At Concrete Shamanism, our primary focus is on becoming better shamans and spiritual teachers. A healthy path of growth and development means learning from our mistakes, ideally under the guidance of mentors or elders who help us navigate challenges. For many American shamans, who may not have had access to traditional elders, the journey has presented its own unique “ego traps.” These traps serve an essential purpose—they help contain our egos so that we don’t carry them into the sacred spaces where true healing occurs.
A shaman’s or spiritual teacher’s effectiveness is often shaped by their past failures and missteps. We should not place the burden of perfection on our shamans or expect them to embody the titles of “Great Spiritual Teacher” or “Powerful Shaman” from the outset. When we elevate our teachers too soon, we risk idolizing them and attributing to them qualities they may not yet possess. This pedestal we create inevitably leads to disappointment when they fail to meet our inflated expectations.
In those moments of disillusionment, it’s easy to fixate on their flaws—their humanness becomes magnified, overshadowing the wisdom they are trying to share. But what we are truly seeing is a reflection of our own grandiosity. Their imperfections are mirrors, revealing the unrealistic expectations we have placed on them, and in turn, exposing the grandiosity within ourselves.
When we’re blind to our own flaws or character defects, we often project them onto others, resisting those who are genuinely trying to help us heal. Their goal isn’t to show us where we are wrong, but to guide us toward healing. However, if we cling to always being right, we risk developing neuroses and unhealthy personality traits. We become perpetual rebels, unable to break free from past traumas, and may even accuse others of the very behaviors we refuse to see in ourselves. Untangling this can feel as complex as unraveling a long, knotted fishing line—challenging, but essential for true healing.
Elite Grandiosity: Knowing Everything, Knowing Nothing
Grandiosity, often described as an exaggerated sense of one’s importance or abilities, can be a dangerous trait, especially when it manifests as a belief that one knows what is best for others. This is a condition not limited to the wealthy and powerful, but it exists across social and economic classes, manifesting in different ways. Let’s introduce the concept of Elite Grandiosity, which can arise in anyone—regardless of their wealth, education, or social standing—when they believe they hold the ultimate truth about how others should live.
The term elite typically refers to a select group of people who hold a superior status in society, often due to wealth, power, education, or influence. These individuals or groups are viewed as having a level of privilege and authority that sets them apart from the general population.
Grandiosity refers to an inflated sense of one’s own importance, abilities, or status. It involves an exaggerated self-view that goes beyond confidence and crosses into arrogance or delusion, often disregarding reality or the perspectives of others.
Combining these concepts, Elite Grandiosity can be defined as a mindset in which individuals—regardless of their social standing—believe they possess superior insight or authority to dictate how others should live or think. It stems from a narrow, often self-serving perspective that assumes one’s personal experiences or status entitles them to impose their views on others, while disregarding differing perspectives or circumstances.
Two Recognizable Faces of Elite Grandiosity
- The Elite Grandiosity of the Rich and Powerful
In many cases, those with wealth or power can develop an inflated sense of self, believing that their success entitles them to determine the best course for others. This stems from a limited perspective shaped by privilege, where the successful may fail to recognize the variety of life experiences and challenges faced by others. They can come to believe that their way is the right way, and that they are not only better, but responsible for guiding or fixing others. This mentality, while rooted in a sense of responsibility, often overlooks the nuances and complexity of human life, reducing diverse experiences to simple formulas of success or failure.
In the words of don Miguel Ruiz, being “impeccable with your word” and “not making assumptions” are essential agreements for living in harmony【17†source】. Yet, those with elite grandiosity often do the opposite. They impose their assumptions and words as mandates, believing their success grants them special insight into all areas of life.
- The Elite Grandiosity of the Poor and Powerless
On the other hand, those from disadvantaged backgrounds can also fall into the trap of Elite Grandiosity, but in a different form. It can manifest as a rigid insistence that life has dealt them a bad hand, or that those at the top have achieved success through deception and unfair means. While societal injustices undoubtedly exist, this form of grandiosity refuses to entertain the possibility that personal choices or beliefs may play a role in one’s circumstances.
By adopting the belief that external forces are solely responsible for their plight, individuals may cling to a sense of victimhood that can be just as toxic as the arrogance of the wealthy. In doing so, they avoid the self-examination necessary for growth. Instead of challenging themselves to change or adapt, they become fixated on external blame, rejecting the idea that they might have been wrong in their approach or understanding of life.
Grandiosity and the Need to Be Right
Grandiosity often arises from the need to be right. Whether rich or poor, powerful or powerless, the fixation on being correct can become a mental prison. We define ourselves by our success, failures, or even health diagnoses, as if they are the totality of our being. In his Seth Speaks, Jane Roberts channels the message that “you create the world that you know,” emphasizing personal responsibility over external blame【16†source】. Yet, elite grandiosity shields people from this truth, as they cling to their narratives—whether of superiority or victimhood.
In many cases, people define their entire existence through mental or physical health diagnoses, clinging to their labels as if they are definitive, unchanging truths about their identity. This need to be right can further trap individuals in their beliefs, closing off the possibility for healing and growth.
When we share our personal experiences in the hope of helping others, it’s crucial to remember that what worked for us may not necessarily work for everyone else. Each individual has their own unique path, shaped by different circumstances, perspectives, and needs. While sharing our journey can provide valuable insights, the most effective way to inspire others is by doing the inner work ourselves and being a living example of how it transformed our lives. Rather than imposing our solutions on others, we advocate for them to explore their own process, offering our experience as a possible guide, not a one-size-fits-all solution. This approach respects the individuality of others while encouraging personal growth and empowerment.
