The two levels of self-sabotage:
Ego level ——– Soul level
Two types of self-sabotage prevent us from developing new habits and achieving our goals.
Before we take a closer look at the two types of self-sabotage, let’s take a look at what self-sabotage is:
Self-sabotage refers to behaviors or actions that consciously or unconsciously cause us to harm or hinder ourselves. This can occur in various areas of life, such as in relationships, at work or in personal development. It is important to become aware of these patterns and transform them, whether alone or with support.
One type of self-sabotage takes place at the level of the ego. The other type of self-sabotage happens when our new choices are simply not in alignment with who we are at soul level. It is important that we know the difference because these two types of self-sabotage want to be overcome in very different ways.
Self-sabotage at the ego level is rooted in our survival instincts. The oldest part of our brain first interprets everything new as deeply threatening. The ego defends itself against everything that is new and different by playing a few tricks on us. The ego’s favourite tricks include sudden loss of interest, procrastination, distraction and irrational discomfort or even fear.
Ego-level self-sabotage usually hits us when we start to realise a new intention. This is why we stop our new fitness programme after a few training sessions, why we don’t stick to our self-imposed diet after a few days and why we lose ourselves in endless studies when we want to reorient ourselves professionally.
Most spiritual seekers misunderstand egotistical self-sabotage as “something must be wrong with me”, because our cunning ego makes it very difficult for us to take new steps once the initial enthusiasm has faded. All too often we get caught up in a maze of healing and transformational endeavors, all aimed at overcoming a mechanism that is simply hard-wired into all of us because we are human.
Self-sabotage at ego level does not mean that there is anything wrong with us!
Overcoming ego self-sabotage is possible by cultivating even more determination, discipline and perseverance to keep going even when we don’t “feel” like it.
When we experience self-sabotage on an ego level, our feelings will “lie” to us. We won’t feel good, motivated, inspired or positive, and that’s human!
The important thing to remember is that egoic self-sabotage occurs when we start something new, sometimes even when we are just thinking about wanting to start something new.
Self-sabotage at soul level is something completely different. Self-sabotage at the level of the soul happens when we choose a path that is simply not in alignment with our divine nature. Because we are trying to be someone or something that we are NOT.
The symptoms of self-sabotage at the soul level are different than those at the ego level. They do not occur at the beginning of a new path or project.
Understand, our Soul will never stop us from making new choices and taking new action. Our soul is here to experience itself in as many different ways as possible. So even if we make a new choice that is not in alignment with who we really are, our Soul still has the opportunity to experience who it is NOT, which is still better than having the same experiences over and over again.
The Soul loves new actions and new experiences – every new action and new experience. THAT IS WHY WE ARE HERE!
If we feel resistance when we want to reorient ourselves or lose motivation after just a few days, this is not self-sabotage on Soul level. In fact, we cannot tell what is in alignment with our Soul nature and what is not until we make a serious effort to really get to know our true nature.
It is important to realize that we need to become aware of our true self again in order to recognize what is and what is not in alignment with our divine self-expression.
Self-sabotage at Soul level shows up in a lack of positive results.
If we have not taken enough steps to expect new results, then we cannot know whether or not we are aligned with our soul’s divine nature.
Self-sabotage at the soul level feels like we keep running into the same invisible wall. We take massive action – we approach “the wall” from every possible angle: we try to jump over it, dig under it, pole vault over it, smash it, and despite all of this, we can’t seem to get past it. We invest huge amounts of labour and energy and yet we can hardly show any results.
This is the experience of misalignment with who we are on a soul level. Many people run into the same invisible walls their whole lives…
The most important difference in dealing with the two different forms of sabotage:
If you suffer from egoic self-sabotage, the worst thing you can do is to stop, because you are teaching your ego how to stop you. The next time you try to do something new and different, it will be even harder. If you are stuck in egoic self-sabotage, look within yourself for your determination and discipline, and don’t give up, keep going!
On the other hand, if you are experiencing self-sabotage on a soul level, please stop! Put down your perseverance, determination, and discipline, and take a different path. “That wall will not come down”… you need to find a different, new path. You may even need completely new goals.
When you are on a path that is in alignment with your soul’s true nature, you may still encounter egoic self-sabotage. But once you get past the initial phase and consistently take new action, you will no longer struggle with it. Yes, you will still have to make an effort, but that effort will no longer be a struggle.
However, you will have little idea if your new path is in alignment with your soul’s nature until you know WHO YOU REALLY ARE ON SOUL LEVEL. You will not realize what kind of sabotage is holding you trapped unless you have invested a considerable amount of effort to overcome the ego’s aversion to anything new.
My suggestion:
Don’t give up too soon, even if you don’t feel “in tune” right now!
When you set out on a new path, remember that your ego will try to lull you into a sense of security by telling you that you are uncomfortable, disinterested, nervous, or afraid. Your ego will whisper to you that “this is not such a good idea after all”. Don’t listen to your ego. Keep going. On the other side of self-sabotage at the level of the ego, you will either discover alignment with your divinity or you will have the opportunity to correct course.
Recognize the essence of YOUR TRUE BEING so that you can find and walk the path that is right for you.
I will be happy to support you on your path of SELF-KNOWLEDGE and illuminate your SOUL JOURNEY with you.