12 Signs You Are Experiencing A Spiritual Awakening

Key Takeaways
What Is Spiritual Awakening, Really?
Why Awakening Happens To You
Tell-Tale Signs of Your Awakening
Your Awakening Journey: Stages
Navigating Your Spiritual Shift
Spiritual Awakening: Myths vs. Reality
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

Spiritual awakening is not merely a feel-good process. It can be a painful process that requires serious self-reflection and acceptance of harsh realities.
This process often involves an inward exploration that challenges former dogmas, an exploration of higher purpose, and a deep emotional experience that promotes healing and ascension.
Millions of Americans find spiritual awakening at times of life transition. Today, technology and social media play a major role in how this transformative experience unfolds.
Signs of spiritual awakening intuition, empathy, and desire for alone time It’s important to recognize and celebrate these shifts as you work to create more space in your life.
Navigating an awakening is far simpler when we engage the necessary practices of mindfulness, purposeful inner work, and developing positive, nurturing communities.
Spiritual awakening is not an end point. It’s an evolutionary journey filled with pains and gains, navigated with time, kindness to self, and a willingness to learn.

Spiritual awakening signs are shifts in perspective, identity and relationship with the world around us. Some common signs include feeling more aware, wanting to find deeper meaning, and noticing shifts in daily habits or values.

It can cause a shift in priorities, where people begin caring less about superficial desires and more about being kind or honest. Sleep patterns may improve, and chronic fears may dissipate.

Millions of Americans report experiencing such signs during major life transitions or following a crisis. Some signs are peaceful and reassuring, others leave you with a ton of uncertainty.

People have shared that these changes are subjective and don’t appear uniformly to everyone. The following sections unpack each of these signs and illustrate what they look like in practice.

What Is Spiritual Awakening, Really?

A spiritual awakening isn’t just a temporary mood lift or a feeling of peace. It’s a genuine revolution in what people believe about who they are and what their existence entails. Usually, it begins with a major life event—a job termination, relocation, or maybe a severe injury—that disrupts routine.

It is often through these events that we are catapulted to dig deeper, asking ourselves why we are here and what it means to really be alive. Awakening isn’t merely the pursuit of “good vibes” only. It’s a practice of recognizing the light and dark sides of existence, especially during challenging times.

More Than Just “Good Vibes”

We know that the process is a very messy one. During this process, many are confronted with difficult realities about themselves, often referred to as the Dark Night of the Soul. This stage is often quite a lonely experience and can be painful.

You may find that you’re feeling more moody, fatigued, and perhaps even depressed immune function. It’s okay to feel unsure of past beliefs or like you don’t belong with people anymore. The deeper they go in this journey, the more inspired they are to be empathetic and compassionate.

Simultaneously, they are learning to establish firm boundaries and demand accountability from others. True growth occurs when we learn to deal with the fun and the difficult things equally, not only the comfortable situations that seem pleasant.

A Shift in Your Core Being

When someone is spiritually awakened, their perception of themselves shifts drastically. For others, an awakening brings an overwhelming sense of connection to the cosmos or a greater connection to other sentient beings.

Things that used to feel right just aren’t right anymore—habits, values. At the same time, the new priorities—such as more curiosity and wonder and a desire to serve people—start to take shape.

I believe each of us, over time, can begin to understand that our deepest self is ever present, always lurking beneath the surface, awaiting our discovery.

Awakening in Modern America

In today’s modern America, spiritual awakening is not as clear cut. The contours of that conversation are largely being defined by tech and social media. More people are adopting mindfulness, meditation or yoga practices, seeking peace and stability in frantic day-to-day existence.

Though this journey may prove isolating, it holds the power to ignite beautiful new modes of connection, service, and growth.

Why Awakening Happens To You

4 Spiritual awakening is not a linear process. For most, this deepening awareness is accompanied by radical life alterations or intense emotions that transform their worldview. The path doesn’t have to be that way though! Just as no two snowflakes crystallize exactly the same, no two awakenings are identical.

In cities like Los Angeles, where the pace of life is quick and change is the only constant, these transitions can seem particularly jarring.

