At some point in our lives, most of us feel a yearning for something more.
We may not be sure what it is that we are searching for, but we know that there is something missing.
For some, this feeling leads to a quest for success, power, or material possessions.
But for others, it is the beginning of a spiritual journey.
If you are embarking on the latter path, you may be experiencing a spiritual awakening.
A spiritual awakening is defined as “a process whereby an individual’s sense of self and their relationship to the world changes dramatically.”
It is a shift in consciousness that can bring about profound changes in your life.
There is no one-size-fits-all model for a spiritual awakening, as the process is unique to each individual.
However, there are some common stages that people often experience.
Key takeaways:
- The seven stages of a spiritual awakening are exploration, realization, integration, purification, illumination, sacrifice, and ascension.
- Navigating these stages can be difficult, but it is important to be open to new experiences, be patient, and trust your intuition.
7 stages of a spiritual awakening
The spiritual awakening process is often described as having seven distinct stages.
Although not everyone experiences all of these stages, they provide a helpful framework for understanding the journey of self-discovery.
Here are the seven stages of a spiritual awakening:
Stage 1 – Discovery
The first stage of a spiritual awakening is often referred to as the “discovery” phase.
This is when you first begin questioning your beliefs and values and exploring different spiritual concepts.
It can be a time of confusion and uncertainty, but it is also a time of great excitement and growth.
During this phase, it is crucial to keep an open mind and be willing to experiment with different ideas.
There is no single right or wrong way to experience a spiritual awakening, so finding what works best for you is essential.
Ultimately, this stage aims to begin the process of opening your heart and mind to new possibilities.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Read books about different spiritual concepts and explore various belief systems
- Be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to explore.
- Be open-minded and willing to experiment with new ideas.
- Seek out like-minded people to connect with.
Stage 2 – Shift
After the discovery stage, you will move into a shift phase.
The shift phase brings with it a change in perspective.
Many people in this stage begin to see the world differently.
They may start to question their assumptions about life and reality and see things they previously thought were impossible.
Relationships, jobs, and hobbies may change during this phase because your priorities and values have shifted.
It is not uncommon to feel like you are losing your grip on reality during this stage.
However, it is important to remember that this is a natural part of the process and is temporary.
Take this stage as a positive step in the right direction because it’s during this phase that you become more open-minded.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Be prepared for things to feel different and for your life to change.
- Allow yourself to let go of anything that is no longer serving you.
- Understand that the changes you are experiencing are leading you to a more authentic version of yourself.
Stage 3 – Dark soul of the night
The third stage of a spiritual awakening is often referred to as the “dark night of the soul.”
This stage is by far the most difficult and is when many people give up on their spiritual journey.
During this stage, you will be forced to confront your shadow self.
Your shadow self is the part you’ve been hiding from yourself and the world.
It is the part of you full of fear, insecurity, and self-doubt.
The dark soul of the night stage is when the individual experiences a deep sense of loneliness and isolation.
They may feel disconnected from their friends, family, and community.
The dark night of the soul can be a painful process, but it is also an essential part of the journey.
Without experiencing this stage, it would be impossible to grow spiritually.
Those who make it through the dark night of the soul often emerge as changed people.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Remember that this stage is temporary and that it will eventually end.
- Dont try and fight the darkness; instead, allow it to flow through you.
- Find a support group or therapist to help you through this difficult time.
Stage 4 – Exploration
Congratulations, you’ve made it through the dark night of the soul!
The fourth stage of a spiritual awakening is the exploration phase.
This is when you begin to experiment with different spiritual practices and find what works best for you.
You may start to meditate, practice yoga, or even try psychedelics.
The exploration phase is about finding what brings you closer to your true self.
Not everything will resonate with you, and that’s okay.
Just let go of anything that doesn’t feel right and trust that you’ll find your own truth.
The most important thing is to keep moving forward on your spiritual journey.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Allow yourself to be open to new experiences.
- Be patient and trust that you will find your own path.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Stage 5 – Expansion
After the exploration phase comes the expansion phase.
This is when your consciousness begins to expand, and you start to see things from a new perspective.
You will start to see the interconnectedness of all things and how everything is connected.
You may also start to experience synchronicities and “coincidences” regularly.
During this stage, you will start to feel more connected to the world around you, and your intuition will likely become stronger.
As your consciousness expands, you will start to see the world in a new light.
Things that once seemed so important will no longer matter, and you will be able to find peace in the present moment.
The expansion stage is beautiful because it’s when you start to see the world through the eyes of love and compassion.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Listen to your intuition.
- Use your expanded awareness to help others.
- Allow yourself to feel the interconnectedness of all things.
Stage 6 – Surrender
In the surrender stage, you will finally let go of your resistant ego and allow yourself to be guided by a higher power.
You will realize that you’re not in control, and that is okay.
This is a stage of complete trust and surrender, which can be scary and uncomfortable for some.
However, it is also a liberating experience, as we no longer feel the need to cling to anything.
You are free to simply be and to follow the path that is laid out before you.
You will likely experience a deep sense of peace and bliss during this stage.
This is because you are finally living in alignment with your true self.
The surrender stage is when you realize that you are not alone and that there is a higher power at work.
Ultimately, you will emerge more authentic, centered, and connected to your higher purpose.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Let go of control without fearing the unknown.
- Dont resist the changes that are happening.
- Go with the flow and trust that you are being guided.
Stage 7 – Ascension
The final stage of a spiritual awakening is the ascension phase.
In this stage, you will begin to see the world through the eyes of your higher self.
You will no longer be bound by the limitations of your ego, and you will be able to tap into a higher level of consciousness.
You will start to see things from a more expanded perspective, and you will be able to connect with others on a deeper level.
The ascension phase is when you finally feel like you are home.
You will feel a deep sense of peace, love, and joy and know that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
This is the culmination of your spiritual journey and an amazing experience.
Useful tips for navigating this stage:
- Live from your heart.
- Be compassionate and loving towards others.
- Put what you’ve learned into practice.
Final thoughts
There you have it!
The are the 7 stages of a spiritual awakening.
You might be wondering “how do I know if I’m having a spiritual awakening?”. You can find out more about the signs.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience these stages.
Everyone’s journey is unique, so trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
If you find yourself in any of these stages, just know that it is all part of the process.
Allow yourself to flow through each stage and trust that you will come out on the other side transformed.
