Are you feeling like you don’t quite fit in your surroundings, or your own body? Have you recently gone through a series of confusing or exciting life changes? Do you have the feeling that you should be doing something different, or that you are not being true to your beliefs, values and nature? Maybe you have developed an urge to explore different aspects of the spiritual? Or have a need to connect to God or a higher power? Chances are you may be experiencing a spiritual awakening. So what is a spiritual awakening?
In this post we will explore what you need to know. We will focus on common signs and symptoms, what to do next and hear from some inspirational people who have experienced an awakening?
What Is A Spiritual Awakening?
Spiritual awakening is a process where you experience a profound shift in consciousness, leading to greater awareness of spiritual realities and a deeper connection with yourself and the universe.
The spiritual awakening process itself can feel overwhelming and intense, and for those who experience awakening it usually has an immense impact on their life.
Eckhart Tolle, a renowned spiritual teacher and author, describes spiritual awakening as “the awakening to the truth of one’s own essential being, which is prior to the mind.”
The process of awakening is different for everyone, though there are common threads to the experience. A spiritual awakening brings about a profound shift in consciousness. You become aware of your spiritual nature and start to understand the interconnectedness of all things. It is a transformative process that goes beyond religious beliefs or dogmas and opens up a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of life.
For those aware that their spiritual awakening has begun, experience a heightened sense of awareness, clarity, and inner peace. This insight often also results in a release of old behaviors, beliefs, and attachments that no longer serve their greater good.
Many people talk of the awakening triggering a need to explore spiritual texts or spiritual belief systems. This awakened interest in spiritual life, conscious living, and spiritual growth, for some, is rapid and almost immediate, while for others it can take years or even decades to fully understand and manifest.
A spiritual awakening can be triggered by a variety of factors. For some it is a medical trauma such as a life-threatening illness, for others a life-changing experience, it may be a deep longing for truth, fulfillment and a need to find inner peace, or it may occur without you being aware of any external stimuli at all. It is a personal journey that changes the way you experience life and your connection to the world around you.
Dr. Steve Taylor, a psychologist and expert on spirituality, notes, “Awake-ness often follows dark periods in a person’s life, since they have experienced the deepest aspects of suffering which have served as a catalyst for personal transformation.”
For some, this can be a challenging and sometimes painful process as it involves letting go of familiar and comfortable aspects of your identity. You may also find yourself feeling disconnected from normal life. However, you may find it brings about a sense of liberation, expansion, and connection to something greater than yourself.
By understanding why spiritual awakenings occur, and what the awakening actually means you can become aware of your potential, develop your unique strengths and find enlightenment on the other side.
Spiritual Awakening Process
Spiritual awakening signifies a profound transformation and alignment with your higher purpose and truth. It often involves shedding old beliefs and constraints and embracing a more expansive understanding of life and reality. The spiritual awakening process is a gradual journey of self-discovery. It involves a deepening connection to your true self and a heightened awareness that all things are connected. This process can be triggered by major life changes or a profound life event.
Common symptoms and signs of spiritual awakening include:
- Heightened intuition
- Sensitivity to energies
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Emotional upheaval
- A desire for solitude and introspection
- Shift in values and perceptions
- Questioning of beliefs, values, and purpose in life.
- Exploring different spiritual practices and philosophies,
- Seeking guidance and wisdom from various sources.
- Changes to behavior patterns
- Shedding old beliefs that no longer serve you.
- Empowered sense of self worth and love
- Confronting fears and facing your shadow self.
What Does A Spiritual Awakening Feel Like
It is a profound and transformative experience that can be difficult to put into words. It is a powerful inner journey where you experience an expansion of consciousness. When you go through a spiritual awakening you may often experience a shift in what is important to you. Your perspective on life may shift, especially your spiritual awareness.
Dr. Joe Dispenza, a researcher and author, highlights, “When undergoing a spiritual awakening, individuals may notice significant changes in their energy levels, emotional state, and overall perspectives on life.”
It may be a difficult and emotionally charged time. You will be called on to let go of old beliefs, patterns, attachments, and aspects of yourself you thought to be true. It can be unsettling when you are called into a higher state of awareness and connect with the divine. It is a time for trust, where you need to let go and trust the process.
