Beware: The Ego’s Sneaky Hijack of Your Spiritual Practice
Beware: The Ego’s Sneaky Hijack of Your Spiritual Practice
You think you're being love and light, but you're actually just being an ass.
This is a topic I’ve been wanting to talk about for a long time, so let’s dive right in.
Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual seeker or just now dipping your toes into this new world that has opened its gates to you, you will undoubtedly charter tricky territory at some point or another that will leave you feeling humbled (to say the least).
Oftentimes, during a spiritual awakening, there’s a part of the journey where you feel like you’re on a magic carpet ride on top of the world, and chances are you are riding something, but it’s probably your ego’s... you get it.
I’m no exception to this, and despite thinking I was being extra conscious of how I was navigating my journey, there was definitely a time where I look back and cringe at how my ego dressed itself up to seem like my ~higher self~ when in actuality it was just creating more disconnection from the world.
It’s all part of the process, which is why there’s no judgement (minus my occasional sass, which is more for your entertainment and editorial pizazz).
So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of something that can greatly undermine your spiritual journey: the ego's ability to hijack your spiritual practice. By recognizing the ego's disguises and traps, you can transcend its influence and deepen your connection to your authentic Self.
The Ego’s Sneaky Hijack of Your Spiritual Practice
The ego is a master of disguise, often masquerading as spiritual progress in order to create a narrative of forward-movement when really it’s just shapeshifting into a personality that keeps you stuck in cycles of rooted behavior and patterns.
Here are some common signs and misconceptions to be aware of during your spiritual awakening:
1. Spiritual Superiority
Sign: Feeling superior because of your spiritual practices or beliefs.
Misconception: Believing that you are more "enlightened" or "advanced" than others.
Reality: True spirituality is rooted in humility and compassion. The ego uses spiritual superiority to create separation and feed its sense of importance. At the end of the day, everything and everyone (yes, even that person who engages in activities you don’t agree with) are spiritual because we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
2. Obsessive Practice
Sign: Becoming overly rigid or obsessive about your spiritual routines.
Misconception: Thinking that strict adherence to practices equates to spiritual growth.
Reality: While discipline is essential, flexibility and mindfulness are equally important. The ego can turn practices into a source of pride rather than genuine growth. Sometimes, especially if rigidity and control is a defense mechanism of yours, you can create codependency with your spiritual practice. A big part of this work is learning how to trust and surrender.
3. Spiritual Bypassing
Sign: Using spiritual concepts to avoid facing unresolved emotions or issues.
Misconception: Believing that positive thinking or meditation alone can heal all wounds.
Reality: Authentic spiritual growth involves confronting and healing past traumas. The ego may use spiritual bypassing to keep uncomfortable truths at bay. This can also sneak in through intellectualizing experiences so that you don’t have to feel them. By staying in the mind, or bypassing it completely because you’re “above” it, you’re actually hindering your growth, because you’re refusing to acknowledge the root of the issue and take aligned action.
4. Seeking Validation
Sign: Constantly seeking validation from others for your spiritual experiences.
Misconception: Equating external approval with spiritual success.
Reality: True spiritual insights are personal and don’t require external validation. The ego thrives on approval and recognition, diverting your focus from inner growth. It’s natural to want to share your experiences with others—especially those *weird* synchronicities that have no explanation—but be mindful of placing all of your power in others’ hands. Constantly seeking that validation—whether from your friends, healers, or even your own divination practice—is reinforcing the limiting belief that you can’t trust yourself.
Yeah, all of it is giving…cult leader.
Moving Beyond the Ego’s Traps
Becoming conscious of the ego's tactics is the first step toward transcending its influence. Here are some practices to help you stay on the path of genuine spiritual growth:
1. Self-Reflection and Honesty
Regularly reflect on your motivations and be honest with yourself about any ego-driven tendencies. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this process.
2. Mindfulness and Presence
Cultivate mindfulness and stay present in your daily activities. This practice helps you recognize when the ego is attempting to assert control.
3. Embrace Humility
Remember that everyone is on their unique journey. Embrace humility and recognize the shared humanity in each person's path.
4. Seek Guidance
Connect with a trusted mentor or spiritual guide who can offer objective insights and help you stay aligned with your true higher self. And don’t say you don’t know anyone, because I’m right here.
As you navigate your spiritual journey, remember that the ego is a natural part of being human. The goal is not to eliminate the ego but to understand and transcend its illusions.
By staying vigilant and practicing genuine self-awareness, you can move beyond the ego's traps and continue to evolve on your spiritual path.
Xo