Life’s Unexpected Wake-Up Calls

Most of the time, spiritual awakenings begin with difficult times. Job loss, death of a loved one or even a car crash can jolt a person awake. These occurrences shatter the status quo and introduce inquiries with no simple solutions.

Others see strange coincidences or “omens.” These experiences are referred to as synchronicities, and they tend to show up when your life is in a state of flux. You may just encounter the right person at the right moment.

Or, you might receive the same message through various mediums. When reflecting on old discomfort or turmoil, most people recognize that these experiences compelled them to seek out greater purpose.

Your Soul’s Deep Yearning

Other times, the impetus for transformation is internal. Some are experiencing a profound sense of alienation, others the still small voice nudging them to look for something deeper.

It’s through this longing that the deepest questions begin to emerge about what truly matters. Tuning into these inner nudges, or learning to trust one’s gut, is crucial.

As individuals pursue this call, they tend to become more compassionate, more vulnerable, and more willing to serve other people.

Triggers: The Universe Nudging You

Outside physical signs can have an influence too. Recurring dreams, intense gut feelings, and the same themes showing up in reality are all signs that it’s time to shift.

It’s these signs that something is brewing inside of you. Most agree that this is the brain’s attempt to process and reconcile with the disruptive change.

It really is a gradual thing for some and instantaneous for others, yet the end result is the same — a completely different perspective on life.

Tell-Tale Signs of Your Awakening

Spiritual awakening can be an intimidating experience to try and put into words, but it manifests very clearly in the physical for the vast majority of individuals. While the journey is personal, certain signs point to a shift in how someone sees themselves, others, and life itself.

These signs usually go hand in hand, and no two experiences are identical. Being aware of these tell-tale signs will allow you to better understand the sensations coursing through your body. Here, we outline the tell-tale signs of your spiritual awakening, provide real-life examples, and discuss why they’re important.

That’s to give you the tools to better your own experiences, with a new perspective. You’ll discover the encouragement you need when your journey seems solitary or unclear.

1. Your Reality Feels Altered

One of the first tell-tale signs of your awakening is that everything feels different. Color seems more vibrant, sound more penetrating, or time appears to slow down or speed up. Life as usual begins to feel more like an everyday miracle.

This isn’t a matter of delusion or seeing things that don’t exist. It’s not just about that expanded perception; it’s a bit like looking behind the curtain of everyday life. This transition often raises profound issues.

All of a sudden, everyone begins to question what’s true, and what’s simply routine. For instance, you might catch yourself asking all of a sudden why you think what you do about jobs, education, or parenting. Movements and milestones, rituals and routines that used to feel anchored are suddenly open to question.

This can leave you on the wrong side of new norms that may be difficult to reconcile with your previous convictions, or even with your cohort.

2. Craving Deeper Meaning Now

You might find yourself less willing to pursue goals that previously seemed worthwhile, such as prestige or financial achievement. You don’t want to hear about what sounds impressive. Many begin reading philosophy, exploring mindfulness, or studying the world’s major religions.

Some are simply looking for answers about the meaning of life, the soul, or life after death. This desire typically leads to new creative outlets or passions. For others, it could be some combination of yoga or meditation.

For some, it’s being in nature; for others, it’s service to others. That quest for deeper meaning just becomes your north star, shifting how you allocate your time and energy.

3. You Question Old Beliefs

Start the journey towards an awakened perception of reality today! You may start to question everything you used to accept as dogma. This might look like doubting your religion, doubting your political ideology, or just doubting how you identify overall.

The journey can be a bit wobbly. When you find yourself trying to maintain two conflicting beliefs simultaneously, the result is inner turmoil or insecurity. This is known as cognitive dissonance.

Yet this early stage is crucial for development. This is the place you begin to awaken to new possibilities. Perhaps you begin to view things less in terms of right and wrong.

Perhaps you are beginning to understand the ways in which your childhood programming has warped your perspective. Openness to change is what grows you beyond the confines of your past.

4. Society’s Illusions Become Clear

One common anecdotal experience that people report is being able to see through society’s illusions and misdirections. Maybe this is the marketing push to purchase specific labels, conform to societal fads, or pursue a lifestyle.

Once you start noticing these signs, your relationship with the world around you starts to shift. You may find that all of a sudden small talk seems like a waste of time, or that arbitrary social constructs seem especially arbitrary.

