Imagine you're a bricklayer, systematically cementing bricks into the wall. What is the purpose of the wall? To separate you from your ego, to ultimately sever your reliance on it, freeing you to reconnect with God.
Now imagine you're your own ego. What are you going to do? Gradually remove the bricks, but in such a way that you, the bricklayer, do not notice.
Feel stuck, like you're working hard but not making any progress?
This might be why.