Some people think they’re so enlightened. They meditate for hours, post spiritual quotes on social media, and constantly share their latest self-discoveries. But here’s the thing—this spirituality has become more about inflating their ego than about self-improvement. They’re not as “woke” as they think; what they have is a case of spiritual narcissism. It’s time to take a hard look at that holier-than-thou attitude.
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 may talk about spiritual topics to make themselves seem wise and enlightened or to appear more attractive to others.
We all need to take care of ourselves first before we can help anyone else. “Putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others” – the old cliché. But there’s a very fine line between focusing on your own growth and just being totally self-absorbed.
Some people get so wrapped up in meditation and yoga that they lose sight of the people around them. Their friend is struggling with dark thoughts and they don’t even notice. They’ve got rose-colored glasses on and think they’ve got all the answers. But they’re really just feeding their own ego at that point.
8 Signs Someone Might Be A Spiritual Narcissist
You Constantly Judge Others’ Spiritual Journeys
When you are spiritually narcissistic, you tend to judge others who are on a different path than you. You may view your own beliefs and practices as superior, while seeing others as misguided or mistaken. This type of judgment can prevent you from connecting with people in a compassionate and open-hearted way.
You may become critical, dismissive, or condescending toward those whose spiritual journey looks different than your own. You fail to recognize that there are many valid paths and no single right way. Everyone grows and learns at their own pace and in their own way.
You Brag About Your Spiritual Achievements
Bragging about spiritual progress and accomplishments is a sign of spiritual narcissism. When we constantly talk about how many hours we meditated, the spiritual books we read, or the insights we gained in a way that seeks approval and admiration, it comes from a place of ego rather than a true desire to connect with others.
Bragging about spiritual achievements separates us from others instead of uniting us. A spiritually mature person shares their journey humbly and openly, without needing the praise or envy of others to validate their progress.
You Feel Entitled To Special Treatment
Spiritual narcissism often involves a sense of entitlement where you feel you deserve special treatment or privileges not afforded to others. There is an inherent belief that your needs, desires, and priorities should take precedence over everyone else’s. This can manifest in subtle ways like expecting others to accommodate your schedule or cater to your preferences without reciprocating.
You may become impatient, irritated, or offended if people do not give you the time, attention, or resources you think you merit based solely on your spiritual beliefs and practices. We all have moments where our egos get the better of us, but a pervasive sense of entitlement is a sign that spiritual narcissism may be at play and some inner reflection and shadow work could be illuminating.
You Lack Empathy And Compassion
When narcissism enters the spiritual realm, it can manifest as a lack of empathy and compassion for others. Your spiritual journey becomes focused solely on self-fulfillment and ego gratification, while the needs of other people seem unimportant.
You may view others as merely tools to serve your own spiritual growth, rather than fellow beings deserving of care and understanding. You fail to see the spiritual struggles and lessons within each person, viewing them in a shallow and one-dimensional way. Compassion requires recognizing our shared humanity – that we are all imperfect souls doing the best we can. But narcissism blinds you to this truth, separating you from the rest of humanity rather than uniting you through common spiritual longings.
Lack of Humility
One of the hallmarks of spiritual narcissism is a lack of humility. Those suffering from this condition often see themselves as superior to others on a spiritual level. They may view themselves as more “enlightened,” having a deeper connection with God or a higher state of consciousness. This false sense of superiority leads to an inflated ego and a dismissive attitude toward others who are on a different spiritual path.
There is an inability to recognize one’s own faults, limitations, and need for continued growth. A truly spiritual person is humble, recognizing that no one has all the answers and we are all on a journey. Spiritual or religious narcissists, however, lack that humility. They become arrogant in their spiritual beliefs, seeing others as misguided while viewing themselves as having achieved a higher truth.
Inflexibility
Being inflexible and rigid in one’s spiritual views is a hallmark of spiritual narcissism. Those with a narcissistic spiritual streak tend to view their own spiritual beliefs and practices as the only “right” ones, leaving little room for differing perspectives. They become unwilling to consider that others may have valid spiritual insights and truths of their own. This inflexibility causes narcissistic spiritual people to judge and criticize the spiritual views of others, seeing them as inferior or misguided. They can become dogmatic and unwilling to bend even when presented with logical arguments that contradict their position.
Craving Admiration
Spiritual narcissism often begins with an unhealthy craving for admiration and approval from others. Usually, spiritual narcissists seek validation and affirmation through their spiritual practices and beliefs. They may constantly talk about their spiritual insights and experiences, not to genuinely share wisdom, but rather to gain praise and feel important. Any spiritual teachings or practices become a means to an end of garnering admiration and elevating their own sense of self.
They may even twist or distort spiritual truths to make themselves appear more enlightened in the eyes of others. The true spiritual path calls us to look within – yet the narcissist’s ego remains focused outwardly on how others perceive and react to them.
Lack of Boundaries
Spiritual narcissists often struggle with setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships. They can become easily enmeshed with others, not respecting the separate identities and needs of those around them. They may view other people as extensions of themselves rather than as independent individuals with their own wants, desires, and perspectives. This leads to a lack of balance in relationships where the spiritual narcissist’s needs and agenda take precedence over those of others.
They may overshare personal details, make excessive demands on people’s time and attention, and become offended easily when others do not act in accordance with their wishes. Their spiritual or religious beliefs can become all-consuming for themselves and those around them, leaving little room for others to have different priorities or interests.
Ego Is The World’s Enemy
We’ve all had moments where our ego gets the best of us. Even when trying to grow spiritually, it’s easy to make it all about ourselves. But really, spirituality is about connection – connecting to something greater and connecting with each other. Maybe we should pause occasionally to see if what we’re doing is bringing people together or driving us apart. Stay humble, stay open-minded, and keep your heart open. Sometimes, what’s really important is actually pretty simple.