This may be with regard to friendships, family relationships, or your employment. It inspires most of them at some point to ask, “Why do we do things this way?” or, “Does this rule really matter?

The desire to be a free thinker becomes irresistible, and you realize that you would rather be real than popular.

5. Feeling Lost and Alone (Initially)

This change frequently introduces the feeling of loneliness. Even your old friends will have a hard time relating to what you’re experiencing. You may feel like you’re not on the same page as your cohort or even your family.

This is when many people describe feeling “stuck between” worlds. They won’t go back into the old one, but they haven’t quite found a place in the new. Finding other people who get it, though, is key here.

Whether it’s online communities, local gatherings, or books and literature, there’s a way to access the growing spiritual community. By speaking up, you discover that you’re not the only one who feels lost. Use this period of isolation to get yourself grounded and discover your true self.

6. Empathy and Compassion Deepen

The third tell-tale sign is that your empathy and compassion deepens. It’s no surprise that a sudden wave of empathy washes over you, especially for beings you’ve never paid attention to. You may find yourself crying at the drop of a hat.

You’ll be touched by simple acts of kindness and have profound empathy for the fate of our planet, climate change, or animal rights. This radical new way of looking at yourself and others can totally transform your relationships.

Perhaps you find yourself listening more and judging less, or desiring to serve others in some way. The downside is that you may become flooded by other people’s suffering. It’s worth your time to view this as an opportunity, not a deficiency.

7. You Desire More Solitude

The desire to be alone is one of the first signs that something has shifted. Many people suddenly want to be alone, not out of sadness but out of a need to recharge and reflect. Walks in the park, hiking in the hills, or just sitting in a quiet room can feel more rewarding than before.

This increased solitude allows you to come to terms with your thoughts and feelings. It’s an opportunity to listen to your own desires, away from the distractions of the world. For those in busy places like Los Angeles, even a short drive to the beach or foothills can make a big difference.

Time away allows you to process your new environment and create space for mental clarity.

8. Small Talk Feels Draining

Those of us on a spiritual path may notice that frivolous conversation or judgmental gossip become draining. You likely find yourself avoiding busier galas or mixers, looking to avoid superficial conversations. This is not to imply you should be a jerk—instead, your energy is changing.

You may find yourself wanting to surround yourself with people who are more aligned with your passion or values. A chat about a good book, a nature hike, or a deep conversation over coffee starts to feel much better than forced small talk.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded souls makes you feel seen, heard, and understood.

9. Urge to Declutter Your Life

We all know how many people want to declutter their lives, both physically and emotionally. This might involve purging items you no longer use, clearing out your closet, or even relinquishing worn-out relationships. Yet the act of decluttering creates space for new blessings to arrive.

This desire goes beyond your average spring cleaning. It’s an indication that you’re ready to release what’s not working for you anymore. Letting go of the habits that suck all your energy is essential.

That means stepping away from endless social media scrolling and learning to say no to every invitation! When you simplify, you just feel lighter, more at peace.

10. Old Habits Surface for Healing

One tell-tale sign of your awakening is that old habits surface for healing. Perhaps you begin to respond with rage, slip into a former anxiety, or resume an addiction you believed you’d conquered. Though this may be painful to do, it’s a tell-tale sign that your psyche is ready to heal.

Addressing these old habits today is an opportunity to liberate ourselves. Instead of shaming yourself, learn to recognize these patterns as signs of old scars still needing to be healed. With a little kindness and self-care, you can move through them and emerge stronger.

11. Increased Sensitivity to Energies

Most find themselves increasingly sensitive to the emotions and energies of those around them. You may find that you are exhausted after spending time in a large group. You might find your mood changing in the presence of specific individuals as well.

This increased sensitivity may manifest as irritability to sound, hypersensitivity to bright lights, or even food. Learning to tune into mindfulness makes a big difference.

Even simple breathing, short walks, or grounding exercises can help you regain equilibrium with your new sensitivities. It’s perfectly healthy to enforce boundaries when it’s time to protect your energy.

12. Your Intuition Sharpens

You will likely notice that your “gut feeling” is at an all-time high. Perhaps you begin to feel into what’s coming next, or who to trust without tangible evidence. Allow this intuition to inform your decisions, from the most minor to the most major.

