avatarDon Johnson

Summary

The article outlines ten signs indicating one may be experiencing spiritual awakening, emphasizing the shift from material success to inner fulfillment and a deeper understanding of self.

Abstract

The article "10 Signs You May Be Spiritually Awakening" discusses the personal and transformative journey of spiritual awakening, which often begins with questioning societal norms and seeking a deeper meaning in life. It describes the process as one of self-discovery, moving beyond the ego and material possessions to connect with a higher life force. The author, a former monk, shares personal insights into the spiritual path, including letting go of control, embracing forgiveness, and cultivating mindfulness. The signs of awakening include a heightened curiosity about life's purpose, a shift in personal beliefs, feelings of being an outsider, a sense of being stuck, and a loss of interest in superficial conversations. The article also touches on changes in intuition, tastes in food, music, and books, and a reevaluation of one's career path. It encourages individuals to embrace these changes, suggesting that spiritual awakening is a natural part of life's journey, with its own cycles of highs, lows, and periods of rest.

Opinions

  • The author believes that true happiness and contentment are not found in material success but in a deeper connection with oneself and the universe.
  • There is an opinion that societal definitions of success are limiting and that individuals should seek their own understanding of what brings fulfillment.
  • The article suggests that questioning one's beliefs and mental models is a crucial step in spiritual awakening, indicating a need to move past negative self-talk and false narratives.
  • The author expresses that feeling like an outsider can be a sign of spiritual awakening, reflecting a desire to find one's unique place in the world.
  • It is conveyed that dissatisfaction with life, despite outward success, is a sign of spiritual stagnation and an invitation to seek inner growth.
  • The author posits that a shift from small talk to deeper, more meaningful conversations is indicative of a spiritual shift.
  • The article implies that as one spiritually awakens, their intuition becomes more reliable and should be trusted and nurtured.
  • Changes in one's taste in food, music, and literature are seen as outward expressions of an internal transformation.
  • The author's view is that feeling unfulfilled in one's career may not necessarily mean a change in job is needed, but rather a change within oneself.
  • The article concludes with the opinion that spiritual awakening is a natural process with ups and downs, and that patience and self-reflection are key to navigating this journey.

10 Signs You May Be Spiritually Awakening.

The journey within starts by paying attention to what you think and feel.

Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash

Spiritual awakening can be many things to each of us.

For me, it’s:

  • Getting to know my higher self — the life force within me and connecting to it as much as possible.
  • Letting go of defining who I am by my thoughts, ego, and beliefs.
  • Giving up the notion that I’m in control of everything in my life and allowing space for the serendipity and power of the Universe to work its magic.
  • Letting go of resistance, frustration, anger, selfishness, and pettiness.
  • Being more forgiving and kind to myself and others.

I’m a former monk, and meditation instructor turned V.P. of sales, executive coach, and writer. The spiritual path has been my home for over fifty years now. I’ve been through many highs, lows, and plateaus. It’s been quite a ride.

Here are ten signs you may be spiritually awakening that I and many others have experienced.

1. You question conventional wisdom.

Conventional wisdom — grow up, get a job, work hard and find happiness through material success.

Nah, you say. There’s got to be more.

You know success is important, and you enjoy the finer things in life. But you know a bigger home, a fancy car, and a vacation home in the Bahamas aren’t the ultimate answers for you.

You question the narrative and onslaught of societal advertising and promotion of the alleged dream life.

You want more than a Big Mac, fries, and a Coke.

You want contentment.

2. You’re curious about what makes you tick.

Until now, you may have thought the buzz about meditation and mindfulness is a new age thing that will come to pass, but deep down inside, you wonder, what the heck makes this whole world tick?

You look up at the stars, gazillion miles away, and wonder what’s connecting this all together.

You see the majesty of mother nature. You notice the perfection in a flower, the magnificence of an old oak tree.

You wonder, what the heck keeps me alive? Is there some life-sustaining energy? If so, what is it?

