The Conscious Life: Returning to Our Higher Self

Holly Webber
May 9
3 min read

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” – Carl Jung

In a world that constantly pushes us to fit in, conform, and perform, there is something profoundly radical about living with dignity and authenticity. These aren’t just modern self-help buzzwords—they are ancient truths echoed in spiritual texts, Indigenous traditions, and esoteric teachings across time.

To live a conscious life is to remember who we truly are. It’s the journey of taking off the mask and returning to our Higher Self, the part of us that is connected, aware, and whole.

Dignity: The Sacred Worth Within

Dignity is the quiet power of knowing your intrinsic value—not because of what you do, but because of who you are. In the Christian tradition, we are told that humans are “made in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:27), affirming that each person carries divine worth.

Similarly, in Buddhism, there is the belief in Buddha-nature—that each being already possesses the awakened essence within them. There is no need to earn dignity. It is a birthright.

African and Indigenous cultures often speak of the sacredness of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. The concept of Ubuntu, a Southern African philosophy, says: “I am because we are.” Dignity arises not only from the self but from our collective humanity and respect for the Earth.

Taking Off the Mask: The Journey to Authenticity

In ancient Greek philosophy, the word persona originally meant “mask.” It was used in theatre to signify the roles actors played. The philosopher Socrates taught that the unexamined life is not worth living. He invited people to go beyond appearances and discover the soul’s true essence.

In the Hermetic tradition, derived from the wisdom of ancient Egypt and attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, the principle of "As above, so below; as within, so without" reminds us that our outer reality reflects our inner truth. Wearing a mask only creates distortion between the spiritual and the physical, disconnecting us from divine alignment.

From Hinduism’s perspective, the Atman (true Self) is often obscured by Maya (illusion). The path of self-realization involves removing these illusions—just like removing a mask—to recognize the divine light within.

Living a Conscious Life: A Return to Wholeness

Living consciously is not about perfection—it’s about presence. It means being aware of your thoughts, your choices, and the energy you bring into the world. This awareness is a cornerstone of nearly every spiritual tradition:

In Indigenous American beliefs, the concept of walking in beauty means living in harmony with the Earth, the spirits, and oneself—with awareness and respect.
In Taoism, the Tao is the natural way of the universe. To live in alignment with it, one must be simple, humble, and true.
In Hermeticism, the principle of mentalism teaches that all is mind, and that conscious thought shapes reality. To live unconsciously is to live in chaos; to live consciously is to create with intention.

The Higher Self: Who You Were Before the World Told You Who to Be

The Higher Self is not a concept limited to any one tradition. It is your soul, your divine spark, your deepest truth. In Gnostic Christianity, it is the inner Christ. In Kabbalah, it is the Neshamah, the highest level of the soul. In Islamic Sufism, it is the journey toward fana—the annihilation of the ego in union with the Divine.