“Higher self” is a term you’ll eventually hear if you run in spiritual circles. It came to popularity in the main stream (think Oprah and Deepak Chopra) from New Age Spirituality- that eclectic hodge-podge of wisdom which focuses on mind-body-spirit health. But it is well-known in many religious and spiritual traditions.
And for good reason: Being in touch with this part of ourselves promises big things.
It will enhance inner peace and intuition, improve relationships, and guide us to the purposeful life we’re meant to live. Not only that but it helps connect us with the divine in a deeply personal way.
Yet I’ve had some questions about this invisible self which I’ve tried to answer in this post.
Namely:
- What exactly is this mysterious higher self and how do we access it?
- How do we know it’s our “higher self” we’re in touch with and not some larger ego trip fooling us into believing we’re mystical hot stuff?
- Can seeking it mislead someone into escaping reality- such as avoiding relationship conflicts or the drudgery of everyday life?
- Finally, can we live with the higher self daily or is it reserved for the rare meditational moment on a serene mountain top? In other words, can you access it in your worst moments? For instance, like snapping at the annoying neighbor kid when he won’t give back your child’s toy (An inquiring mom wants to know!)?
So I hope you’ll join me in sharing what I’ve found on my quest to better understanding this topic. And let me know your thoughts on what the higher self means to you!
Let’s dive in to sift through all the deets on our higher selves.
What is a Higher Self?
The concept of a higher self has been around for ages throughout most religions, though called by different names.
For example, in Christian circles, it’s Christ Consciousness. In Hinduism, The Atman. In Judaism, Nefesh Elokit. The common denominator is that each believes within us is a spiritual guide calling us to think and behave with more compassion and with less selfishness.
It invokes us to make better choices and to experience greater love. Ultimately, the Higher Self is the unifying spirit, divine, or god-consciousness inside of us that brings us to connection, wholeness, and love.
Yet a higher self implies there’s a lower self to contend with. Let’s examine what that is.
Enjoy spiritual conversations? You may also like this post on Spiritual Awakenings.
Higher Self Verses Lower Self
Our “lower self” is our ego-bound, personality-driven behavior. Here we seek self-preservation, avoid conflict, live in fear or worry, and are reactive to shifting emotions.
This is dual thinking: an us-verses-them, me-separate-from-you mentality. It is the false self, or, as I like to think of it, our childish self that still needs to learn how to walk in it’s big girl shoes.
Our lower mind can be referred to as “the monkey mind”. It gets easily distracted by tempting passions or triggered by self-righteous anger.
For example, have you ever scrolled on Facebook or Twitter (X) and became embroiled in some trivial political debate with an acquaintance or friend? In the moment, we think our points are so important and worth sounding off about.
Yet, later you feel embarrassed by your reactions. You realize you may have damaged a relationship and exposed yourself to your community as a hothead! Yeah, I’ve been there!
That is our monkey mind at it’s best. The higher self would’ve inclined you to pull back, think twice, and go into the conversation with a spirit of goodwill, calm, and friendship or not at all!
Thus, the busy-ness of jumbled thoughts and feelings we experience make it challenging to focus on the silence inside that brings about a true answer or peace to one’s life.
And this silence is where the Higher Self speaks and calls us to rise above petty behaviors to become our best selves.
The Higher Self in Many Religions
Now that we’ve done an overview of what is and isn’t the higher self, let’s name it in other religious, spiritual, or even psychological paths.
Christians:
For Christians, the higher self is known as Christ Consciousness.
Christ Consciousness is a state of mind where an individual transcends the ego, embodying the virtues, wisdom, and love similar to that of Jesus Christ. It represents an enlightened experience of connectedness with all of creation and universal love, embodying traits like compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness.
Hinduism:
In Hinduism, the higher self is called the Atman.
Atman is a fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy, often translated as “soul” or “self.” It represents the true essence of an individual, the innermost self that remains constant despite the ever-changing external world. Atman is considered eternal, pure, and unaffected by life’s transient experiences, emotions, or physical changes.
In essence, it is the divine aspect of a person emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence and the divine nature within every being.
