Ego vs. Higher Self

A Close Look at Higher Self and Ego

Ego vs. higher self is an inner battle waged in the background of our minds. You must have heard of these terms at some point in your life; be it in ordinary discourse, social debates, or in English class, they’re bound to come up because they are a huge part of our lives. We’re here to explain to you what they mean in detail and how they affect your lives.

What is Ego?

Ego is defined in many ways through different perspectives. If we were to define ego as a noun, it is said to be an individual’s self-importance or self-esteem and has a more negative connotation to it. In psychological terms, ego is said to be one’s conscience- it mediates between our desires and our morals. It is our “self” that is in contact with the external world through our perception.

According to Sigmund Freud, the ego is the part of the “id” which has been modified by the direct influence of the external world. Now, the id is our instinctual side, and our decisions are made based on this. However, most of our instincts can be primal, and to avoid making bad decisions on instinct, our ego comes into play.

Our ego helps us make realistic and effective decisions. As we have gone through the trial and error of several situations, our brain becomes aware of the things we must do and the things which are bad for us. So essentially, the ego is that part of our conscience that tells us between right and wrong. It has been honed from our experiences in this world and from what we have learned.

Ego vs Higher Self: Primal Instincts

Our primal instincts can be anything- from hunger or self-preservation, carnal to social desires. Now, imagine that you’ve been on a long journey, and you’ve walked several miles trying to find food or water when suddenly, you come across a few homes, and you see a few apples on the windowsill of one of the houses. Your instinct will tell you to grab them and eat them; however, your ego will stop you because you know stealing is wrong. Instead, you knock on their door and ask for assistance. This is where ego vs higher self come close to one another.

The ego is the regulatory part of us that instructs us to eat, and sleep. It also is involved with our “flight or fight” instinct. Our ego is a form that has been formed out of the social constructs of our lives. It is a sense of our identity, and it is what we view ourselves to be in front of everyone else in our lives.

The ego regulates both our conscious and subconscious. This means it will act as that little voice in your head that is telling you what you should and shouldn’t do, what you can and can’t do.

In other words, the Ego is the exact opposite of the Higher Self.

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How is Higher Self Defined?

The higher self is a spiritual take on one’s real self. There are many systems of beliefs that include the “higher self” in one of their teachings. An individual’s higher self is something that isn’t physically present in this world.

It is a part of you that allows you to assess yourself and see yourself for who you are- connecting one with spirituality instead of the materialistic aspects of the world.

It allows one to make better decisions in regard to who they are and what they are capable of. According to Helena Blavatsky, the “Atma” or the self is the inseparable ray of the universe and oneself. It is the voice inside of us that guides us to do the right thing, no matter what. Our higher self tells us the pathways which are beneficial for us and keep us away from bad decisions.

Maybe it hasn’t been apparent to you but try and think to yourself. Has there ever been a time in your life when you’ve faced a decision, and you choose to go one way despite what other people say, and it turns out to be the best decision for you? You always look back and thank the invisible force which guided you to do better.

Ego vs Higher Self: Our Truest Form

The higher self is us in our truest form. We don’t reflect on it, but once we do, the realization makes us more self-aware and conscious about ourselves. We start our healing and spirituality to become the best version of ourselves.

Once it has been attained, we start to think more objectively, and we gain awareness of all the things around us and our spiritual connection, and the energy we all share as a whole. We stop thinking individually and delve more deeply and understand the things around us that we might not have at first.

More often, we don’t have sufficient information about ourselves or our future, but it is our higher self that sees the answer to those riddles and allows us to make better decisions with them. Various religions believe in the higher self; for example, in Hinduism, this idea is most recurring. In Hinduism, the higher self is not an object which is in possession of an individual, but it is the divine force that is acquired from the awareness of the self. 

Moreover, in Sufism in Islam, the higher self, or the “batin,” is an important level that one needs to reach, to understand ourselves to our very core to love and understand God. In another vein, most of the New Age literature describes the Higher Self as an extension of our self to a godlike state.   

