Understanding The Higher Self

In modern spirituality and metaphysics, the concept of the “higher self” is generally considered a cornerstone of spiritual awareness and conscious living.

The idea that we have a “higher self” is found in many spiritual and mystical traditions, although it may be called by different names and understood in different ways.

Despite these differences, the underlying idea is that there is a higher, more enlightened aspect of our being that we can connect with and embody.

Often mentioned in discussions of intuition, mindfulness, enlightenment, and the search for deeper meaning, the higher self is seen as a guiding force or eternal soure of wisdom that transcends our everyday consciousness.

Yet despite the common use of this term in modern spiritual communities and teachings, there remains a great deal of confusion and variation in how the higher self is understood and interpreted. There are many different opinions and beliefs. Some see it as our inner connection to the divine or universal consciousness. Others see it as the true spiritual essence, free from the limitations of the human ego. And some simply see it as an alternative term for our eternal spirit or soul identity.

In my experience, most of the confusion and misunderstanding arises because the higher self is mistakenly seen as a distinct and separate entity from the soul or spirit. From this perspective, the higher self is seen as entirely separate from our soul, representing our connection to something greater than ourselves, to the divine or universal consciousness.

The key to the universe lies dormant within the self, waiting to awaken through self-discovery ~ Taejoon Lee

I have always found this approach to be somewhat illogical, counterintuitive, and very confusing. With so many similarities between the two concepts, it is hard to imagine that the higher self and the soul exist separately from each other?

So, I asked Spirit to clarify everything for me. I then learned in my meditations that my gut feelings were correct: the higher self is not a separate and individual entity, but an aspect, a facet, an extension of our soul. Our soul is the vast, all-encompassing spiritual essence of who we really are, our consciousness, our eternal existence. It carries all of our experiences, memories, and learnings across lifetimes.

The higher self, on the other hand, is the highest expression of the soul that guides us to our purpose in this particular incarnation. I like to think of it as the wise, guiding “inner voice” or “inner compass” of our soul that connects us to the divine and universal consciousness.

Spirit has also shown me that the soul is a spectrum of consciousness, with the lower end being our personality and the higher end being our higher self. I also like to think of them as two sides of the same coin. The soul is our unique essence, while the higher self is the expression of that essence in its most evolved and aspirational form.

Key Elements Of The Higher Self

While our conscious mind navigates the tangible world, our higher self resides in the subconscious, spiritual, invisible realms. It’s the source of our deepest wisdom, our most profound insights, and our purest intentions.

The key elements that define the higher self are:

Spiritual Essence: The higher self is the purest and most authentic part of a person, representing our true spiritual nature. Uncorrupted by ego, fear, and worldly concerns, it embodies wisdom, love, and spiritual truth. It is the authentic “spokesperson” of our eternal soul.

Divine Connection: The higher self is our direct connection to the Divine or Universal Consciousness. It is the part of us that is one with the source of all creation, described as God, Source, Spirit, Brahman, Great Spirit, the Divine, and so on.

Inner Guidance: The higher self provides us with inner guidance and wisdom from the divine and universal consciousness, often through intuition, dreams, or moments of clarity, inspiration or insight. It is the reliable inner voice of our soul that knows what is best for our spiritual growth and overall well-being.

Ego Transcendence: Unlike the human ego, which is concerned with physical identity, self-preservation, and material success, the higher self transcends these limitations. It is selfless, compassionate, and aligned with higher truths and universal laws.

Multidimensional Existence: The higher self is also associated with the idea of multidimensional existence, suggesting that our true soul essence operates on different levels or planes of existence beyond the physical realm. These include spiritual dimensions and higher levels of consciousness, as well as parallel dimensions. In this context, the higher self is essentially that part of our broader spirit or soul identity that operates in this lifetime or reality, while the rest of our soul or spirit exists or expresses itself elsewhere.

Therefore, it is possible that just as we use only a small fraction of our brain’s potential, we also connect with only a tiny part of our inner spiritual selves. Modern scientific theories such as string theory and the concept of the multiverse propose the existence of additional dimensions and multiple universes, suggesting that our higher self may well be a complex and expansive aspect of our soul being that operates in different realms of existence, guiding us and influencing our experiences in ways we may not always recognize.

The “Master” in the Sanctuary of our souls is the “Higher Self” – the divine spirit whose consciousness is based upon and derived solely from the Mind ~ Helena Blavatsky

Mystical Origins Of The Higher Self

The concept of the “higher self” has deep roots in various esoteric, mystical, and spiritual traditions across cultures and time periods. The term “higher self” itself may be more recent, but the core idea reaches back through centuries of spiritual exploration. Looking at the origins and interpretations from various spiritual traditions has helped me to understand the concept with greater clarity and depth:

Indigenous and Shamanic Traditions: Many indigenous and shamanic traditions believe that all beings, including humans, possess at least two souls. One is the fixed soul, which is tied to the physical body and governs its essential functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood circulation, digestion, reproduction, and other bodily functions. The other is the free soul, or spirit, which experiences emotions and can leave the body during dreams or shamanic soul-flights. Traditional shamanic practices, such as journeying (also known as starwalking or skywalking), and soul healing and retrieval rituals, involve this ‘higher’ soul. The Evenki people, an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in Siberia, Russia from whose language the term “shaman” originates, believed that humans have up to seven souls, each with its unique function.

