When you’re on a spiritual journey, it’s not always easy to feel a connection with your true self. When you strip away all the preconceived notions, biases, assumptions, and ego, what you’re left with is considered the best version of yourself — your higher self.
But, what is the higher self in terms of your spiritual journey? And how do you become more aware and connected to it? Let’s find out.
What Is The Higher Self?
Also called “Purusha” in Sanskrit or the “transcendental self”, the higher self is believed to be the most authentic and sincerest version of yourself — one that is innately creative, loving, and pure.
Many religions, both Eastern and Western such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, have mentions of a higher self. Although it is termed differently, the belief surrounding it remains similar.
Hindus, for example, refer to the higher self as the atman or the eternal soul, which is separate from the physical self, is immortal, and is the one that perceives and witnesses life. On the other hand, Christians consider the higher self as a part of one’s individuality that always seeks the good and wants to be good.
In yoga philosophy, the higher self is a state of consciousness that you can access through introspection and meditation. These two methods advocate for holistic reception and better self-awareness so you can open up to your higher self and become a better individual in all aspects.
It is believed that the opposite of your higher self is your ego. The ego is another part of your deeper self, but it is more self-absorbed and attached to earthly, physical needs and desires. This is why it is also referred to as your lower self. It is usually the ego that blocks and restricts a connection with your higher self.
8 Ways to Connect with Your Higher Self
Finding your higher self is a unique and personal experience for everyone. What works for one may not work for another. But, there are a few effective ways that can help you connect to your true self.
#1. Build Your Own Space
Create a space for yourself where you feel at peace. You can incorporate anything that can add to that feeling, like incense, pillows, crystals, candles, your journal, and any physical object that can allow your energy to flow and your mind to be calm.
#2. Breathe In The Positive and Exhale the Negative
Be more conscious of every breath that you take in. Take deep breaths intended to clean your mind, heart, and body. Inhale everything that makes you feel good, loved, and valued. Breathe in your dreams and hopes.
When you exhale, let go of any thoughts and feelings that drag you down. You can only have room for better insights and feelings when you learn to let go.
#3. Give Yourself A Break
Most of the time, the person who thinks the worst of you is yourself. Learn to accept flaws as part of your character and take them as opportunities you can turn into strengths. Remember to be gentle, kind, and forgiving to yourself.
Allow the positive energy of the universe to guide you so you can deal with all the anger, doubt, and frustrations in the best way possible. Let yourself heal and recover before taking on another battle.
#4. Always Celebrate Your Victories
No matter how small or big your wins are, it’s important that you remember these moments and celebrate them. Not everyone can achieve these milestones. You can even write these victories down in your journal, including the story behind them, to keep reminding yourself of how you overcame hurdles.
#5. Meditate
To reach out to your higher self, you need your mind to be quiet, calm, and still. Meditation is a powerful tool that can help enhance your self-awareness and make you more attuned not only to your surroundings but also to your emotions and thoughts.
#6. Make Intuitive Writing A Habit
Journaling can provide new perspectives on experiences, thoughts, and feelings that you once took for granted. When you put your thoughts and feelings into words, they somehow become more tangible and easier to understand. You can try free-form journaling to really let your thoughts flow without editing them.
#7. Re-Connect with Yourself
Go on a date with yourself and do the things you enjoy. Sit in the park and watch people come and go, get your favorite cup of coffee and read a book, or just put on your favorite music and watch the world pass you by. Use this “me time” to reflect on the recent happenings in your life. Check-in with your feelings; it will help you understand how you can take the best steps to connect with your higher self.
#8. Form A Supportive Community/Family
When we feel stuck, a third-person perspective can often be the very thing we need. Surround yourself with supportive, inspiring, like-minded individuals who will encourage and uplift you. They may also notice things you may never have thought of.
Why You Should Connect with Your Higher Self
Connecting with your higher self can offer many positive benefits. It gives you a better sense of yourself and provides you with more control over how to react to your life situations.
#1. Helps Manage Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can be crippling. When you fully connect with your higher self, you will be able to transcend the negative feelings and manage your triggers effectively to keep you more balanced.
#2. Greater Patience
With a connection to your inner self, you’ll find yourself breathing more easily and trusting the universe that things happen at the proper time — and not a moment sooner.
#3. A Better, More Positive Outlook
With a better understanding of yourself, your overall outlook on life will become significantly more positive and brighter. Little things that are not within your control won’t fluster you anymore; instead, you will turn all bumps and hiccups into learning events.
#4. A Genuine Love for Yourself
As cliché as it may be, you can only love others when you love yourself. You need to have love to give it away. And cultivating self-love is not an easy feat, but a connection with your higher self can make it easier for you.
#5. A Heart Full of Gratitude
Connecting with your true self will help remind you of all the things you have to be grateful for. It will not only impact your self-worth but how you value others.