When it occurs people may experience intense emotions about the meaning of life, or develop feelings that life is no longer fulfilling. Where others may start to explore their spiritual side, living in the present and developing a deep sense of inner peace.
Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher and author, shares, “The experience of spiritual awakening is often accompanied by a sense of oneness with all life and an overwhelming compassion for all beings.”
Those who have gone through spiritual awakenings speak of gaining a greater sense of purpose, feelings of being connected to something greater than themselves and a sense of unity and interconnectedness with those around them. Overall an awakening is beginning your spiritual existence through a profound and transformative experience of spiritual healing.
Spiritual Awakening Stages
An awakening is unique to those who experience it, however they often have similar patterns and stages. Many spiritual teachers claim there are seven stages that people go through when experiencing a spiritual awakening. These stages are:
- Awareness: The first stage is the realization that something is not quite right with how you have been living and perceiving the world.
- Unpacking: During this stage, you begin to question things that you have previously taken for granted, or accepted as correct for you, such as beliefs, values, and paradigms.
- Exploration: This is the stage where you begin to explore different spiritual philosophies, ideologies, and practices.
- Evaluation: This stage sees you reflect on spiritual guidance received and evaluate which spiritual practices and ideologies will work best for you.
- Integration: This is where you begin to incorporate spiritual routines and beliefs into your daily life.
- Transformation: During this stage you begin to experience your true transformation, and the impact this has had on your journey.
- Balance: Finally, you find your balance and achieve full integration. This spiritual journey is now complete.
Although the majority of people will go through each of the seven stages, some only experience a few and others have stages repeating. It is important to remember that no two people have the same experience and every journey is unique and completely valid.
My own spiritual awakening was a pivotal moment where I stepped out of the relentless cycle of thought, finding an unwavering stillness and presence that anchored my existence.
Eckhart Tolle
Common Spiritual Awakening Signs and Symptoms
In addition to the stages of a spiritual awakening, there are also common symptoms that you may experience. These symptoms can be physical, mental, energetic or emotional, and can vary in intensity from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia
- Unusual bursts of energy or intense fatigue
- Heightened sensitivity to the energy of others
- Enhanced intuition and insight
- Unexplained feelings of guilt, confusion, or disconnection
- Charged and Intense emotions, both positive and negative
- Increased feelings of being “awakened” or “enlightened”
It is important to note that these symptoms may be uncomfortable or even distressing. It is also important to remember that they are all part of the process and a sign that your body and spirit is adjusting to a new level of consciousness.
Deepak Chopra, a spiritual teacher and author, explains, “Spiritual awakening is the soul’s cry for a new beginning and a rediscovery of our true nature beyond physical existence.”
When we embrace the learning it often simplifies things in life. You may realize that aspects once ignored are vitally important such as unconditional love, truth and integrity. You will understand that they are your divine right and you are deserving of them.
It may also reveal the need for you to give up some of your current personal associations or the need to change your belief systems.
Often, and perhaps the hardest of all, it may reveal any illusions you had built about who you thought you were, and what you thought you desired. You may discover that many of your previously held dreams, desires and ambitions no longer are part of your truth.
“A spiritual awakening is like the flowers blooming after the long, dark winter of the soul. It feels raw at first, but ultimately purifies and liberates.”
Elizabeth Gilbert (Author of Eat, Pray, Love)
Things that made no sense at all, suddenly and mysteriously may seem clear. It is often the moment in our life that is truly unexplainable, but on a soul level we do understand, and we know that all will become clear to us. We know that regardless of the pain, the challenge, and any loss experienced the impact will be deep, meaningful and ultimately of positive benefit to us.
You no doubt have heard people speak of “seeing the light”? Well they don’t usually mean they saw a beam of light emitting from the Heavens, or from the Universe, or from some other ethereal deity.
It is the moment when they gained full understanding of what was unexplainable. Like a lightbulb being switched on in a dark room. It is the “A Ha!” moment and the time of illumination and enlightenment.
