to yell and scream.
And don’t even get us started when someone accidentally spills coffee on us or cuts in line!
We tell ourselves that we need to stay calm and practice what we preach, but it’s a lot harder than it sounds.
If we truly want to grow in our spiritual practice, we must take the time and effort to preach our beliefs and embody them in our everyday lives.
It’s not enough to just think about our growth; we must work hard to make it happen.
It’s not easy, but with dedication and dedication to our spiritual practice, we can learn to live authentically and with integrity.
You can be an inspiration to others and live with a true sense of purpose.
The trick is not to become perfect but to be consciously and continuously self-aware.
What is the meaning of spiritual ego? The top 22 ways the spiritual ego plays out: In-depth explanation and guide, continued
8. Another way spiritual ego plays out is having to argue one's point all the time.
This can manifest in both overt and subtle ways, where instead of actively listening to the opinions of others and considering the merits of their views, one insists that their own beliefs are the only right ones.
This kind of attitude can cause tension and resentment in any relationship and can lead to a lack of understanding, communication and connection with people that may have something valuable to offer.
True Spirituality is not about controlling or manipulating but listening and learning from every individual and situation.
Openness is a crucial conduit to unlocking spiritual enlightenment.
When we make an effort to open ourselves up to the perspectives of others, we can gain a much deeper understanding of ourselves and the grandeur of the world around us.
This is a journey of self-discovery and growth, a path to a heightened level of Spirituality and realisation.
Opening our minds to the magical possibilities of the world and the divine is a beautiful and enriching experience that can bring peace and joy to our lives.
By relinquishing our preconceived notions and embracing the wisdom of the universe, we can open ourselves up to a higher level of understanding, love, and connection.
The universe is a vast and mysterious place, filled with wisdom and opportunity.
We can unlock the mysteries of the universe and access its power if we choose to open our hearts and minds to its infinite potential.
Letting go of our preconceived notions will allow us to be guided by the universe, to gain insight and knowledge that can enrich our lives and those around us.
The world is waiting, ancient knowledge is calling, and the power of the universe is accessible to all who choose to seek it. Open your heart and mind, and let the cosmos show you the way.
9. Questioning others paths
Another way virtual ego plays out is judging someone else’s spiritual awareness and practice, questioning their Spirituality.
This is not a helpful or productive action and can damage our spiritual growth.
Everyone’s spiritual journey is different, and it’s important to remember that one person’s journey is not necessarily better or worse than another’s.
Instead of judging, try to be an example of spiritual growth by embracing your own journey and allowing others to do the same.
We can create a much more meaningful and enriching collective experience when we come together and celebrate our individual spiritual paths.
10.Being overly picking about the spiritual circles you are seen in
Exercising selectivity when it comes to the spiritual people with whom we choose to surround ourselves can sometimes be a form of egotistical behaviour.
This is, of course, not to say that we should tolerate or even befriend those who have the propensity to be abusive.
Still, merely that when deciding on who to trust and how to invest our energies, we should ensure that we are not prioritising a particular belief system over another.
Instead, it is necessary to maintain an open mind and practice discernment, allowing friendship and fellowship to develop naturally, without being hindered by a predetermined set of criteria.
By doing so, we can build a network of people who enrich our lives and inspire us to grow, which is what Spirituality is all about.
But yep, unfortunately, they are a lot of people you need to keep at a distance….many have fallen down some dubious spiritual rabbit holes or is that my spiritual ego speaking!!!!
11.Overly promoting yourself and your way of spiritual life
This can be seen in people who try to show off their accomplishments or when they try to convince others that their way is the best, or even the only way to achieve spiritual progress.
While being proud of your achievements, it is helpful to remember that the only race we are running is our own.
Everyone is on their own journey, and we should support and encourage each other, instead of trying to prove ourselves better than others.
We should all strive to help one another in our journey to reach our highest potential.
It is not about who can outshine whom but about coming together to lift each other up.
True spiritual progress is not defined by how much one can boast or compare oneself to others, but by our dedication, growth, and internal transformation.
It is about learning to be our best selves and embracing the unique gifts we have to offer the world.
Together, we can support each other as we travel down our individual paths, and encourage each other to reach new heights.
Let’s all share in the joy of helping and loving one another, and work together to reach our highest goals and tap into our fullest potential.
