Signs You’re Going Through A Spiritual Awakening - Page 9

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A spiritual awakening does not necessarily have to pertain to religion, though it can for some. However, we are all spiritual, in our own ways, whether or not we express those through going to a place of worship, or identifying with any sort of organization or group. You are a spirit and a body. Life has a way of making us very focused on the body. If you think of the things that usually consume your mind, you’ll realize, it’s about your physicality. Even when you think about your career, that has a body element. You may have a strong emotional connection to your career, and it may be part of your bigger purpose, but there’s a reason you need a career, and a reason you charge for what you do: you need to buy food and pay the rent. Like everybody else does.

It’s not your fault if you’re mostly consumed with thoughts about the here, now, and somewhat superficial. Society conditions us to be that way. And it’s even a part of human survival. But we humans can pick up some habits along the way that make us lose touch with our spirituality – our bigger why. But, if you’re lucky, you’ll have those times in life when you go through what feels like a spiritual awakening. It’s a time of a new, heightened awareness in which you begin to understand how to navigate many areas of your life that seemed stuck before. We spoke with two mental health experts, Marline Francois-Madden, LCSW, the Founder of Hearts Empowerment Counseling Center, and Latsha Matthews, LPC, author of “The Dumping Ground,” about signs one is going through a spiritual awakening.

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You dismiss toxicity

We asked both experts how one’s standards for how others treat them can change during a spiritual awakening. Francois-Madden said, “When going through a spiritual awakening, you may find that your discernment has heightened and you start to set boundaries on what will be acceptable to you. Some treatments you may no longer tolerate may be name-calling, disrespect, and toxic positivity behaviors.”

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Doubling down on boundaries

Matthews also brought up boundary-setting in her response, and eliminating turbulence in your life, stating, “During a spiritual awakening, there is a heightened sense of the awareness of the importance of accessing peace. You begin to embrace the importance of boundary setting and are willing to lose individuals to maintain authenticity and peace.”

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You protect yourself more

Matthews also mentions our desire for fewer surface-level interactions and a new way we handle those who try to take advantage of us. “When a spiritual awakening occurs, you become less tolerant of selfishness, pettiness, or topics or situations that do not have an existential meaning. You shy away from shallow conversations and crave a deeper connection.  During a spiritual awakening, you begin to advocate for yourself.  You will not tolerate people attempting to take advantage of you.”

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You can be the bigger person

In addressing how you become less reactive to your surroundings during this phase, Francois-Madden explained, “You may find yourself reacting less to those who disagree with you, especially on social media. You start to observe and understand the patterns of other people and use your own self-management skills to react in a calm manner.”

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You hope to diminish rather than win fights

Matthews touched on becoming less reactive to conflict, too, stating, “During a spiritual awakening you are practicing forgiveness and purpose.  You are less likely to focus on winning an argument or overreacting.  You are focused on finding ways to make the world a better place. You are curious about your purpose and the meaning of life.”

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The inner work is enough

In answering the question about how one should organize and prioritize their time during an awakening, Francois-Madden advised, “One of the ways to prioritize the shift during this time is to have moments of rest and stillness. During this pandemic, many had to learn how to slow down and give themselves some grace. It is okay to take a pause and not be so consumed with producing at all times.”

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You’re more forgiving

Both experts state that this may be a time you forgive others more, and yourself – perhaps for things you begrudged for a long time. “Offering forgiveness allows for peace, therefore, during a spiritual awakening you begin to shift your perspective on things that bothered you in the past,” says Matthews.

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Your safety comes first

Francois-Madden touches on the fact that forgiveness isn’t always that easy. For many, having contact with those who harmed you in the past may not be safe, and forgiving them might have to be something you do silently. She says only to reach out if it’s possible to do so in a way “That doesn’t jeopardize your safety. In addition, we must realize that is it okay to forgive ourselves for past behaviors that we no longer adapt to anymore.”

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More concrete triggers

Francois-Madden says difficulties can trigger a spiritual awakening, too. But she brings up some triggers that are grounded in some more positive changes, and changes that are a part of life for many. “Sometimes it can be a loss, a breakup from a relationship or friendship, the birth of a new baby, or a transition in our careers.” For many, this can shed light on why friendships and other relationships go through major shifts after life changes like parenthood or finding your passion through your career. These events bring to light what really matters, and force rapid changes to protect that.