1. Concerns from Others

Experiencing a spiritual awakening often triggers significant changes that can worry those around you. The most noticeable shift is within yourself, which invariably affects your life.

For example, I transitioned to a vegetarian diet not out of a distaste for meat, but because I felt my body needed lighter nourishment. This alteration puzzled my friends and family, leaving me to explain a change that stemmed from my spiritual journey.

When I shared that my new eating habits were a result of an awakened spirit seeking different sustenance, it often seemed irrational to others. However, it was the most grounded I had ever felt.

Yet, as time went on, my inclination toward meat returned. I recognized it was time to undertake the daunting task of reconstructing my life after witnessing it collapse.

Once again, I found myself needing to clarify this new phase to those who were concerned. They struggled to comprehend my transformations, which is typical during a spiritual awakening.

During this process, you may find yourself seeing life from a new perspective, like a bird observing from above. You will start to perceive a greater meaning beyond the surface, leading to a complete dissociation from your past self as you embrace your rebirth.

As I underwent these changes, I began to frequent unfamiliar places, choose silence over conversations, and prefer solitude over social gatherings. Relationships and commitments that no longer resonated with my growth began to fade away.

It's common for loved ones to express concern as they witness these transformations. Different individuals may react in various ways, often rooted in their inability to grasp the depth of your personal evolution. Initially, I found it challenging to navigate their worries, but over time, I recognized their concern stemmed from care for my well-being.

2. The Existential Crisis

An awakening journey inevitably includes a phase of existential questioning or a "dark night of the soul." This period is unavoidable.

During such crises, individuals frequently grapple with confusion, doubt, and uncertainty as they reassess their beliefs and values.

An existential crisis arises when your spirit yearns for growth, yet your physical self clings to worldly attachments. I have faced numerous dark nights during my spiritual evolution, including a significant relationship I had to end after years of struggle. This decision forced me into solitude, where I was enveloped in darkness while attempting to heal and awaken my spirit.

Despite my fears, my spirit remained resilient. I learned vital lessons from my challenges and committed myself to personal development, gradually rebuilding my life with divine guidance. It became clear that my dark periods were essential for growth, akin to a seed thriving in darkness.

Such crises often emerge as you prepare to leave old habits behind and embrace new lessons. During one of my existential crises, my audience questioned my choice to consume meat, suggesting that true goodness meant abstaining from it. This created a period of uncertainty regarding my dietary choices.

As I delved deeper into this ethical dilemma, I confronted the historical context of meat consumption and its acceptance, even in biblical times. A passage I found resonated deeply, emphasizing that dietary choices are personal and should not be judged by others (Romans 14:2–4 MSG).

This realization alleviated my existential crisis, allowing me to reevaluate my beliefs and integrate new insights from my awakening experiences.

3. The Continuous Journey

The spiritual journey is an ongoing process without a defined endpoint. It is a cycle of growth and learning that continues throughout your life.

Each spiritual awakening is part of a never-ending cycle that deepens over time. Just as seasons change and days transition into nights, so too do our spiritual journeys, marked by successive cycles of awakening.

With each cycle, new lessons and challenges arise, pushing us to grow. Personal improvement is a constant theme throughout this journey.

In my own experience, I learned to listen to my body and honor its needs, even if it seemed confusing to others. Balancing these needs is integral to my spiritual path.

Every crisis or dark night has provided me with profound insights, prompting me to release outdated patterns and embrace new understandings. The essence of any crisis is to encourage a shift in perspective.

Realizing that enlightenment is not a final destination but a series of moments helps clarify the nature of our spiritual paths. Mastery is fleeting; it is a dynamic experience rather than a fixed state.

Ultimately, each cycle of awakening transforms you fundamentally, encouraging you to let go of weak foundations and build anew.

While many grapple with external concerns, existential challenges, and the endless nature of spiritual growth, acceptance of these elements can lead to profound peace.

If others express worry about your evolving habits, demonstrate your well-being through the positive outcomes of your journey. During times of crisis, remember that these moments hold the potential for significant personal transformation.

Trust the process and embrace the evolving nature of your spiritual path, knowing that growth is a continuous journey.

i© 2023 Kimberly Fosu.