12. Another way the spiritual ego plays out is by preaching and claiming to know that your connection with the higher power is somehow more profound than others
The spiritual ego takes many forms and manifests in a specific superiority complex.
Those who succumb to its temptations take joy in claiming special knowledge from their divine connection, convinced that their own spiritual path is somehow more intimate and profound than those of their peers.
They may find themselves constantly preaching the gospel of their spiritual experience, never fully considering the humility and grace needed to truly walk in the light of a higher power.
In this way, the spiritual ego can become an insidious trap, leading its adherents away from the true path and further into the darkness.
The only way to overcome this is to remember the common source of all spiritual paths.
To remain open to the limitless abundance of knowledge that awaits us, and to approach our spiritual journey with an open and inquisitive heart.
You are granted the opportunity and the divine privilege to explore the outer edges of our own being and seek out the truths that lie beyond the physical realm.
Our spiritual path leads us to a place of serenity and inner peace, where we can connect with our true selves and align with the purpose of our journey.
We must not forget the blessing of this journey, for it is the source of our growth, our healing, and our transformation.
As we walk our spiritual path, we must remember the priceless blessing of this journey, for it is the source of our enlightenment.
It is a journey of great power where we can connect with our true selves, come to understand the divine purpose of our lives, and align ourselves with the truth of our existence.
As we make our way, we must remain mindful of the precious opportunities to learn and grow, for it is through this process of transformation that we can reach a higher state of being.
Let us be ever grateful for this sacred quest, for it is only through such an exploration that we can truly come to know ourselves and find a greater sense of peace within.
13. Telling others you are more divine than them or you are a reincarnation of a great spiritual teacher
The spiritual ego can also show up in ways that can be detrimental to our connection to others.
When we tell others that we’re more divine or a reincarnation of a great spiritual teacher, it can create a sense of separation and superiority.
This does not lead to a greater connection with others but leads to feelings of judgment, competition, and comparison.
Rather than attempting to stand out from others in this way, it is important to remember that we can all access the divine energy within us.
Each of us has our own unique gifts, and there is no need to compare ourselves to others.
We can appreciate and celebrate other people’s gifts while still being true to ourselves and recognising our divine potential.
Everyone has something unique to contribute to the world, and it is beneficial to remember that we all have our unique path to follow.
When we connect with our own spiritual essence, we can tap into a deep well of inner wisdom and strength.
You can discover your inner greatness and make the most of the opportunities and experiences that come our way.
Learning to trust ourselves and our inner voice, recognising our value and worthiness in the world.
We have to remind ourselves that we are made up of unique gifts, talents and qualities that make us special and precious.
We must nurture and embrace these gifts, taking the time to appreciate and explore them.
Our individual gifts are precious and we have the power to create, explore and manifest our own paths and dreams.
We have the power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us by embracing our gifts and trusting in ourselves.
Let us take the time to discover and appreciate our gifts, and to take the time to trust in our inner voice and our own capabilities.
14. Practicing Spirituality at the surface level, usually by wearing clothes you see as spiritual or owing all the spiritual items such as tarot cards, crystals, incense and singing bowls with actually using them
Another way the spiritual ego plays out can be seen in a person’s external display of “spirituality.”
This is the attempt to look like, dress like, and sound like a “spiritual” person without having done the necessary internal work to become one.
It is an attempt to appear as if one is already enlightened, and to give off the false impression that one has already reached a certain level of spiritual understanding.
In reality, this is an illusion of holiness, an artificial mask of spiritual depth and wisdom. It is a pretence, a veil, a thin disguise of what true spiritual growth should be.
This is a dire danger, since it can lead to stagnation, a false sense of security, and a lack of true connection with Divinity.
It is a prison of false piety and a barrier to achieving our full potential in the service of the divine.
It is a subtle danger that can lull us into a false sense of complacency and a false idea of our spiritual development.
We must be vigilant in our pursuit of spiritual growth, and strive for true spiritual connection that leads to a deep, meaningful relationship with the Divine- whatever that is to you.
15. Using spiritual lingo to appear wise
The spiritual ego can be a powerful force that manifests itself in many ways.
One of the most common ways is to use spiritual words and concepts to protect ourselves from uncomfortable emotions, such as being wrong or mistaken or facing a vulnerable emotional state.
