A spiritual awakening can bring tears, restlessness, big changes and a deep longing for something more. These twelve signs are ones many people describe along the way. Each is a season, not a sentence, and you are not alone in it.
A note before you begin
Awakening looks different for everyone, and none of these signs are required. Some are emotional, some physical, some social. Take what resonates and leave the rest. If a physical symptom is strong or lasts a long time, please check in with a doctor first, because body aches and sleep problems can have many causes.
1. Body aches and tension
Many people notice tightness in the neck, shoulders and back during times of deep change. Stress and emotion are often held in the body. Gentle stretching, warm baths and slow walks can help.
2. Deep sadness for no clear reason
You may feel waves of sadness even when life seems fine. It can feel like leaving a home you lived in for many years. Even when you are excited about what is next, you can miss what is behind you. Let the feeling be there, and it will pass.
3. Crying more easily
Tears can be a healthy release. Allow them to come without judging yourself. Many people feel lighter afterward.
4. Sudden changes in work or career
As you change, what you want from your work may change as well. Do not pressure yourself to find the perfect path right away. Many people try several things before they find what fits their passion and values.
5. Drifting from family or old friends
As your values shift, some relationships may feel different. You may feel less connected to old patterns, and it can seem as though you are drifting apart. Stay kind and avoid cutting anyone off in a rush. Over time, some relationships grow into something healthier and some simply rest.
6. Unusual sleep patterns
You may wake in the middle of the night, often in the early hours, with a busy mind. If you cannot return to sleep, get up, drink some water, write down your thoughts or read something soothing instead of lying there worrying. A steady bedtime routine helps.
7. Intense or vivid dreams
Dreams of chases, battles or strange creatures can appear when the mind is processing a lot. Many people see them as symbols of old fears or patterns being released. Keeping a dream journal can help you notice themes.
8. Feeling ungrounded or disoriented
You may feel spacey, as if you are between two worlds. Spend time in nature, walk barefoot on grass, eat nourishing food and drink plenty of water. Slow breathing brings you back into your body.
9. More inner conversation
You might catch yourself talking quietly to yourself or reflecting on life more than before. Many people find this turns into clearer, kinder and wiser inner guidance over time. It is not a sign that something is wrong, though if your thoughts become distressing or confusing, reach out to someone you trust.
10. Loneliness, even around others
You may feel set apart and want to step away from crowds. This can be a quiet season of turning inward. Seek out one or two people who really listen, and make time for what feeds your spirit, whether that is prayer, meditation, music or art. If you are looking for like minded souls, the Light Network connects lightworkers across the community.
11. Loss of passion or motivation
Sometimes the old things stop lighting you up and nothing new has taken their place yet. Rest is part of change, much like a computer needing to restart. Give yourself permission to pause without guilt.
12. A deep longing for home
Some people describe an overwhelming yearning to return to a place they cannot name, a sense of belonging to something larger. It can be tender and bittersweet. Please be gentle with this one. If this longing ever turns into thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, that is not part of awakening. Reach out right away to someone you trust or to a crisis line. In the United States you can call or text 988 at any hour.
Caring for yourself through it all
- Spend time in nature as often as you can.
- Sleep, eat and move your body with care.
- Keep a journal for your feelings and dreams.
- Meditate or pray in whatever way feels right. See Meditation in 5 Easy Steps if you would like a simple start.
- Talk with trusted friends, or a counselor or spiritual mentor when you need support.
A gentle closing
Awakening is a journey of remembering who you are, not a race. Be patient with yourself and trust that every season brings its own gift. This too shall pass, and you are exactly where you need to be.
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