Hi Melissa, thank you for your comment. To answer your question about finding the courage to look into your deepest self vs the egoic self, I believe it comes through healing one's core wounds and integrating them into the wholeness of your true nature.

That is, when separation occurs, the ego becomes fragmented and gains an identity. When we undertake healing our core wounds and childhood wounds, we reintegrate these aspects into the wholeness of who we truly are.

I would recommend reading books by Bessel van der Kolk, Peter A. Levine and John J. Prendergast, Ph. D, who have written amazing books on healing core wounds, integration and shadow work. I hope this helps. All the best!