It can guide you in choosing a career and determining who to associate with! Trusting your gut is an art, not a science. Focusing on small inklings, intuitions, dreams, or omens will allow you to strengthen the muscle of listening to your internal guidance system.

Many practitioners maintain a journal or engage in meditation to cultivate this skill.

13. Meaningful Coincidences Increase

Perhaps one of the coolest signs of your awakening has to do

Your Awakening Journey: Stages

The process of spiritual awakening is not a single event, but a journey that occurs in stages, each with its own lessons and personal transformations. This journey is one of deepening awareness and expansion, both personally and collectively at the soul level. It doesn’t care who you are or what your religion is.

Individuals may experience shifts in their energy levels, appetite, and emotional state as they navigate each phase. Unfortunately, growth is usually in fits and starts, quickly then faceplanting, based on attitude and ingrained behavior. Being patient and kind to yourself goes a long way toward making the journey easier.

The Initial Call and Resistance

The first stage of the awakening journey typically starts with the feeling that something is lacking. There may be an inner desire for greater fulfillment or a higher purpose in life. This desire for expansion often meets the resistance of past patterns and the security of the familiar.

Tied into that is fear, because very often people are afraid of what they don’t understand or don’t know. This inner battle is not unusual. Understanding it as a natural part of that evolutionary process can take some pressure off.

Seeking Answers, Finding Your Path

This is the stage of wandering, seeking answers, finding your path. People are going to find you through books, conferences, and online communities — seeking out resonant ideas that help to validate or articulate their experience.

It’s a natural period of exploration and experimentation spiritually—through meditation, walking in nature, journaling, or various religious traditions. By following your intuition, you will be able to determine what resonates with you most.

Turning Inward: The Real Work

This is where personal introspection comes into play. While confronting fears or past hurt may not be easy, the process results in profound self-awareness. Small practices such as engaging in a conversation with a friend or maintaining a personal journal are beneficial.

True transformation only begins when you engage in this meaningful inner work.

Navigating the “Dark Night” Phase

This “dark night” time is very challenging, painful, and isolating. As this painful phase usually does, it dredges up past hurts. Reaching out for support from friends or a counselor would be prudent.

Sometimes the struggle is where the most healing and growth happens.

Illumination, Rebirth, and True Self

After the dark night, most are left feeling much lighter and clearer. Here’s a new, delineated sense of purpose, accompanied by exuberant joy in being true to yourself.

It gets easier to live by what feels true and authentic.

Navigating Your Spiritual Shift

Spiritual awakenings typically alter your perception of your life and your role within humanity and the world. Most people who experience this transformation start to see new patterns develop, accompanied by a powerful feeling of “inner wisdom.

Often, their everyday lives get a jolt as well. These changes are nothing short of daunting. Sometimes they can happen suddenly, after a trigger, like a near-death experience, or deep personal loss.

This process is almost always not fast or easy, but consistent, intentional actions will guide you in the right direction.

Mindfulness: Your Anchor in Change

Mindfulness is a tool to keep you grounded through it all. Every simple gesture — even something as easy as pausing for three deep breaths before you hop out of bed in the morning — adds up.

Simple practices like yoga, meditation, and taking a walk outdoors can help you stay centered. Even a short morning routine—like stretching, sipping tea, or sitting quietly—can help you feel calm and set the tone for the day.

These little, mindful habits help to ground you, so that as your awareness expands, you can stand in your power.

The Power of Dedicated Inner Work

Deep, meaningful growth only happens when we turn our gaze inward. Whether through journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or taking time to quietly reflect, engaging with your emotions will help you sort out what’s changing.

Emotional releases may come in the form of crying, spontaneous laughter, or simply feeling lost. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another.

Experiment, and keep experimenting, until you discover what works to make you feel more at home in yourself!

Finding Your Supportive Community

Spiritual shifts are often very isolating experiences, particularly if you don’t have anyone in your immediate circle who is undergoing a similar transformation. Find communities online or in-person where people are doing the work you want to do.

Whether you’re sharing your story or simply there to listen to others, relief and new perspective will be found.