Judaism:
In Jewish mysticism, particularly in Chassidic teachings, humans are considered to have two souls or aspects of the soul: the “Nefesh Behamit” (Animal Soul) and the “Nefesh Elokit” (Godly Soul).
The higher self is known as Nefesh Elokit. According to Rabbi Wolf, a renowned Jewish mystic, the Nefesh Elokit “stives to grow, improve, and adopt compassion as the norm.” It is “right knowing”, or “right feeling.”
The ego self, Nefesh Behamit, on the other hand, seeks “self-indulgent behavior and pleasurable titillation.”
The higher-self asserts itself while the lower-self is “broken in”, like a wild horse, becoming a valuable servant of higher consciousness. A physical body that is pure of intention and emotionally wise can well serve the spiritual world of ideals, aspirations, and mastery.
Rabbi Wolf, Chabad.org
In summary, the Nefesh Elokit serves as the spiritual conscience, pushing an individual towards godly actions and higher spiritual pursuits, while the Nefesh Behamit represents the more earthly and instinctual drives.
The harmonization and elevation of these two souls through human action in the world is a central theme in Jewish thought.
New Age Philosophy:
In New Age thought, the “Higher Self” is conceptualized as a transcendent, more evolved aspect of oneself. It represents the divine or cosmic consciousness within every individual.
Furthermore, it is all-knowing, exists outside of time, and holds the blueprint of one’s soul’s purpose and life lessons.
While our everyday conscious self operates in the physical world and is influenced by societal norms, emotions, and ego-driven desires, the higher self operates from a place of pure wisdom, love, and clarity. It’s a bridge between the individual soul and the universal source or collective consciousness.
New Age practices emphasize aligning with or channeling the guidance of the higher self for spiritual growth, healing, and fulfillment. This alignment is the path to awakening, ascension, and realizing one’s full potential, both spiritually and materially. The higher self is also referred to as the “True Self,” “Inner Being,” or “Soul Self” within various New Age teachings.
Now, these are just a few examples of a transcendent inner self. There are many more examples for sure. But outside of these specific religions and spiritual paths, the idea of the higher self also resides in psychological literature, though perhaps more subtle to recognize.
Psychology:
Psychology seeks to understand the human being from many vantage points. These include: understanding mental processes, behavior, emotions, and development.
Yet even though there isn’t a direct spiritual tenant to professional psychological study, many scholars developed what can be considered a higher self.
For example, Abraham Maslow, pioneering American Psychologist, as part of his classic Hierarchy of Needs, conceptualized “Self-Actualization”, which is comparable to a higher self.
Maslow’s Highest Need
Self-Actualization represents the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities, especially as a drive or need present in everyone. It’s the pinnacle of internal development and growth, where personal aspirations align with actions.
This higher-minded characteristic includes:
- Acceptance of self and others
- An objective perception of reality
- Creativity and spontaneity
- Problem-solving ability
- A deep sense of empathy
- A rich and intimate interpersonal life
- Peak experiences (moments of intense happiness, rapture, ecstasy)
While not tied to a God per se, self-actualization does relate to a higher self because it guides the individual towards an ideal personal value system intended to better one’s life overall.
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Another example I love of the higher self notion showing up outside of obvious spiritual paths is in mythology. To be precise, in the Heroes Journey.
The Heroes Journey
The Heroes Journey, popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell (and is the thematic backbone of movies such as Star Wars), is the path to self-transcendence one takes in life. It boils down to personal steps to rise above a current status quo. They are:
- Departure: The hero leaves their familiar world, drawn by a call to adventure and seeking more in life.
- Initiation: Facing challenges and trials, the hero undergoes transformation; a personal growth process begins.
- Return: With newfound wisdom or a spiritual gift, the hero returns to their original world, changed.
The Heroes Journey is akin to a higher self quest because both have to do with deep self-awareness and listening to one’s inner voice. Moreover, it calls one to the transcendence of ego, and to connection with larger humanity and the world.
So how does one hear the higher self within and use it to our benefit?
How Do We Access Our Higher Self?