Egyptian Mysticism: The ancient Egyptians also did not think of the soul as a single entity, but rather as a combination of parts. The concepts of Ba and Ka are two of these crucial soul components. Ka was considered the vital essence or life force that animates a living being and resides in the body to the extent that it requires nourishment even after death. For this reason, the Egyptians placed food offerings in tombs to nourish the Ka in the afterlife. Ba, often translated as “soul,” represented an individual’s personality, identity, and consciousness. Often depicted as a human-headed bird that could fly freely, the Ba has the ability to travel between the physical world, the afterlife, and the deceased body. The Ba was believed to leave the body during sleep or trance states and return upon awakening. After death, the Ba reunites with the Ka in the afterlife for a complete and harmonious existence.

Hinduism: Hindus, especially in the Vedantic tradition, believes in the concept of Atman, which is considered the true self or soul. The Atman is eternal, beyond the physical body, and identical to Brahman, the ultimate reality or world soul. Realization of the Atman is considered a key goal in achieving moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddhism: Buddhism speaks of the concept of anatta, or non-self, which is distinct from the notion of a permanent higher self. However, in certain Buddhist traditions, such as Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhism, there are ideas of a higher state of consciousness, or Buddha-nature, inherent in all beings. This state transcends ordinary perception and is akin to the realization of one’s highest potential.

Neoplatonism: This philosophical school, which flourished around the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, proposed a hierarchy of reality with the unmanifest divine source at the top and the human soul emanating from it. This spark of the divine within us can be seen as an early version of the higher self.

Medieval Christianity: Thinkers such as Meister Eckhart and John of the Cross spoke of the “ground of the soul” or the “spark of the divine” within humans, which is consistent with the concept of the higher self. The “ground of the soul” represents the essential core of the individual’s being, where spiritual transformation takes place through divine grace and the soul’s surrender to God’s will.

Hermeticism: Hermeticism, rooted in the teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, emphasizes the principle of “as above, so below,” suggesting that the higher self reflects divine reality. The higher self in Hermeticism is associated with true will and the realization of one’s divine nature.

Gnosticism: In Gnostic traditions, the higher self is the divine spark trapped in the material world. Gnosticism teaches that through gnosis, or direct knowledge of the divine, one can transcend the material plane and reunite with the higher, divine reality.

Theosophy: Theosophy, as taught by Helena Blavatsky and others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, presents a complex view of the self, including physical, astral, mental, and spiritual aspects. The higher self, or divine self, is the immortal aspect of an individual that evolves over many lifetimes toward higher consciousness and unity with the divine.

Christian Mysticism: Christian mystics view the higher self as the Christ within, or Christ consciousness. It is the divine presence or essence that resides within each person, waiting to be awakened and realized. This awakening is seen as a process of inner transformation and spiritual rebirth.

Sufism: In Sufism, the higher self is referred to as the Ruh or spirit, which is a direct emanation of God. The Sufi’s journey involves purifying the self in order to reunite with the divine source, through practices such as dhikr (remembrance of God), meditation, and self-discipline.

Can my true and higher self be subconsciously plotting the glory of my life’s road without my knowing? ~ Helen Edwards

The Higher Self In Daily Life

Rergardless of your personal understanding of the concept or chosen belief system, engaging with the higher self is essential for spiritual development, personal growth, and the realization of one’s true potential. It is essentially the “soul self” that acts as a guide and interpreter for the “human self,” channeling the guidance of the divine and the cosmic wisdom of the universe.

When we properly tap into this largest, wisest part of ourselves, amazing things can happen. On a daily basis, we can receive flashes of inspiration, creative outbursts, lucid dreams, and a clear knowing when something is going to happen. What we call “coincidence” and “déjà vu” is our higher self at work. These moments remind us that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, not the other way around. We are all capable of harnessing this powerful and dynamic wisdom within.

Our higher self is unwaveringly positive. It always wants the best possible outcome for our highest good. With this in mind, be aware of how you project throughout the day and even while you sleep. Be kind to others, for the higher self is kind and compassionate. Practice mindfulness, breathe deeply, and make sure you are nourishing your body in a healthy way. Getting the right amount of sleep and being smart about what the people and media you expose yourself to is also crucial. Your higher self, as the name implies, is the best part of you. Wouldn’t you want to take the best care of it?

Our higher self is also the opposite of the part of us that seeks short-term gratification and gives in to temptation. When faced with a difficult situation, take a moment to listen to your higher self. Ask yourself: Will this be beneficial in the long run? Will it help or hinder me in the end? The answers will often surprise you if you listen carefully. The higher self communicates through a subtle inner voice or gut feeling that speaks with clarity and wisdom. If you listen to it, you will find that it knows what it wants and what’s best for you.

Connecting with your higher self is a journey, not a destination. It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery, growth and transformation. As you deepen your connection, you’ll find that life becomes more meaningful, fulfilling, and aligned with your true purpose. Remember, your higher selfis always there, waiting to guide you to your highest potential. By embracing this connection, you can unlock the limitless possibilities within you and live a life of profound spiritual richness.