3. You question your beliefs and mental models.

You’re aware of the noise and chatter in your head. You recognize the negative self-talk and want to shut it down.

You know you’ve got false beliefs about yourself holding you back.

For too long, you’ve ignored that niggling voice that tells you it’s time to silence the internal noise.

Now, you’re listening more to that voice.

4. You feel like an outsider looking in.

You’ve always felt different and never quite fit into accepted norms. What other people found so interesting was dull and boring to you. You didn’t do or say what was expected by others.

You’ve been a rebel and have blazed your path.

You still feel like an outsider but want to find the source of uniqueness within you. You’ve done everything you can on the outside to find and develop your independence, but that’s run its course.

It’s time to find your soul.

5. You feel stuck and don’t know why.

You’ve stalled out and lost your mojo. Your primary relationship is loveless. Your job is unrewarding, and you’re just waiting it out, hoping and praying something will happen and save you.

You wonder what happened and can’t quite put your finger on when things started going south. You wake up in the morning and can’t find a smile if you try.

Your teenage kids don’t particularly like you, nor does your spouse.

You don’t feel loved.

You know you need to get your head on right.

You want connection and love.

6. You’ve had a successful life and are now bored.

You’ve got everything you hoped for when starting, but now you’re restless. What’s next? You see all your friends on Facebook traveling around the world on vacation, smiling away.

But you? You know something is missing. You know what it’s like to chase the high — you can’t get it, but day-to-day life is, well, boring.

You realize that boredom is a non-acceptance of the present moment. You’re restless and know happiness won’t be found by distracting yourself or staying busy.

You want to find what’s missing.

7. You’ve lost interest in small talk and shallow conversations, and the company you keep is changing.

What used to be either enjoyable or tolerable in terms of conversation has changed. Gossip or topics that invite negativity have become intolerable. Instead, you find yourself more drawn to matters of the heart and the inner world.

Your circle of friends is changing. You’re attracted to people that share your thirst for more spiritual connection and breaking off old relationships that no longer serve you.

You feel like you’re shedding your skin.

8. You’re relying on your intuition more than before.

You’re paying more attention to your feelings and emotions.

You are doing things that encourage intuition, like making time for reflection, journaling, and taking walks in nature.

You are more interested in practicing meditation or doing something artistic, like painting, drawing, playing a musical instrument, or writing poetry.

9. Your taste in food, music, books and your environment is changing.

You’ve made significant changes in your diet. Food that once was a staple is now distasteful. The music you once loved is now unlistenable, or at minimum, the volume you can tolerate is much lower.

You find yourself attracted to different types of reading material than before. Trashy novels are out, and in their place are books you find more meaningful, inspirational, and nurturing.

Loud noise and bright lights have fallen away to softer and quieter surroundings. Fresh air is more appreciated than ever.

10. The work you’ve once enjoyed is not stimulating anymore.

You used to love your job. Now, you’re finding it increasingly unfulfilling. Have you outgrown it? Maybe. Or maybe you’ve outgrown the self that used to love that job. So, instead of getting a new job, you wonder, how can I change?

How can I find a new me? Is it possible?

You know it’s not the job that has gotten unfulfilling. It’s you. You’ve become unfulfilling to yourself. You’re tired of being the old you.

You want to find a new you.

So what now?

Spiritual awakening is part of life’s path for many. Inevitably there are peaks, valleys, and plateaus along the way.

Plateaus are resting places where you can recharge for the journey onward. So, if you’re on a plateau now, you’ll move on when the time is right. Slowing down may help, providing more time for you to think, feel and do less.

Too much activity often clouds the clarity about how to move forward.

If you’re in a valley, a dark night of the soul, perhaps ask for help. Reach out to trusted friends, to the Universe, and stay strong. You will come out of it — it’s often just a matter of perseverance and time.

If you’re on a peak, having a wonderful time, enjoy the view with a heart full of gratitude and keep going. It will only get better.

Way better.

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Spirituality
Personal Growth
Mental Health
Meditation
Life Lessons
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