Humans associate death with darkness, sorrow, and pain. It is just something many people are scared of. However, ego death goes the opposite way. The death of your ego comes with enlightenment, self-exploration, and going beyond the glass ceiling.
In simpler terms, the ego is the sense of self typically developed in earlier ages. It is a biological tool that helps us understand ourselves as separate beings. The problem appears when the ego takes on a level of programming that begins to impede the quality of life we live. This is why many people believe it needs to die.
But first:
What is Ego Death?
Many people think that ego death happens when we strip ourselves of the ego and live without it. No, the ego cannot die. What happens is that it becomes submissive to the awareness and direction of our higher selves so that it no longer controls our lives. The experience temporarily and instantaneously goes beyond and above our identities. By shifting your awareness above the perspective of the ego, you begin to realize that you are not the things you have identified with before.
The death of your ego comes with much self-awakening and peace; you want to experience it. It is one of the most beautiful experiences you could have if you truly understand your spiritual path. Such an experience, however, may feel horrific for people who do not understand their spiritual path or people who resist the experience.
Why Seek It?
People are now going out of their way to experience ego death. It has become part of the spiritual journey for many people.
Here are some reasons to seek an ego death experience:
#1: Improved self-control
People often think that ego death is just for people unsatisfied with their mental wellness. Even if you are confident with your state, its demise can change your perception, eventually leading you to much clarity and success.
#2: Easier time breaking even
Our perception and identification limit us from going to other levels. Our ego keeps us in a mindset that limits us. It may feel like we are living in an unknown shell. Detaching yourself from the ego or shrinking it will allow you to crush your current sense of self that limits your abilities.
#3: Acquire a new you
We often have a rigid way of identifying ourselves. You will easily break even if you realize you differ from the sum of the labels you previously put on yourself. You will be in a much more powerful position to question things you believe in and go out of your way to seek peace and clarity. It is an excellent tool for breaking world constructs such as race or religion, which are often deeply rooted in mind and consciousness.
Stages of Ego Death
The death of the ego is different for everyone. This all starts from the triggers of the first stages and later the intense stages before you fully settle into the awakening. The first triggers may differ, but as the experience progresses, the stages become identical.
Here are the stages you will most likely go through:
Stage 1: Spiritual awakening
The ego is deeply rooted in your spiritual being. The first step is your awakening from the ego’s power over you.
Stage 2: Dark night of the soul
In this second stage, you seek to understand things. This is after you accept the awakening that comes with the first stage. This stage is characterized by questioning things that now appear different from what they did before. It can be a confusing stage as many things now start revealing themselves to you.
Stage 3: Exploration and curiosity
In the third stage, you explore more to fill the void in your soul and being. This stage allows you to live in a space of more peace and enlightenment.
Stage 4: Soul growth and enlightenment
This stage allows you to settle in your newly found peace and awakening. Here, you have explored yourself profoundly and now know more about your true self. You will realize that you have already let go of many of your old patterns and habits. This stage has no fighting and battling with your ego, as you already have your new true identity.
How to Achieve Ego Death?
You need to understand some things before you seek to kill your ego. For instance, why do you want to experience it? Understand that a spiritual ego is not something casual. You want to go in entirely understanding why you want to do it and the consequences of taking the path.
Many people intentionally seek ego death. Deliberately seeking it can be dangerous; proceed with caution. Ensure you are ready for it before you dive right in. If you are sure of your intentions, you can take the paths that lead to the death of your ego.
With all this imperatively said and done, you can proceed and trigger an ego death. Here are some of the ways people do it:
- Attending spiritual retreats and workshops that guide you through it;
- Performing specific types of breathing exercises and meditation practices;
- Following the teachings of spiritual teachers rooted in spiritual awakening;
- Entering altered states of consciousness, which may involve meditation, dancing, chanting, and other mystical paths;
- Getting involved in mystical, spiritual traditions that offer pathways to ego death.
What Does the Death of Ego Feel Like?
You might want to know what ego death feels like before you go for it. Your feelings will definitely be intense. It may feel horrific or exciting, or an alternation between the two. People often experience both extremes while undergoing this death.
What Next?
After an ego death comes rebirth. A new you will be born with no barriers that limit your journey and abilities. Such death powerfully awakens the mind making your life change forever.
Ego death is not the end of spiritual awakening but rather a new beginning of deeper purpose and meaning.