It can be easy to hide behind spiritual concepts to avoid feeling things that we don’t want to feel.
But it is important to remember that the path to spiritual growth is about learning to accept and embrace all of our emotions, even the uncomfortable ones.
Doing this can help us unlock the deeper understanding and peace that lies beneath our ego’s surface.
You can learn to be more in tune with our feelings, as well as the feelings of others, and open ourselves up to a power of transformation, which can lead us to a higher level of self-awareness and contentment.
As we learn to be open and trusting of ourselves and others, we can tap into the inner strength and courage to take on the challenge’s life throws our way.
By unlocking our hidden potential, we can find the clarity and peace that comes from within, and be empowered to make the changes that can bring us closer to achieving our goals.
Through this power of transformation, we can discover a greater sense of purpose,
16 . Name-dropping the spiritual books and teachers you have or currently read or listen to
The spiritual ego can present itself in many ways, one of which manifests as name-dropping the spiritual books and teachers one has or currently engages with.
It’s an easy way to try and impress people, but it’s also an incredibly shallow way of being spiritual.
Instead of using such surface-level techniques, why not be the living embodiment of the lessons we’ve learned from the books we’ve read and the teachers we’ve studied under?
Discussing what you have learned is far more meaningful if you live what you know.
By practising what you know and preach, you can authentically share with others how your Spirituality has been shaped and the personal growth you have experienced as a result of living what you researched.
This will be a more genuine form of connection and allow us to truly honour the works that have shaped us and the teachers we’ve learned from.
17. spiritual materialism and narcissism
The spiritual ego can also manifest itself in spiritual materialism and narcissism, where we become attached to the trappings of Spirituality rather than the deeper values within it.
Spiritual narcissism is a subtle form of self-importance, where we use Spirituality to our own advantage.
We may use spiritual practices, experiences, and insights to make ourselves feel more important and worthy, rather than embracing their true purpose of humility and selflessness.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our spiritual understanding makes us superior to others, but this is far from the truth.
Spiritual materialism is a dangerous belief that possessions, temporary states of mind induced by spiritual practices like meditation, tai chi or drugs and alcohol make you more spiritually enlightened.
We may become attached to the symbols and titles associated with spiritual advancement, allowing pride and a sense of superiority to creep in.
We may also become obsessed with our spiritual progress or journey, taking things too seriously and forgetting to enjoy the process.
The spiritual ego can also lead us to pursue spiritual experiences simply for the thrill and excitement they bring, without any real commitment to the underlying values.
This can be dangerous, as our spiritual journey can quickly become an ego-driven game of one-upmanship.
However, it is essential to remember that our worth is not tied to our level of spiritual knowledge or our ability to attain spiritual experiences.
It is enough to simply be in the presence of something bigger than ourselves and explore our souls’ depths.
As we learn to understand and accept who we are, we can tap into our inner strength and wisdom, and use our spiritual knowledge and experiences to empower us to be our best selves and to help others in their own spiritual journeys.
By embracing our true nature, we can discover the power of our potential and become a beacon of light to bring others up and out of the dark.
We are all capable of greatness, and each has unique gifts to share.
The beauty is that when we come together, we can create a collective energy that will strengthen and uplift us all.
So, let us use our spiritual knowledge and experiences to become the best versions of ourselves and help light the way for others.
As we strive to reach our highest potential, our spiritual understanding can bring us joy, fulfilment, and a sense of inner peace.
We can use it to create a brighter future, a world in which everyone is able to live up to their highest potential and achieve their dreams.
With our spiritual knowledge and understanding, we can all make a positive difference in the world.
You can be a beacon of hope, a source of strength and courage, and a reminder to never give up.
Together, let us embrace our spiritual knowledge and use it to become greater versions of ourselves and be a blessing to others.
The spiritual ego can also manifest itself in spiritual materialism and narcissism, where we become attached to the trappings of Spirituality rather than the deeper values within it.
Spiritual narcissism is a subtle form of self-importance, where we use Spirituality to our own advantage.
We may use spiritual practices, experiences, and insights to make ourselves feel more important and worthy, rather than embracing their true purpose of humility and selflessness.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our spiritual understanding makes us superior to others, but this is far from the truth.
Spiritual materialism is a dangerous belief that possessions, temporary states of mind induced by spiritual practices like meditation, tai chi or drugs and alcohol make you more spiritually enlightened.
