Beyond Awakening: When the Ego Wears Robes

There’s a tender moment in many spiritual journeys where someone proclaims, “I’m awake. I have no ego.” And I smile—not because they’re wrong, but because I remember feeling that, too.

What I’ve come to understand is this: Awakening isn’t a mountaintop—it’s a spiral staircase. You don’t reach a final room and declare yourself enlightened. You walk deeper, see more subtly, and slowly lose the need to announce anything at all.

The ego doesn’t die. It just changes outfits. Sometimes it shows up loud, defiant, reactive. Other times? It wears light-colored clothing, speaks gently, and quotes spiritual texts while quietly protecting identity, control, or superiority.

I’ve seen my ego try to sneak in the side door: Wanting to be seen as humble. Wanting to be right about being egoless. Wanting to help others awaken… before realizing I still had my own layers left to shed.

Awakening, to me, isn’t about proving we’ve transcended the ego. It’s about becoming so self-aware, so honest, and so soft, that even when the ego whispers, we can smile and say,

“I see you, friend. But you’re not driving today.”

So if you find yourself—or someone you love—believing there’s no ego left, take a breath. That may be true in this moment. Or it may be the next veil asking to be lifted.

Real awakening, I’ve learned, comes with fewer declarations and more devotion. More listening. More laughter. More freedom to say,

“Maybe there’s still more to see.”

And what a gift that is.

—If you're navigating this spiral and want to walk alongside others who are honest about the process—flashes of light and shadow alike—you’re welcome here. Let’s keep unfolding, together. www.oversoulecho.com