What if your pursuit of self-awareness is just another role you're playing? In this episode, we explore the trap of becoming too conscious—how the search for enlightenment can become an identity as limiting as any other. We unpack the subtle desire to be seen without asking, the childhood dreams that unconsciously shape our lives, and the ego’s paradoxical role in spiritual growth. From the emotional gravity of guilt to the absurdity of purity tests in "conscious living," this is a brutally honest reflection on the messiness of being—and the beauty in embracing it. Let go of the need to define, and return to simply paying attention. [00:00:00] Introduction to the simplicity of being and the illusion of goals in conversation[00:02:01] Amanda reflects on the early childhood dream of being the “good kid”[00:04:15] Grieving old identity roles and letting go of unconscious life goals[00:06:17] The social tendency to compare roles and the exhaustion of chasing outcomes[00:07:57] The trap of becoming “the conscious person” and overcorrecting ego[00:08:58] How resisting selfishness and distraction becomes another distraction[00:10:39] The Brussels sprouts analogy – the danger of over-identifying with opinions[00:11:53] Embracing the paradox of ego and self-awareness coexisting[00:13:35] Misjudging unconscious moments as less conscious or invalid[00:14:34] Awareness as a judgmental deity – spiritual ego replacing religious dogma[00:16:12] The value of emotional discomfort in driving insight and change[00:17:42] Recognizing stress and control as opportunities for self-honesty[00:18:53] The craving to be seen without asking—and the challenge of self-recognition[00:20:39] Flow state vs. validation seeking—attention as a self-generated experience[00:22:46] Letting go of self-measurement and the illusion of doing it “right”