You can access your higher self by doing intentional practices that cultivate inner awareness, intuition, and connection to universal energies. Here are some that help connect you:
Meditation:
Regular meditation quiets the mind, allowing for a deeper connection to inner wisdom. Techniques such as guided meditation, visualization, transcendental meditation, or mindfulness can be particularly effective.
One type of meditation that is particularly effective is visualizing an image of your higher self. To do this, sit still and close your eyes. Ask your higher self to present a character, symbol, or image that represents it.
For me, and this is kinda funny, it was a big snow white Yeti. Then, whenever you want to talk to your higher self, bring up this image and internally dialogue with it. You may feel silly but it is a useful psychological “trick” to tap into your unconscious inner wisdom.
Journaling:
Writing down thoughts, feelings, dreams, and intuitions can help in understanding and recognizing the guidance of the higher self. Journaling also flushes out your emotions that currently are blocking you from hearing this inner guidance. Once you vent your feelings, you may just hear the voice within that guides.
Dialogue with Higher Self
Years ago, I went to several amazing writing workshops through Dr. Ira Progoff’s Intensive Journal Method. In one exercise, we wrote to the higher self, asking it questions and being open to receiving answers. I felt self-conscious and goofy doing it the first few times.
But once I let myself trust the process, the experience was one of love and insight. It was remarkable what comes out if we approach writing in this way! So this is one method by which you can tap into your best self. This process invites lightness of being, playfulness, and unlocking rigid thinking.
Dream Analysis:
Our dreams can be a direct line to the subconscious and the higher self. Keeping a dream journal and reflecting on dream symbols can provide insights. Look for patterns of images, recurring messages, or phrases that the dream offers. These may be your higher self speaking to you.
Nature Connection:
Spending time in nature and taking walks can help you feel more connected to the universe and your higher self. It’s a time to let go of rambling thoughts, drop into your body, and use your senses to listen for deep inner wisdom.
Indeed, being connected with the Earth reminds us of the greater universe and that we are all interlinked.
Rituals:
Creating personal rituals, such as lighting candles, using crystals, or setting up a sacred space, can set the intention to connect with the higher self. Create an altar where you sit at every day to remind yourself that within you is the light of the divine and it will help guide you in life.
Intuitive Arts:
Engaging in practices like tarot reading, astrology, or rune casting can be pathways to understanding messages from the higher self. Moreover, trusting and acting on gut feelings or spontaneous insights can be a direct manifestation of guidance from the higher self.
Drawing, painting, and other art can also be pathways to connect with it. These can help you quiet your thoughts and drop into receiving messages from the deep inner well of wisdom within.
Reading Spiritual Literature:
Books and texts that delve into spirituality, metaphysics, and consciousness can provide insights and practices for connecting with the higher self. Reading such works can walk you through others experiences and help instruct you forward on the path to spiritual knowledge.
Yoga:
Beyond physical postures, yoga also encompasses practices for spiritual growth and enlightenment, helping to align the body, mind, and spirit.
Different practices resonate with different people. Find what feels authentic and effective for you and approach the journey with an open heart and mind.
Remember: what all these practices have in common is learning to be quiet and listen for the voice of the divine within.
What practices do you do that help you find your higher self?
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46, verse 10
What Are the Benefits of Living in It?
I think we can all agree that if we had to choose one or the other we’d live in our best self verses not. There’s a power that comes from being a bit restrained from our impulses and immediate urges.
When we listen to our inner guidance, we can heal, find peace, and learn what path to take in daily life. This connection allows us to navigate life’s challenges with clarity and wisdom.
By aligning with the Higher Self, we tap into innate intuition, making decisions that truly resonate with the soul’s purpose. Thus, this cultivates unconditional love, fosters harmonious relationships and promotes self-acceptance.
In other words, you seek to be a giver, not a taker; a peace maker, not a relationship breaker.
Next, below are some examples of what it feels like to be connected to this consciousness within.
Higher Self Common Experiences:
- Profound Sense of Connectedness/Oneness: A deep realization of unity with all of existence, where boundaries between the self and others dissolve.
- Bliss: An overwhelming state of perfect happiness, joy, and contentment.
- Sense of “Knowingness”: An intuitive clarity or understanding about personal dilemmas, including potential solutions or obstacles.