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Is Ego Different from Higher Self?

In many ways, both share similarities as well as differences. Ego allows us to make better decisions consciously, whereas our higher self is making decisions for us, and we do not know of it most of the time. We can get in touch with our higher self through meditation and thinking, whereas that isn’t the case with our ego. Our ego develops itself as we grow and as we experience our lives and learn several things.

The ego is the rational part of our brain, whereas our higher self is an aspect of our being that exists, but we aren’t wholly aware of. It has a more spiritual touch, whereas ego is a psychological trait that we have.

Have Faith

According to those who have faith in the higher self, ego is the identity of who we believe we are. It is not our truest self but someone who we believe ourselves to be. We see ourselves as totally different from who we really are. The perspective that we have is constantly changing. It is based on our different life experiences than what we really are. Hence the battle between ego vs. higher self goes on internally.

This is where the higher self is integrated. The higher self is our truest self, and it is always guiding us to the best paths. So, if one finds themselves making a decision, they should go for it wholeheartedly. Consider it the best possible decision that aligns with us and our place in this vast universe.

How Do You Know What Influences Your Decisions?

The ego does have two forms: positive and negative. If we look at it positively, it allows us to make the best possible decisions for ourselves in various situations. However, ego can also be negative, and it can control our thoughts and action and make us think selfishly. However, we need to understand that in most cases, it was our ego’s attempt to take care of us- an act of self-defense.

Now you might ask, how can we know which factor influences our decisions? It is simple, and you need to think deeply and focus on yourself. Reflect and analyze the different decisions you’ve made in different circumstances. Think about how they affected you, and what your reaction to it was.

Emotional Effects

Did you make that decision when you were angry or frustrated? Or out of greed or a false sense of safety? If so, it was your ego that made your decision for you. You did everything you could to attain it and or to protect yourself. You didn’t stop to wonder how it would affect you spiritually. Or, the decision didn’t come to you naturally- instead, you were under a lot of stress to choose and get it over with. This is where ego vs. higher self comes into play.

However, if you have made choices that your heart feels happy with, which you know will be good for you despite not being wholly aware of it- it is your higher self guiding you. It is simply the energies in the universe aligning to let you make good decisions for yourself without any comebacks. It is the best for you! 

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Consider this about Ego vs. Higher Self

If you make a decision using your higher self, don’t doubt it; let it guide you in your journey. Choosing to live in your highest form is rewarding. It is simple faith in yourself or a higher power that you will make the finest decisions for yourself. This can help you eliminate negative thoughts, make you happier, and content and give you a life full of love and comfort, and prosperity. The higher self allows you to see things your ego might not let you. So let it flow over you like calm water.

Are you questioning your decisions? Are you unsure of your path? Do you wish success showed itself to you? Are you feeling like there is something holding you back? Are you ready to make a change?

You…

  • can have clear insight into your self-identity
  • can stop doubting your value
  • will be able to manifest your new reality
  • will feel confident and strength

It is time for you to make a decision to change. Use coupon INEEDTHIS to get the Powerful 3-day Perception Non-workshop for only $1, for a limited time, to begin your new happier life. The RE:MIND Program will help you eliminate the stumbling blocks that have been holding you back. Find and let your Higher Self free.

FAQ

What is the Difference Between Ego and True Self

Ego is a form of self-preservation. It’s always looking to protect itself and keep things going as they have. The ego is what we think of as our “normal,” and it’s not always in line with the true self. It’s important to remember that the ego is not always wrong, but it can be. One of the ways our ego is trying to protect us is by keeping us stuck in our past. This prevents new experiences and connections because we’re constantly resisting what’s in front of us, which makes it impossible for anything new to happen.
The true self, on the other hand, is much more vulnerable. It’s a part of who we are that isn’t afraid to show up and be seen for who we internally believe we are without all of our protection mechanisms. But the true self also takes its time to come out. It’s not the same as the false self that is always ready for action. The true self needs time to process, to find its voice, and it often doesn’t know what it wants until we get close enough to hear its song.

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Staff Writers