Ayahuasca Ego death: Reset your current identity and build a new foundation
Ego death is a theme that can come up in an Ayahuasca ceremony, many people even actively want to encounter this. But why is there such a strong fascination and allure around this topic. In this blog, we’ll explore the essence of ego death, its implications post-experience, the potential benefits, and yes, the inherent risks. This profound journey has been described as both enlightening and challenging, and it’s essential to understand more about this if you are going into an Ayahuasca ceremony with this intention or if you experienced it yourself and are trying to make sense of the experience. Key takeaways: Your ego is your current identity and it can cause a lot of suffering in your life Experiencing Ego death can serve as a reset It can be a confusing experience and start moving a lot of energy within. Which is challenging but also necessary to build a new foundation for the new you. Be very mindful after your ego death, your ego will reform and at the time after the ceremony you can influence and shape it tremendously. Table of Contents What is the ego? The concept of the ego, much like other philosophical and psychological terms, doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all definition. Depending on whom you ask, interpretations and beliefs about the ego can vary significantly. However, two notable figures, Dr. David Hawkins and Eckhart Tolle, provide insightful takes on the subject that resonate with many. Dr. David Hawkins presents the ego as the embodiment of our lower self. In his perspective, the ego is fundamentally about survival, operating from a place of self-preservation and often clashing with our higher self. A deep dive into his teachings, as outlined in sources like [this], reveals that the more anchored we are in lower states of consciousness, the tighter the ego’s grasp on our psyche. It’s as if the ego thrives and exerts more control when our consciousness remains in a more primal or basic state. Eckhart Tolle, another luminary in the realm of self-awareness, has a distinct portrayal of the ego. According to him, the “ego” represents a part of your mind that constantly comments, doubts, and speculates on everything around it. Driven by an underlying fear of being nothing, the ego aims to neglect this fear by identifying with material, thought, and emotional elements. This results in the construction of what we commonly perceive as our “self.” [Source]. Taking a step back and summarizing the insights from both these thought leaders, one can come to the conclusion that the ego is essentially our constructed identity. It encompasses everything from our name, occupation, achievements, to our deeply held beliefs, pride, shame, and guilt. In essence, our self-image and how we perceive our place in the world is governed by the ego. While certain facets of this identity might serve us well, acting as motivators or protective measures, others could be detrimental, not just for our individual well-being but also for our relationships and interactions with others. Some aspects of our ego might empower us and lead to growth, while others might limit us, shape negative patterns and behaviors. Why people want to experience Ayahuasca Ego death: An Escape from Self-Made Traps We are the creator of our problems and our suffering. And many times it can seam like we are standing in our own way. Consider those moments just before you’re on the brink of significant progress in life. That could be in relationships, career, personal growth, or any venture. Just when you’re about to get to the next level, a familiar self-sabotaging trait kicks in. These are not mere accidents but patterns deeply ingrained in our psyche. The worst part? They keep on happening over and over again. We recognize our tendencies to revert to harmful coping mechanisms, even when we understand their damaging consequences. Our interactions with others, particularly those closest to us, are another arena where our ego’s impulses often play out destructively. A flash of anger, a hurtful comment, or an impulsive action can wound relationships, sometimes irreparably. Witnessing the pain and distress we inflict on loved ones can be agonizing, deepening the chasm of guilt and regret within us. The accumulated weight of these patterns, regrets, and the cycle of pain can be unbearable. It feels like carrying a heavy backpack of negativity that we desperately wish to shed. No matter how hard we try to “let go” or “move on,” these burdens have a sneaky way of making a comeback, often with renewed intensity. Given this backdrop, it’s no wonder that many are drawn to the promise of ego death. The idea of dissolving these layers of self-inflicted barriers, even momentarily, is immensely appealing. Psychedelics, and Ayahuasca in particular, have gained a reputation of helping to break down the ego, to experience an ego death. This can reset, cleanse, and start afresh without the baggage that has held them back for so long. If you are interested in experiencing Ayahuasca, you can find out more about our retreats on this part of our website: Ayahuasca Retreat Colombia Must read Blog: Ayahuasca healing – healing vs improvement What happens after Ego death The experience of ego death can be profound and life-altering. But it’s essential to understand that it’s not a permanent state of being. Imagine ego death as a system reboot for your psyche. Once the system is back up, the software (in this case, the ego) begins to reinstall. And just like the old software, it comes with its preferences, biases, and familiar patterns. While the ego’s primary function has always been survival, it does this by creating an identity rooted in familiar territory. This territory comprises experiences, behaviors, patterns, and belief systems accumulated over a lifetime. It’s like a well-trodden path. Even if this path is riddled with pitfalls and obstacles, it’s still known, and to the ego, familiarity equals safety. Therefore, the post-ego-death phase can witness the ego attempting to revert to its old self, driven by
