Meditation is the continuous journey of grounding oneself and detaching from negative thoughts, one step at a time. Here are the 4 ways through which meditation can help you get detached from ego.
The ego, in psychological and spiritual terms, is the self-image we create in response to the world around us. It’s the voice that tells us we are “good enough” or “not good enough,” the part of us that seeks validation through accomplishments, appearances, and comparisons. When we become overly identified with it, it can create a sense of separation, isolation, and anxiety.
Ego is characterised by a behaviour that’s always hungry for more praise, attention, and control. But this cycle of chasing external validation often leaves us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected. This is where meditation comes in—offering a way to step back, observe, and, ultimately, detach.
How Meditation Helps You Get Detached From Ego
Below are the different ways in which regular practice of meditation helps you get detached from ego, according to our expert, Raman Mittal , Meditation Teacher and co-founder of Idanim, mental wellness and meditation app:
Meditation Shows You The Mirror
“Meditation, at its core, is an invitation to slow down and look inward. It’s the process of observing the thoughts that arise, without judgment or attachment. Imagine sitting in meditation and simply watching your thoughts as they come and go—like clouds passing across the sky. You begin to notice that you are not your thoughts. You are not the judgments you place on yourself. You are the awareness behind it all. This realisation is profound. It’s the first step toward ego detachment. The more you meditate, the more you begin to see that the ego, while loud and persistent, is not the true essence of who you are,” said Mittal.
Dissolving the Illusion of Separation
One of the most powerful aspects of meditation is its ability to dissolve the illusion of separation. Ego thrives on this sense of “me vs. the world,” constantly positioning itself as either superior or inferior to others. Meditation, however, invites us to experience unity and interconnectedness. Through practices like mindfulness and loving-kindness, meditation helps us soften the barriers the ego creates, allowing us to feel connected to ourselves and to others. We begin to realize that at the deepest level, we are all part of the same flow of life. The boundaries the ego so desperately defends start to blur, and a more expansive sense of “self” emerges—one that is not confined to titles, roles, or judgments.
The Shift from Doing to Being
“In our fast-paced world, ego often defines us by what we do-our achievements, status, and roles. But meditation teaches us to shift from a "doing" mindset to a "being" mindset. In meditation, there’s nothing to prove, nothing to achieve. There’s simply the present moment, and a deep sense of peace that arises when we let go of the need to constantly perform for the approval of others or ourselves. When we let go of this compulsion to "do" and simply "be," we open ourselves to a more authentic experience of life. We stop attaching our worth to accomplishments or validation, and instead, begin to cultivate a sense of inner peace and presence. This, ultimately, is the heart of ego detachment,” said Mittal.
The Journey of Self-Awareness
Meditation is not just about finding moments of stillness—it's about developing a greater awareness of our inner workings. With each meditation session, we peel back layers of conditioning, past experiences, and learned beliefs that form the basis of our ego. In doing so, we begin to reconnect with our truest essence, which is unbound by the ego’s limitations. This awareness doesn’t just stay confined to our meditation cushion; it permeates every aspect of our lives. The more we practice detaching from the ego, the more we can live with a sense of freedom. We stop reacting to the world from a place of fear or defensiveness, and instead, approach life with an open heart and mind.
Detaching from ego is not easy, and it’s certainly not something that can be accomplished through a single meditation session. It requires patience, commitment, and consistency. By detaching from ego, we can experience life with a greater sense of freedom, compassion, and clarity.
