As anyone who has gone through a spiritual awakening knows, the process can be both beautiful and painful
On the one hand, it can be incredibly empowering to suddenly see the world in a new light and to feel connected to something larger than yourself.
However, the process of waking up can also be lonely and confusing, particularly when it comes to relationships.
One of the most common complaints I hear from people going through a spiritual awakening is that they feel like they are losing friends.
In this article, I want to help you understand why this happens and how to deal with the loneliness that often accompanies a spiritual awakening.
Key takeaways:
- People often lose friends during a spiritual awakening because they become someone different than who their friends knew them to be.
- As you go through the process of awakening, your values and priorities change, and the interests and activities that once brought you joy may no longer do so.
- You will outgrow your old friends, but you can always find new friends who better reflect who you have become.
Why do people often lose friends during a spiritual awakening?
No one likes to feel like they are losing friends, but it is a normal thing most people experience during a spiritual awakening.
The most common reason people lose friends during a spiritual awakening is that they become someone different than who their friends knew them to be.
They change and evolve rapidly, while their friends remain the same.
As you go through the awakening process, you will likely find that your values and priorities change.
What once was important to you may no longer hold any appeal and vice versa.
The interests and activities that once brought you joy may no longer do so.
In short, you become a different person than who you were before your spiritual awakening.
And while this can be beautiful, it can also be difficult for those around you to understand and accept.
Your friends may not know how to handle the new you and may eventually drift away.
Or, they may try to hold on to the old you and resist the changes you are making.
Think of it like this; a spiritual awakening can be a bit like outgrowing your clothes.
You grow and change so quickly that the clothes you once loved no longer fit.
So you go out and buy new clothes that better reflect your new body and your new sense of self.
In the same way, as you go through a spiritual awakening, you will likely find that your old friends no longer fit into your new way of thinking and being.
You will outgrow them and will need to find new friends who better reflect who you have become.
Maybe you’re not losing anything after all
It can be challenging to let go of things we are attached to, even if they no longer serve us.
However, it is essential to remember that when we make space for new things in our lives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities.
When we let go of the things holding us back, we make room for growth.
We can attract new and better friends, opportunities, and experiences.
And, perhaps most importantly, we can gain a new sense of self.
So, instead of seeing the changes that occur during an awakening as losses, try to see them as gains.
By letting go of what no longer serves you, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.
How to deal with losing friends during a spiritual awakening
If you are going through a spiritual awakening and find yourself losing friends, it is essential to remember that you are not alone.
As I mentioned before, this is a common experience for many people going through an awakening.
And while it can be painful, it is also an opportunity for growth.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with this process:
1. Don’t be too hard on yourself
Feeling sad and lonely when you lose friends is natural, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Remember that everyone is on their own journey and that you are where you are supposed to be.
As one door closes, another will open, and soon enough, you will find new friends who better reflect who you are now.
Your old friends came into your life to serve a purpose, and now it is time to move on.
2. Find your new tribe
One of the best things you can do after losing friends is to find your new tribe – the people who understand and support your journey.
Look for like-minded individuals in online communities or spiritual groups.
Or, you might find yourself drawn to new friendships in unexpected places.
Wherever you find them, cherish these new connections and let them help you through this transition.
3. Spend time in nature
Nature has a way of reminding us of our connection to the universe and something larger than ourselves.
Spending time in nature can help you to remember that you are not alone and that everything is happening for a reason.
It can also help ground you and ease any feelings of loneliness or isolation.
4. Journal your thoughts and feelings
Journaling is a great way to process your thoughts and feelings.
Write down everything that you are thinking and feeling, no matter how negative it may seem.
Getting your thoughts and feelings out of your head can help to ease any anxiety or stress you may be feeling.
And it can also help you to see your situation in a new light.
If you need help starting a spiritual journal, our how-to guide can help you get started.
5. Practice self-care
During times of change, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
Make sure to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
And, don’t forget to schedule some time for things that make you happy, such as reading, spending time with loved ones, or doing something creative.
By taking care of yourself, you will be better able to handle any challenges that come your way.
6. Don’t dwell on the past
It’s natural to want to hold on to the past – we all do this to some extent.
However, you can’t hold onto the past forever.
Eventually, you need to let go, move on, and release any attachment you have to your old life.
This doesn’t mean that you have to forget about your old friends, but it does mean that you need to make peace with what happened and focus on the present.
Being present will help you to see all of the new possibilities that are available to you.
7. Keep your heart open
Finally, one of the most important things you can do after losing friends during a spiritual awakening is to keep your heart open.
It can be tempting to close yourself off emotionally after being hurt, but this will only prevent you from finding new and lasting friendships.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings, but don’t get stuck in them.
And, remember that you are not alone – there are others out there who understand what you are going through.
Moving on and looking to the future
There’s no doubt that some people will fall away when you start to change, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is on the same journey as you are.
Just because someone isn’t interested in exploring their spirituality doesn’t mean they’re bad people, and just because they don’t understand your experience doesn’t mean they don’t care about you.
It’s okay to outgrow certain relationships, and it’s okay to need some time alone to figure things out.
The most important thing is to be true to yourself and to stay open to the possibilities that life has to offer.
Who knows? Maybe the friends you lose during your spiritual awakening will be replaced by even better ones down the road.
Final thoughts
I hope this article has helped you to understand why you might lose friends during a spiritual awakening.
Know that you’re never alone and that there are always others who understand what you’re going through.
If you need support, don’t hesitate to contact a family member, therapist, or another support system.
Have you ever lost friends during a spiritual awakening? How did you deal with it? Please share your experience in the comments below.