- More Frequent Lucid Dreams: Vivid dreams where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and may have control over certain aspects of the dream.
- Sense of Timelessness: A feeling where one loses track of time or feels as though time doesn’t exist.
- Flow State: A state of being where one is fully immersed and engaged in an activity, losing all sense of time and self-consciousness.
- Transcendent Consciousness: Rising above ordinary consciousness, often characterized by heightened awareness and perception.
- Deeply Meditative Experience: A state of profound inner stillness and focus, often accompanied by heightened mindfulness and insight.
- Lightness of Being: A feeling of ease, freedom, and unburdened existence, as if lifted from life’s typical weight.
- Out of Body Experiences: Sensations where one feels as if they are viewing or experiencing the world outside of their physical body.
- Unconditional Love for Others and Self: An unwavering, pure love that’s free from judgment or conditions, felt towards oneself and others.
- Seeing Your Past in 20/20 Vision: A clear and comprehensive understanding of one’s past, where previously confusing or challenging experiences now make sense in the grand scheme of things.
- Sense of Deep Peace: An innate reassurance and tranquility, arising from the belief that regardless of circumstances, everything will unfold as it should.
These transcendent experiences give a greater understanding of the universe and one’s connection to it. But, low and behold, there is a dark side to seeking such states. Let’s explore.
Downsides to Seeking the Higher Self
As with anything in life, there’s a dark side. Seeking the Higher Self is no different. One thing to look out for is spiritual bypassing. This is when you avoid hard emotions, life responsibilities, and psychological trauma in the name of ‘being spiritual’.
You fool yourself into thinking that the plastered look of serenity on your face is who you are, that you’ve solved all your problems with spirituality, when in reality, you’ve buried your hurt and inner conflicts, escaping them into meditating, say. You’ve donned a mask of spirituality verses really living it.
Instead of being a human self, you’ve become a fake idea of what it means to be spiritual. You live in denial that you still have regular life struggles. This is dangerous because eventually, you’ll push away people with your lack of humility and make others feel inferior or judged being around you.
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Indeed, the journey inward can lead to an overemphasis on self. Unfortunately, this may inadvertently foster spiritual narcissism or a sense of superiority.
Additionally, without grounded guidance, such as doing therapy or interacting in a self-improvement group, you might misinterpret grand inner experiences. This leads to self-delusion or a detachment from reality.
The quest becomes an escape, where you avoid confrontations with your shadow self. Then, you get lost in hoping for spiritual answers that bypass hard personal growth work or responsibility.
Critical thinking goes out the window. I know this one all too well.
My Moment of Spiritual Bypassing:
For example, I lived at a New Age nudist resort in my early 20s. Everyone was a good 10 years older than me and seemed spiritually evolved. So instead of doing the inner work to figure out my life and what spirituality meant to me, I dove head first into the shallow pool of imitating others.
I meditated and yoga-ed my way into a spiritual pretension in an attempt to belong. I acted in control, wise, and serene all the time. Yet in reality, I was roiling from a quarter life crisis, depression, and social anxiety.
But life experience, thankfully, knocked me down off my inauthentic throne of what I thought spirituality was. Loved ones called me out on my bullshit. My shame for pushing them away became unavoidable. I realized true spirituality included self-acceptance of imperfections, being vulnerable with others, and having emotional awareness.
Thus, while seeking the Higher Self can be transformative, it’s crucial to approach the journey with humility, discernment, and balance.
In Conclusion
The journey towards understanding and connecting with the Higher Self is a profound voyage into the depths of our being. It offers pathways to enlightenment, inner peace, and a holistic understanding of our place in the universe.
While various cultural and spiritual traditions might name it differently, the essence remains consistent: an eternal, wise, and loving core within us all.
However, like all spiritual pursuits, it’s essential to approach this journey with a balanced perspective. We must recognize both its transformative potential and the pitfalls of misinterpretation or overemphasis.
There is a dance between our everyday realities and our spiritual aspirations. When we ground our experiences in humility, discernment, and genuine connection it can lead us to a purposeful existence. A deeply attuned connection to our truest selves.