Ego Death

Most people are now familiar with the term ‘Ego Death’ because of the new age movement and the widespread use of psychedelics. To the layman, an ego death sounds like a humbling experience. It also sounds very confusing, how does one’s ego really die? 

To fully understand this term we have to understand what the ego really is. The Cambridge dictionary defines it as your idea or opinion of yourself, especially your feelings of your own importance and ability. The word ego has a negative connotation, often when we encounter an arrogant person, we describe them as having a ‘huge ego’. The truth is, everyone has an ego. Your ego is your identity, the way you connect with the world. Being able to say ‘I’m a Nigerian’, or ‘I am spiritual’ is also a part of your ego. 

Contrary to what most people believe, the ego never truly dies, it simply transforms. During an ego death, you become more aware of your persona and you realize it is no longer an accurate representation of you. Ego deaths are often caused by spiritual awakenings or psychedelic use. 

During a spiritual awakening, one begins to realize the illusory nature of the world around them. They start to see that most, if not all their beliefs and ideologies were practically imposed on them when they were children. Your parents, teachers, and the media tend to shape your reality from a tender age. Once you reach your teenage years, peer pressure often gets you to conform to the collective consciousness. If your emotional needs were not met as a child, you are very likely to form people-pleasing tendencies. Once you start waking up to your true self, you’ll question everything. Belief systems and behavioral patterns that are no longer in alignment with your true path will start to fade away. 

This is often a very scary process. Ego deaths tend to come with feelings of depression and suicidal ideation. One goes through a phase where they are no longer sure of anything, and the way they view and interact with the world changes. Their friends and family members no longer understand them, and they lose interest in their jobs, hobbies, religious beliefs and societal views. The isolation caused by an ego death can be quite painful but it is very necessary. One has to go within to find out who they truly are. You are not your mind, body, or beliefs, you are way beyond that. 

If you are currently experiencing ego death, you are certainly not alone. Due to the frequency shift in the planet and collective consciousness, more people are starting to see beyond the illusion and think for themselves. This process cannot be rushed, no matter how long it takes,  know that the ego death is leading you to a greater version of yourself.