Elite Grandiosity In Shamans
A shaman without proper training can easily fall into the trap of Elite Grandiosity, a mindset that distorts their purpose and disconnects them from the humility essential for true healing work. This grandiosity manifests when a shaman begins to believe that their spiritual gifts or insights make them superior, or that they alone possess the answers others seek. Without the guidance of experienced mentors or elders, an untrained shaman may inflate their sense of importance, believing that their connection to the spiritual realm grants them absolute authority over others’ healing journeys.
This kind of grandiosity leads to a dangerous dynamic where the shaman views themselves as an infallible healer, ignoring the individual complexities of those they aim to help. They may impose their beliefs or practices, assuming their way is the only way, rather than encouraging the people they work with to find their own path to healing. This rigid approach can not only hinder the healing process but also create a sense of dependency or even harm, as the shaman overlooks the importance of collaboration, humility, and continuous learning.
Additionally, without proper training, a shaman might mistake their personal power or spiritual experiences as validation of their superiority, rather than as tools to be used in service of others. This can foster a savior complex, where they see themselves as the sole catalyst for healing, dismissing the inner power and wisdom that each individual holds. Elite Grandiosity, in this case, becomes a barrier to authentic spiritual connection, as the shaman becomes more concerned with their own image and status than with the true essence of shamanic work—humility, service, and the facilitation of self-empowerment in others.
In the absence of proper training, this grandiosity can cloud judgment, leading the shaman to prioritize ego over the well-being of the community they serve. It is a dangerous path that separates the shaman from the fundamental principles of spiritual practice: humility, respect for the unknown, and the recognition that they are simply a conduit for the divine forces at play, not the source of healing itself.
Elite Grandiosity In Spiritual Teachers
Spiritual teachers, like shamans, can fall into the trap of Elite Grandiosity, but it often takes a different form, especially for those who become more focused on fame and acclaim rather than the inner work necessary for authentic spiritual growth. When a spiritual teacher becomes preoccupied with their public image, reputation, or the admiration of their followers, they risk losing touch with the core of their spiritual practice. Instead of being a guide who fosters personal transformation in others, they may begin to view themselves as the embodiment of wisdom, positioning themselves above the very teachings they are meant to impart.
This type of grandiosity manifests when the teacher prioritizes external validation over internal reflection. They may become consumed with gaining more followers, increasing their visibility, or enhancing their social status, seeing their popularity as proof of their spiritual prowess. In this pursuit, they may start to neglect their own inner work, assuming that their success means they have already achieved spiritual mastery. This leads to stagnation, as they become disconnected from the humility and self-awareness that are the foundation of true spiritual development.
Over time, a spiritual teacher focused on fame may develop a persona that is more about performance than genuine teaching. They may cater to what their audience wants to hear, delivering messages that please or inspire, but that lack depth or substance. The desire to maintain their status can push them to create an aura of infallibility, making it difficult for them to admit mistakes or show vulnerability. As their need for external approval grows, they may distance themselves from authentic spiritual exploration, relying instead on charisma or superficial wisdom to maintain their influence.
If unchecked, this grandiosity can lead to significant personal and professional consequences. The teacher may start to believe their own hype, losing the ability to self-reflect or critically assess their actions. This can foster an environment of blind loyalty among followers, where questioning or challenging the teacher is discouraged, further inflating the teacher’s sense of superiority. Eventually, the disconnection from genuine spiritual practice can result in ethical lapses, manipulative behavior, or even harm to the very people they are supposed to help.
Ultimately, a spiritual teacher who succumbs to grandiosity risks becoming a hollow figure, celebrated more for their persona than for the substance of their teachings. The focus on fame and acclaim can erode the integrity of their message, leaving them isolated from their own spiritual growth and disconnected from the deeper wisdom they once sought to embody. Without the inner work that sustains humility and growth, the spiritual teacher’s grandiosity becomes a barrier to both their own evolution and the true enlightenment of their followers.
Strategies to Combat Grandiosity
- Daily Ritual of Being Wrong
A powerful antidote to grandiosity is practicing humility through the acknowledgment of being wrong. Engaging in a daily ritual of consciously choosing something to be wrong about can help keep grandiosity in check. This practice fosters openness, allowing us to see other perspectives and embrace change. - Cross-Class Engagement
To dissolve the rigid beliefs that contribute to Elite Grandiosity, it’s essential to make acquaintances with people from different social classes and engage with new ideas. Volunteering in areas outside one’s comfort zone or spending time in environments different from our own can challenge preconceived notions and open up new ways of thinking. - Challenging Fear
Another key to staving off grandiosity is to regularly engage in activities that challenge fears. Whether it’s taking on a new skill, learning about something uncomfortable, or stepping out of habitual behaviors, facing fears helps break down the rigidity of thinking that fuels grandiosity.
Beyond Elite Grandiosity
The journey toward spiritual growth and healing requires deep inner work and a conscious effort to avoid the trap of grandiosity. Whether rich or poor, powerful or powerless, we can all fall into Elite Grandiosity—the belief that our way is the best or only way. The wealthy and powerful may think they have all the answers, while the disadvantaged might cling to victimhood, blaming external forces without examining their own choices. Both forms of grandiosity keep us trapped in limited thinking, hindering personal growth.
True transformation begins when we embrace humility, recognizing that what worked for us may not work for others. Instead of imposing our methods, we can serve as living examples, allowing others to find their own paths to healing. By acknowledging our own mistakes and resisting the urge to always be right, we dismantle the ego and create space for real growth. Learning from others, volunteering, and doing things that challenge our fears help keep grandiosity in check, fostering balance and self-awareness.
Ultimately, the key to avoiding grandiosity is humility and an openness to learning—from ourselves and others. By being willing to be wrong, we open ourselves up to deeper insights and lasting healing.
