Spirit Snob
3 Woke Mistakes to Avoid When You're Liberating Your Spiritual Self
From years of dedication to empowering her own spiritual wholeness, Misti shares her views in this essay about avoiding hurtful detours and coming back to your own truth and expansion - again and again.
Embarking on a journey to discover your spiritual self can be an enriching and transformative experience. In a world full of diverse beliefs, practices, and philosophies, the quest for spiritual growth is often marked by trial, error, and exploration. However, amidst the search for enlightenment, many individuals fall prey to common pitfalls that can hinder their progress or even derail their spiritual evolution all together. One such pitfall is the phenomenon of becoming a “spirit snob”—someone who, intentionally or unintentionally, adopts an elitist attitude toward spirituality. This attitude can manifest in many ways, leading to isolation, judgment, and even stagnation on the spiritual path. To avoid this, there are three key mistakes to steer clear of when discovering your spiritual self.
1. Judging Others' Paths as Inferior to Your Own
A frequent mistake many people make when embarking on their spiritual journey is developing an air of superiority over others who are on different paths. It’s natural to feel excited and empowered as you discover new aspects of your spiritual identity, but this can sometimes lead to the unfortunate belief that your chosen path is the “right” or “better” one. Whether it’s practicing a particular form of meditation, following a specific tradition, or adhering to a distinct set of values, the temptation to look down on those who practice differently can creep in.
This mistake is not only harmful to others, but it also limits your own growth. Spirituality is deeply personal, and different people resonate with different practices and philosophies. What works for you may not work for someone else, and that’s okay. By adopting a “spirit snob” mentality, you close yourself off from the richness of diverse perspectives, which can actually be an invaluable part of your own spiritual evolution. True spiritual growth is about embracing humility and recognizing that no one path holds all the answers, but rather, every path offers something unique and valuable.
2. Over-Reliance on External Validation
In today’s interconnected world, social media and the internet have made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others, and spirituality is no exception. Many individuals fall into the trap of seeking external validation for their spiritual practices. Whether it’s through likes, followers, or the approval of a particular spiritual leader, the desire for recognition can become a major distraction. The result is that one might begin to focus more on the appearance of being spiritually advanced rather than on genuine inner growth.
Spirituality, at its core, is a deeply personal experience that thrives on authenticity. Relying on external validation—whether from social media, spiritual communities, or teachers—can lead to a superficial understanding of one’s spiritual self. It encourages the mindset of “performing” spirituality rather than living it. A “spirit snob” often displays a façade of spiritual enlightenment, carefully curated for the approval of others, rather than cultivating a grounded and meaningful practice based on true self-discovery.
To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to remember that true spiritual growth comes from within. Seek validation only from your inner self and the quiet moments of reflection that allow you to connect with your higher consciousness. Inner peace, not external praise, is the measure of genuine spiritual progress.
3. Becoming Attached to Labels and Identity
A third mistake that can arise when discovering your spiritual self is becoming overly attached to labels or identities associated with a particular spiritual practice. It’s easy to latch onto a specific label—such as “yogi,” “meditator,” “shaman,” or “Buddhist”—and use it as a way to define yourself. While these labels can provide a sense of belonging or community, they can also create limitations. When we become too attached to an identity, we risk creating boundaries that restrict our growth, preventing us from expanding beyond the confines of that label.
The truth is that labels are often just that—temporary designations that provide structure and understanding in the moment. They can be useful in some contexts, but they should not become a cage that limits your spiritual freedom. Spirituality, at its highest form, transcends labels and definitions. It is an expansive, ever-evolving journey that is not constrained by human-made categories. The moment we start identifying ourselves too strongly with a particular label, we might fall into the trap of “spiritual snobbery”—feeling that others who don't share that label are somehow lesser or less enlightened.
True spiritual liberation comes when we recognize that our spiritual journey is not about who we are or what label we wear, but about the ongoing process of self-discovery and expansion. Embrace the fluidity of your spiritual path and allow yourself to grow beyond any identity or box.
Conclusion
Discovering your spiritual self is an ongoing process of growth, reflection, and transformation. The so-called “woke movement” has gotten a lot of bad press because of these common pitfalls. The mistakes of judging others, seeking external validation, and becoming attached to labels are all distractions that can stunt spiritual progress and lead to the development of a “spirit snob” mentality. Instead of clinging to superiority or superficial measures of growth, the true path to spiritual enlightenment involves humility, self-awareness, and the ability to remain open to new ideas and experiences. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can cultivate a more authentic, expansive, and compassionate spiritual journey—one that honors not only your own path but the diverse paths of others as well.