We may become attached to the symbols and titles associated with spiritual advancement, allowing pride and a sense of superiority to creep in.
We may also become obsessed with our spiritual progress or journey, taking things too seriously and forgetting to enjoy the process.
The spiritual ego can also lead us to pursue spiritual experiences simply for the thrill and excitement they bring, without any real commitment to the underlying values.
This can be dangerous, as our spiritual journey can quickly become an ego-driven game of one-upmanship.
However, it is essential to remember that our worth is not tied to our level of spiritual knowledge or our ability to attain spiritual experiences.
It is enough to simply be in the presence of something bigger than ourselves and explore our souls’ depths.
As we learn to understand and accept who we are, we can tap into our inner strength and wisdom, and use our spiritual knowledge and experiences to empower us to be our best selves and to help others in their own spiritual journeys.
By embracing our true nature, we can discover the power of our potential and become a beacon of light to bring others up and out of the dark.
We are all capable of greatness, and each has unique gifts to share.
The beauty is that when we come together, we can create a collective energy that will strengthen and uplift us all.
So, let us use our spiritual knowledge and experiences to become the best versions of ourselves and help light the way for others.
As we strive to reach our highest potential, our spiritual understanding can bring us joy, fulfilment, and a sense of inner peace.
We can use it to create a brighter future, a world in which everyone is able to live up to their highest potential and achieve their dreams.
With our spiritual knowledge and understanding, we can all make a positive difference in the world.
You can be a beacon of hope, a source of strength and courage, and a reminder to never give up.
Together, let us embrace our spiritual knowledge and use it to become greater versions of ourselves and be a blessing to others.
18. Reading one spiritual book. Listening to a few spiritual podcasts or watching one online video about Spirituality and declaring yourself a teacher or chasing earthly fame and fortune
The spiritual ego can manifest itself in myriad ways, one of which is the desire to proclaim oneself to be a spiritual guru, an ascended being or a spiritual warrior without doing the inner work first.
It’s not something that can be achieved overnight.
One of the most insidious being the craving for recognition and power.
Some may proclaim themselves as wise gurus, seeking to amass fame, wealth and followers.
Whether it’s a conscious effort or a subtle, subconscious urge, the need for power and recognition can lead a person astray from the path of true spiritual enlightenment.
Instead of focusing on their own growth, they can become blinded by their own ambition and vanity, losing sight of their true spiritual purpose.
The spiritual ego can be a slippery slope, and it’s important to stay vigilant and recognise when it’s starting to take hold, making a living is not wrong, but using Spirituality to gain wealth and fame is.
As the rap group Pharcyde say, “It takes more than 10 years in the game to be cutted,” meaning that it takes a lot of time, hard work and dedication to become an authentic spiritual teacher.
To do so, we must first be willing to do the inner work.
We must be willing to challenge our fixed beliefs and assumptions and open our minds to new perspectives.
We must be willing to question what we think we know and be open to learning consistently, consciously and continuously.
19. spiritual bypassing, also known as Toxic positivity
When it comes to spiritual bypassing, otherwise known as toxic positivity, it is crucial to be aware of how our spiritual ego can play a role.
The spiritual ego can be defined as recognising the spiritual path, but with a lack of self-awareness, or an over-inflated sense of self and ego.
Spiritual bypassing is the practice of avoiding difficult, uncomfortable emotions by using spiritual practices and positive thinking as a way to escape rather than learning to feel and integrate them.
It is not true spiritual growth to simply avoid the pain and discomfort of life.
Doing so only works to keep us stuck in a cycle of avoidance.
True spiritual growth comes from courageously facing life’s pain and discomfort and allowing it to transform us.
This is not easy, but it is the only way to move through and heal truly.
When we are able to step outside our spiritual ego and recognise how the pain and discomfort of life can be used to teach us and help us grow, we become wiser and more compassionate.
We become more connected to the world and to ourselves.
This is the path of true spiritual growth – to embrace the pain and discomfort and use it as an opportunity to deepen our understanding, love and connection.
20. Another way the spiritual ego plays out is forcing -pushing your beliefs on others, becoming too rigid in your spiritual opinions
The spiritual ego can manifest itself in ways that are far from nurturing and supportive.
