THM 002: The Ego vs. The Spiritual Gangster

Nicholas George, CPC, PCC ELI-MP
Mar 31, 2017
3 min read

Ego is treated as the bastard child of our psyche and often dismissed by people who claim to be spiritually “woke.” I hear a lot of people use the word “ego” in a way to marginalize and dismiss characteristics they observe and disagree with in others or themselves. The ego is a very important element of who we are as humans and should not be discarded like the trash or blamed for your’s or another’s shortcomings. If you find that you are guilty of dismissing or ignoring your ego, you may want to consider the idea that you are handicapping your spiritual growth by bypassing a very important part of You.

Spiritual bypassing, is a term created by psychologist John Welwood in 1984. Simply put, spiritual bypassing is a form of avoidance we unconsciously use when we do not want to face the pain of working though our psychological and/or emotional issues. It’s those moments of anxiety or anger you avoid or suppress by reading your favorite spiritual book or quote. It’s when you get upset and you do everything in your power to display a peaceful face and tone of voice all the while raging inside. More simply and much harder to accept it’s those moments that you tell yourself you are more “enlightened” than all the sleeping “sheeple” walking the Earth who cannot see the light. Whatever it is for you, perhaps it’s time to really wake up!

Wake up to what?

Let’s face it, we are continually evolving as humans. As such, we must allow ourselves and others to be human. Part of this human evolution requires us to face the dark corners of ourselves instead of filling them with the false light of spiritual facades. Be careful not to create the illusion of spirituality by religiously attending hot yoga classes, wearing your “Spiritual Gangster” t-shirts, meditating, praying, attending church, and reading your enlightenment books, etc.. This may only distance you from your true authentic self and prevent you from ever really reconciling the pain that holds you back from actually discovering your true spirituality. There is no better ally in this sometimes agonizing war than our Ego.

Wait! I thought we are supposed to transcend our ego?!

NEWS FLASH! Ignoring the voice inside your head is not “ego-transcendence.” You may tell yourself that you do not do this, but lets be honest we all do. Ego-transcendence is a verb not a noun. It is not a place, but a way of being which recognizes the ego, honors the power of it and uses the ego in a way that is more objective and filled with less bias. Transcending your ego is when you are working harmoniously with it, recognizing as a part of your “being” so that you are the most productive, fulfilled version of yourself.

No matter what you call your Creator, your Creator gave you that ego. Your ego serves a purpose and like your spiritual side you must get to know it, understand it, and develop a healthy relationship with it. Each part of you, mind, body, and spirit, conducts an enormous amount of energy that when synchronized together provides you with a limitless amount of potential. So keep practicing your yoga, wear your “Spiritual Gangster” t-shirt proudly, pray, meditate, attend church and read those books. There is nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your spirituality, but remember you are human and you are allowed to have a bad day. Experience the human condition in the moment and be present with yourself, even the parts that scare you…

…including that pesky Ego, which is also a part of your spiritual journey.