Reconnecting with Authentic You

This journey is all about reconnecting with authentic you. Deeply creative pursuits, truthful conversations, experimenting with novel activities all work to rekindle your authentic self.

We hope you will let your quirks shine, and be proud of what makes you different. Reconnecting with Authentic You growth is a gradual process, but each step forward is a meaningful step toward change.

Spiritual Awakening: Myths vs. Reality

Spiritual awakening is a hot topic these days, it’s one that’s often surrounded by misconceptions. Countless people read about pleasant awakening experiences, immediate enlightenment, or a direct line to the awakened state where all is happiness and love. This is not what real spiritual growth looks like.

It’s complicated, it’s awkward, and it almost never unfolds according to a tidy playbook. These myths can lead individuals to question their own journey or pursue an unrealistic standard that doesn’t reflect the world we live in. Here’s a look at what spiritual awakening actually entails. It’s less about the mystics and more about how the spiritual awakening often plays out for average Americans across the United States.

It’s Not Always Blissful

Many people assume that awakening entails perpetual joy or tranquility. In reality, growth is usually accompanied by discomfort and disorientation. Struggles arise when personal paradigms begin to crack.

Many people are disoriented, isolated, or even abandoned by what they previously relied on. This feeling of chaos is perfectly natural and will bring you to a level of empathy and compassion that is profound. The lessons of dark nights are as valuable as those of the enlightening days.

When participants release an old imprint, they may be confronted with difficult emotions or experiences. Just as importantly, they are heading in the direction of their own “illumination.

You Don’t Need a Guru

Myth 4 You can’t do this without a teacher or guru guiding you every step of the way. Reality: That’s not true all of the time. Self-discovery is what it’s all about, and learning to trust your own gut is the only way to go.

Past spiritual traditions remind us that the true source of wisdom lies within. Though books, mentors, or community can assist, an awakening is ultimately an individual journey. The other danger is over-relying on outside voices, which can result in “spiritual bypass”—employing spiritual language to avoid the difficult emotional labor.

Awakening Isn’t an “End Goal”

Awakening isn’t an “end goal.” It’s a lifelong process of unlearning and learning anew. Real spiritual growth occurs over the course of one’s life, and not solely at a single milestone.

Even the Eastern traditions of Hinduism refer to it as “moksha,” or self-liberation, indicating that it is a continuous process. Keeping an open mind to new teachings and perspectives, while being honest with yourself about your journey, is what leads to real spiritual development.

Conclusion

Spiritual awakening rattles your life in tangible, concrete ways. Many people are experiencing an urge to change careers, relocate, or reconsider previous ideologies. Some of them simply seek silence, while others become attuned to the subtle things around them that instill tranquility. It’s possible that you will lose some friends while making new ones who understand what you’re going through. It’s not a pretty process, but it’s one that strips everything down to the bone to reveal what’s important and what’s inauthentic. Though each journey may vary, no one person has the answers to everything. Always be inquisitive, keep asking questions and listen to your intuition. Consider what you are most in need of at this moment. Have a story or tip you’d like to share with us? Leave a comment or contact us—your experience might just put another traveler on the right path.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first signs of spiritual awakening?

You will likely feel an increased sensitivity, an ability to draw profound connections with other people, and an awakening to outdated patterns. It’s pretty normal to just feel a strong urge for change.

Can a spiritual awakening happen suddenly?

Can a spiritual awakening happen all at once? For some, the spiritual awakening process manifests itself in the form of a “lightbulb” moment, while other people see gradual, consistent shifts.

Is spiritual awakening the same as religion?

Is spiritual awakening the same as religion. It does not ask you to subscribe to any one religion or set of beliefs.

Why do people experience spiritual awakening?

Many people experience awakening following major life changes, crisis, high levels of stress and/or illness, or deep dissatisfaction with life. It’s your soul’s way of looking for meaning and purpose.

How do I know if I’m going through a spiritual awakening?

You may find yourself feeling alienated from your previous lifestyle. You desire more purpose and meaning and feel your values and priorities changing.

Are there stages to a spiritual awakening?

Can spiritual awakening be uncomfortable?

Can spiritual awakening be uncomfortable? It can be a painful process, but the other side of it is usually more peace, acceptance, and personal awareness.