It can manifest in trying to push one’s beliefs onto others, becoming too rigid and closed off in their spiritual opinions.
There is a strong urge to prove oneself as spiritually enlightened and knowing, that can lead to dismissing and disregarding the beliefs of others without even attempting to understand them.
This can lead to feelings of superiority and a lack of respect for others, which can create a barrier between ourselves and spiritual growth.
If we can learn to recognise this behaviour in ourselves and others and approach spiritual discussions with more empathy and understanding
You can create more meaningful connections that allow for spiritual growth.
21. Bonus number Wearing a mask of friendliness, optimism or knowledge
The spiritual ego is a tricky thing.
It often manifests itself in the form of wearing a mask; one of friendliness, optimism or knowledge.
On the outside, these masks may seem like desirable traits, allowing us to appear more together, wise and compassionate; on the inside, we may feel something entirely different.
This mask of friendliness, optimism or understanding can be used to hide our true feelings and vulnerabilities.
We may be trying to make ourselves look better, or we may be trying to avoid conflict or criticism.
Unfortunately, this mask of false Spirituality can hinder our ability to authentically engage with others and create an unhealthy distance between us and our true selves.
While it is important to put our best foot forward, it is also more crucial to be honest and show your vulnerability.
I am like nearly two decades into my awakening journey and still have some, use to hate that fact, but now I am good with it.
Life will always throw us curve balls, so we will always yano, go through suffering to some extent, and that’s okay.
22. Attempting to transcend being a human being, become an amoeba and take on divine- angelic qualities
Another way the spiritual ego plays out is in attempts to transcend being a human being and take on divine, angelic qualities.
This is an alluring idea, but it is fundamentally misguided.
True spiritual awakening isn’t about shirking the human experience or becoming an amoeba that is somehow “better” than other forms of life.
Instead, it is about embracing the human experience and understanding and appreciating the interconnectedness of all life, while striving to become our best selves and live in alignment with our highest truth.
It is about learning to trust our intuition and follow our inner guidance rather than seeking external validation or attempting to become something we’re not.
So we have discovered the spiritual ego is born when one allows their Spirituality to be dominated by ego.
That is, if someone’s primary conception of themselves is based on being a spiritually evolved person, the spiritual ego begins to emerge.
To get rid of or manage the spiritual ego, it is vital to become aware of how it has manifested in your life and take steps to let go of the attachment to it.
This may involve activities such as meditation, journaling, and connecting with others who can help provide insight and support.
Additionally, it is crucial to focus on building a strong sense of self-worth, understanding, forgiveness, care, compassion, nurturing, acceptance, awareness and self-love, which can help to combat the negative effects of the spiritual ego.
By practising these tools and reflecting on the history of the ego, one can take steps to decrease its influence in their life and gain more control over their spiritual journey.
True spiritual enlightenment requires going beyond spiritual ego, narcissism, materialism, and external sources of comfort and joy that can be found in tarot, rune and crystal flipping.
It requires taking a deep dive into yourself, and being honest and open to the truth of your feelings and emotions.
It requires learning to connect with yourself and to be present in the moment.
It requires being willing to take risks and experience uncertainty.
Spirituality is about being vulnerable and brave to look at our internal world to understand ourselves better.
It’s about learning to listen to our inner voice, trust our intuition, and have faith in our path.
It’s about accepting what is, even if it’s not what we desire.
It’s about learning to find the beauty in each moment, no matter how challenging the situation may be.
It’s about learning to shift our perspective and see the world through the lens of possibility, possibility of a brighter future and a life that is full of love and joy.
It’s about growing to trust in life and knowing that everything that happens is part of a greater plan.
It’s not easy to train ourselves to look at life with curiosity, openness and acceptance, especially when faced with difficult or unexpected situations.
It can be hard to remain brave and to have faith in ourselves, even when the future is uncertain.
But with enough practice, we can learn to approach life with a sense of curiosity and possibility and to trust ourselves to take each step forward with courage and faith.
We can learn to be more open to new experiences, to accept situations for what they are, and to have faith that we can navigate through them.
With enough practice and self-reflection, we can cultivate a sense of openness and acceptance towards life and can find the courage to take one step at a time, trusting in our inner guidance and humanness.
“A bad day for your ego is a great day for your soul”.~ Jillian Michaels
