Have you ever wondered what a spiritual awakening feels like? Or, maybe you need confirmation that you have experienced one yourself? You could be wondering, “Is it supposed to feel this way?”
I am totally with you on this. Spiritual rebirth is a powerful life event.
As deeply transformative as it may be in the long run, this journey can feel overwhelming, intense, and confusing, as well. You are totally valid in feeling all of those things.
It's important to know that a spiritual awakening isn’t about delving into a new religion or checking off a mystical milestone. It is more so about becoming aware of yourself, your life, and the bigger picture.
Many people describe it as a shift in consciousness, a process that changes how you see the world and how you show up in it.
I will explain my experience with spiritual awakening further along in this article.
Why Do Spiritual Awakenings Happen?
Think of it as your soul nudging you awake. You may have been chasing goals that no longer fulfill you, stuck in a toxic cycle, or simply yearning for a deeper connection. The awakening process is often your inner self calling you back into alignment. It can be uncomfortable, but it’s also an opportunity to grow!
What Causes a Spiritual Awakening?
Awakenings often begin with a trigger. This can be something dramatic like grief, heartbreak, or trauma. Or, it can be subtle, such as a moment in nature, a meditation practice, or even a sudden sense that life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot. The common thread is realizing there’s more to life than the surface-level messiness.
It can also be due to you choosing paths that are in alignment with where you need to be. The awakening would be the Universe's way of thanking you!
“Awakening often feels less like learning something new and more like remembering what you already knew deep down.”
Spiritual Awakening Signs and Symptoms
As you could imagine, no two awakenings look exactly alike, but here are some common signs:
- Feeling a stronger connection to nature and people
- Sudden interest in mindfulness or meditation
- Questioning old beliefs or habits
- Heightened intuition or “gut feelings”
- Emotional releases that feel cleansing rather than chaotic
- Distancing yourself from people or situations that don't align with your values.
Physical Symptoms of a Spiritual Awakening
The body often mirrors what the spirit is going through. Some people report tingling sensations around the head or spine (sometimes linked with kundalini), unusual energy surges, or a need for extra rest. Others notice shifts in appetite, changes in sleep patterns, or heightened sensitivity to their environment.
Levels of a Spiritual Awakening
The awakening process tends to unfold in layers.
At first, you may experience confusion or even frustration as your old worldview crumbles. You will begin to question things you've never questioned before. This may even bring feelings of resentment or betrayal to those who instilled certain beliefs in you. This moment is when the transformation truly begins!
The next levels often bring clarity, peace, and a deeper sense of purpose. You may even be feeling more empathetic than ever before.
Eventually, you may feel more present in each moment, supported by a new sense of connection that guides your choices. You start to release limiting beliefs and fully surrender to your spiritual depth.
What Kind of People Have Spiritual Awakenings?
Anyone can experience a spiritual awakening. It isn’t reserved for monks, mystics, or gurus. Everyday people (parents, professionals, creatives, students) can and do experience these shifts. Sometimes, it happens quietly. Other times, it completely redefines your life path.
How Long Does the Spiritual Awakening Process Take?
There is not a specific timeline, per say. For some, it unfolds gradually over years. For others, it comes in waves that rise and fall throughout life. As previously mentioned, it can be something that is triggered by a monumental life event, like death or birth. It’s less about “finishing” the process and more about embracing your growth as it unfolds.
Is Spiritual Awakening Bad or Dangerous?
It can feel unsettling, for sure, but it’s not dangerous. The process can bring up old wounds or uncomfortable truths, and some people may confuse symptoms with mental health struggles. Grounding practices like journaling, mindfulness, and therapy can help you move through it with balance.
“The process may shake you, but it also frees you to live with clarity, trust, and conscious awareness.”
How It Can Change Your Life
Once you’ve moved through the initial confusion, awakening often brings a sense of freedom and relief. You may feel more connected to others, more at ease in your own skin, and more aligned with your values. It often feels like you’ve tapped into a secret, one that helps you find meaning and peace even (especially) when life feels uncertain.
“A spiritual awakening isn’t about escaping life — it’s about showing up more fully to it.”
What Spiritual Awakening Is Not
It’s important to clear up misconceptions. A spiritual awakening is not:
- A quick fix to avoid real-life challenges
- A guaranteed path to happiness every day
- A reason to detach completely from reality
- A competition to see who is “more evolved”
- Religious devotion
My Experience With the Spiritual Awakening Process
For me, awakening has felt like tapping into an energy I never realized was flowing all along. A new sense of belonging, moments of clarity that feel like I have the “secret to the universe,” and the comforting feeling that I’m never truly alone. Things just feel like they’re working in my favor now, and even when challenges show up, I trust that the Universe has my back.
Embracing the Journey
Spiritual awakening is not always easy, but it’s always meaningful. It’s a reminder that you’re capable of change, growth, and conscious awareness. If you want to explore this more deeply, you might find inspiration in resources like Mindful.org, which shares tools for living more in the present moment.