5 Side-Effects of Spiritual Awakening No One Tells You About
Know how to protect your spiritual growth during this fragile transition.
A dream is pleasant when everyone is in it.
But the moment you wake up and see everyone else in a dream state, panic may erupt.
Spiritual awakening is like waking up from a deep slumber. Opening eyes to greater truth. It is like coming out of a matrix where most people are bound in illusions.
Once awakened, there is no door to return. Nothing remains the same.
You suddenly feel liberated yet trapped in many ways.
It feels heavy when you see your dear ones living in an auto-pilot. Seeing how they chase control, security, and power does not feel good.
You begin to question your awakening.
Why am I awakened when all others are happy in their sleep? Why must I work on my shadows when everyone else is drunken in worldly illusions?
The good news is — it is all worth it in the end.
However, you can’t help but undergo the effects of awakening, which sometimes feels like a struggle. They are not positive or negative, but certain side effects happen to almost everyone.
It is like an adjusting period to the new waking period.
1. Confusion
Most people get confused when they wake up.
As the initial silence fades, the world comes into focus again. Then the state of confusion takes over. The mind starts to kick in.
It is like questioning — ‘What the f happened to me? Is it normal and okay? Why me?’
Even the person preparing for awakening is never fully ready for the process.
Why?
Because the mind can’t comprehend what will happen. It can only be imagined. And nobody can imagine awakening.
Then, you start searching spiritual texts and books to read more about them.
You want to confirm if it was okay what just happened. What does it actually mean?
What to do
If you feel confused, don’t panic. Search for your meaning if you feel from within.
But be aware of your obsession with it.
Instead, be in silence whenever you can. Because silence has the power to connect you to a state where you don’t need answers but just be whatever you are.
2. Increased pain.
Often, awakening does not mean the complete dissolution of the ego.
It means lifting off the veil. You can distinguish between auto mode vs. awakened mode.
That does not mean you’ll always remain in awakened mode.
Why?
Because of habit, you’ll slip into previous unconscious patterns.
When you recognize your backslide, you feel immense pain compared to your previous unawakened state.
A sleeping person can not know how badly they hurt someone and the consequences on the inner self.
But when you awaken, you connect deeply with your inner self. The interconnection with other living forms becomes intense.
You feel others' pain easily. You feel your pain intensely. You feel the pain in the world and feel helpless.
Sensitivity and empathy are the by-products of awakening.
What to do
Pain may seem undesirable. But pain shows your sensitivity towards life itself.
An awakened one can never block the pain. Because if they do, it will come more intensely.
The best option is to give an expression to that pain. Provide an outlet.
Whenever I feel pain, tears flow from my eyes. I don’t block them.
You can cry, scream or even give a creative outlet like poems, gardening, or paintings.
3. Existential crisis.
Often, awakening feels like a gift.
But there are times when you become unsure of who you are.
Most people frivolously ask, ‘Who am I.’ It is more of an entertainment for them.
But for a serious seeker, it is an existential question. The one that suffocates from the inside.
With the shattering of all previous identities in awakening, the crisis of existence deepens.
Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose?
You might sometimes try to find answers through the lens of your previous self or newfound freedom.
However, you no longer resonate with your previous self and do not yet completely understand your new version.
Awakening can make you feel unfit in both worlds.
What to do
No matter how much you try, you can not return to your previous unconscious self.
If possible, take guidance from someone who can guide you through this existential crisis.
If you don’t have any guidance, have faith in the universe. Take things slowly. It is okay if you don’t get answers outright.
4. Disconnected
Awakening makes you closer to your real self. But it also distances you from your old connections and routines that no longer resonate.
When I used to meet my old friends, I’d often go into my zone. I’d be completely silent with no reactions when they expected me to indulge in their talks or actions.
Awakening does that.
People who were once close or routines that were once normal will become impossible.
My mentor turned fully vegetarian from hardcore non-vegetarian within a week of his awakening.
Awakening may make you feel disconnected. Sometimes, you may also feel lonely and crave some spiritual guidance or talk.
What to do
Instead of trying to stay in old pants, be comfortable in your unique, new self.
People may question your behavior. But remember, it is not about people. It is about staying authentic to who you are. It is easy to get hurt or influenced by what the masses do. You may doubt your journey.
The ‘doubt period’ is the most vulnerable time to protect your new, fragile progress. Seek your spiritual friends.
Share your heart where you feel heard. Not where people try to extract explanations about your weird behavior.
5. A sense of entitlement
This is the most common side effect of awakening. Most people struggle with it unknowingly.
You think you are the chosen one and have a gift that others don’t have.
A sense of superiority seeps in.
You unknowingly start to guide people, even when they are not ready. You feel the need to push them to awaken. After all, it is for their own betterment. Right?
But we forget we can force no one to do anything.
Life is a gift to everyone. Everyone has their own paths and struggles. People can’t have the same path as yours. Even if you love them dearly, you can’t fasten anyone’s journey.
What to do
Empathy is great. But uninvited advice is not.
Instead of throwing your knowledge at them, it is better to deal with them through compassionate understanding.
So, always choose to pour more love into your conversations. Sprinkle less wisdom.
Love may open their heart channels. Your empathy may help them become receptive.
Keep your wisdom to yourself. You may feel it is for the benefit of others. But trust me, nobody really needs your help unless they ask for it.
Final Thoughts
Spiritual awakening is not all about roses and shimmering light. It is the actual journey of self where you are the teacher and the seeker.
I feel authenticity is the best way to leave the ounces of ego and move towards eternal oneness.
Awakening helps you to see the other side of life — the independent and full of freedom. Yet certain things may seep doubt in your heart or cloud your vision.
Be anchored in the silence and have empathy for others.
If you are genuine in your efforts, you may reach the state of highest consciousness where you inspire people effortlessly. After all, as Ramdass says, we all are walking each other home.
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