We’ve all encountered them—the self-proclaimed spiritual gurus who meditate for hours, post daily affirmations on Instagram, and drop wisdom like they’re the Dalai Lama’s protégé. But their so-called enlightenment often feels less about genuine growth and more about feeding their ego. They’re not as “woke” as they think; they’re just spiritually narcissistic. And it’s time to call it out.
What Is Spiritual Narcissism?
Spiritual narcissism is a term used to describe people who appear spiritual and self-aware on the outside but are actually using spirituality as a way to feed their own ego and sense of superiority. They might talk a big game about self-awareness, mindfulness, and inner peace, but underneath it all, they’re just chasing validation and admiration. They’ve turned spirituality into a performance art—one where they’re the star, and everyone else is just an audience member.
We’ve all heard the airplane oxygen mask analogy: you have to take care of yourself before you can help others. But there’s a difference between self-care and self-absorption. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in yoga poses, affirmations, and perfectly curated #Blessed posts that you forget to actually look up and notice the people around you. A friend might be quietly struggling, but instead of offering support, you’re too busy preaching about how to “manifest” an ex back. That’s not enlightenment—it’s ego dressed up in spiritual clothing.
8 Signs Someone Might Be A Spiritual Narcissist
They Constantly Judge Others’ Spiritual Journeys
Spiritual narcissists tend to treat their path as “the” path. If your beliefs or practices don’t line up with theirs, they’re quick to judge, dismiss, or talk down to you. What they forget is that spirituality is deeply personal—there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for growth or meaning. When they lead with judgment instead of curiosity, they end up creating walls where there could have been genuine connection.
They Brag About Your Spiritual Achievements
“ I meditated for three hours today.” “I just wrapped up my 10th spiritual retreat this year.” Sound familiar? Spiritual narcissists love to showcase their accomplishments—not to inspire, but to impress. But real spirituality isn’t about keeping score. It’s about growth, humility, and genuine connection. Sometimes the person who takes a quiet walk in the forest every day or sits by the lake simply thinking, is more spiritually grounded than someone chasing the next pricey course or podcast. After all, the most meaningful practices are often the simplest…and usually free.
They Feel Entitled To Special Treatment
Ever met someone who expects the whole world to adjust around their “spiritual routine”? Spiritual narcissists often carry this sense of entitlement—whether it’s insisting everyone tiptoe around their meditation time or waiting for applause after every so-called enlightened choice. But here’s the thing: spirituality isn’t a free pass to be self-centered.
They Lack Empathy And Compassion
For all their talk about “love and light,” spiritual narcissists often fall short when it comes to genuine empathy. They get so wrapped up in their own growth that they miss the struggles happening right in front of them. But compassion isn’t just a pretty word—it’s about recognizing our shared humanity and actually showing up for each other. And honestly? I sometimes wonder how many of those “self-love” or “love” affirmations they post about they’ve ever truly practiced themselves. My guess: not many.
They Lack Humility
True spirituality comes with humility—the awareness that we’re all works in progress. Spiritual narcissists, though, tend to see themselves as somehow “above” everyone else. They act like they’ve unlocked a higher level of consciousness, and trust me, they’ll make sure you know it. But here’s the spoiler: enlightenment isn’t a competition. And no, you don’t become spiritually awakened just because you signed up for a two-week course with a price tag.
They’re Inflexible In Their Beliefs
Spiritual narcissists often have a “my way or the highway” attitude, convinced that their beliefs and practices are the only path to enlightenment. They see their perspective as the ultimate truth and dismiss or even belittle anyone who thinks differently, refusing to entertain alternative viewpoints. This rigidity not only stifles their own growth by closing them off to new ideas and experiences, but it also alienates those around them, creating an environment of judgment rather than understanding.
They Crave Admiration
For spiritual narcissists, spirituality is less about inner peace and more about external validation. They twist spiritual teachings to make themselves look good, constantly seeking praise and admiration. It’s not about sharing wisdom—it’s about feeding their ego.
They might use mindfulness as a way to appear calm and collected, but underneath, they’re more concerned with how others perceive them than with genuine self-growth. Their spirituality becomes a performance, a carefully curated image designed to earn likes, compliments, and a sense of superiority, rather than a journey toward true understanding and connection.
Lack of Boundaries
And finally, they often have a rocky relationship with boundaries. They overshare, overstep, and expect everyone else to bend around their needs—rarely stopping to think about how it affects the people around them. Instead of seeing others as individuals with their own lives and priorities, they treat relationships like props in their personal spiritual storyline. The result? People end up feeling drained, overlooked, or downright unimportant, while the narcissist stays locked on their own agenda.
The Bigger Picture: Ego Is the Enemy
We’ve all had moments where our ego takes the wheel, even on our spiritual journeys. But true spirituality isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being authentic. It’s about connection—to something greater than ourselves and to the people around us.
The next time you’re tempted to post that #SpiritualAwakening selfie or judge someone else’s path, ask yourself: Is this bringing people together, or is it just feeding my ego? Stay humble, stay open-minded, and remember…spirituality isn’t a performance. It’s a practice.