A spiritual awakening gave me a new lens through which to view the world. It taught me that there’s more to life than just the physical and material aspects.
Russell Brand (Comedian and Author)
The aspects in life that challenged us, and the issues that were causing heartache, stress, and uncertainty suddenly change. In an instant it all makes sense and everything seems clear. While not all the issues have magically disappeared you are able to see your truth, and a clear path that will lead you in the direction that is right for your life.
Regardless of our faith, or how it occurs, what is finally revealed to us we know to be the truth. Becoming more in tune with our unique self we can see our strengths and identify our limitations.
When our limitations are revealed we would normally pack them away and pretend they didn’t exist. However when you have seen the light, there is no way of turning this vision off. It is no longer possible to simply ignore, or choose not to recognize them for what they are. Our only option is to embrace our limitations and immerse ourselves in the challenge of overcoming them so we can eventually add them to our many strengths.
How To Cope When You Go Through A Spiritual Awakening
Coping with the intense emotions and physical symptoms that come with the awakening can be challenging, but it is possible. The following are some useful tips when coping with the emotional and physical symptoms of spiritual awakening:
- Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Acknowledge them, but do not judge them.
- Make time for yourself. Spend time alone in nature or in meditation. Acknowledge and value your feelings.
- Stay connected with friends and family. Reach out and let them know how you are feeling.
- Practice self-care. Get enough sleep, eat healthy food, exercise, and take time to relax.
- Utilize techniques to reduce stress such as mindfulness, yoga, or tai chi.
- Explore practices related to spirituality such as meditation, prayer, or visualization.
- Seek support of a spiritual mentor, counselor, or therapist who can help you work through your emotions.
By taking the time to focus on the health of your emotional state and physical body, you will develop your skillfulness and abilities to better cope with the changes you will face.
Physical And Mental Support For Spiritual Awakening Symptoms
It is important to remember that you are not alone and that many others have experienced similar changes and emotions. There are many resources available to you that can support you both emotionally and physically.
- Spiritual mentors: A mentor may be a trusted friend or family member who understands the challenges involved in a spiritual awakening and provide appropriate emotional and mental support.
- Counselors and therapists: A professional counselor or therapist will help you work through the emotional and mental challenges you are experiencing.
- Support groups: This can be formal or informal. Informal groups may simply be a handful of trusted friends who you feel safe to express you thoughts, feelings and experiences. Formal support groups a more anonymous setting and safe space to talk with others who are also going through the process of spiritual awakening.
- Spiritual retreats: A spiritual retreat can provide an opportunity to explore different spiritual practices and gain valuable insight into your spiritual journey.
Spiritual awakening allowed me to find my true purpose and illuminated the path I was meant to walk. It brought me closer to understanding the essence of my being.
Oprah Winfrey (Media Executive and Philanthropist)
By seeking out physical and mental support, your spiritual awakening can also provide you with valuable insight into what is happening in your life and better understand what lays ahead
Finding The Right Support For Your Journey
It is important to find the right support as you explore what a spiritual awakening may mean for you. Different people will require different types of support, so it is important to find what works best for you. Here are some tips to help you find the right support for your journey:
- Find a spiritual mentor who resonates with you and your goals.
- Join a support group or online forum to connect with others who are going through a similar experience.
- Take time to explore different spiritual techniques, such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or tai chi.
- Research different retreats or workshops that focus on spiritual awakening.
- Talk to a counselor or therapist who can help you work through the changes and emotions you are experiencing.
By finding the right support for your journey, you can better understand and make the most out of your experience.
Sign Of A Spiritual Awakening Conclusion
Exploring a spiritual awakening can be a powerful and life-changing experience. By first understanding you’re going through a spiritual awakening, the stages and symptoms of it, and where to find support, you can better prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
It is important to remember that everyone’s spiritual journey is unique, and there is no one conclusive sign of spiritual awakening. By being mindful of your thoughts and feelings, practicing self-care, and acknowledging symptoms, even physical signs you can better cope with the changes and emotions of your spiritual awakening journey, also known as the dark night of the soul?
Have you had any experience? What tips do you have for others who may be going through one? Leave a comment and let us know!
