Embracing All Aspects of a Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual awakenings are often framed as luminous, expansive, and freeing. A sudden remembering. or a return to truth like a cosmic aha moment. And sometimes they are. But just as often, a spiritual awakening feels confusing, destabilizing, and deeply uncomfortable. Less “ascending into the light,” more “everything I thought I knew no longer fits.”

A spiritual awakening doesn’t just expand your awareness. It dismantles the structures you were using to survive. And that part rarely gets talked about.

What is a Spiritual Awakening?

Spiritual awakenings, sometimes referred to as dark nights of the soul, are intense periods of emotional, internal, and external turmoil. They can come with questioning your reality and often bring mood swings, heightened sensitivity, and overwhelming emotions that seem to come out of nowhere.

As Carl Jung famously said, "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious" This speaks to the deep, sometimes painful introspection that accompanies awakenings - facing your shadow side in order to grow.

You might find yourself grappling with existential confusion, questioning the meaning of life, spirituality, faith, and trust in your path. Feelings of disconnection and emptiness may creep in, leaving you uncertain of who you are.

The Emotional and Existential Unraveling

Many people experience a deep sense of existential confusion during a spiritual awakening. You might question the meaning of life, faith, spirituality, or whether you trust your own inner knowing at all.

There can be periods of emptiness or disconnection. A strange grief for a self you didn’t realize you were still performing. A sense that you don’t quite belong where you once did, but don’t yet know where you’re going.

Writer and teacher Pema Chödrön names this territory clearly:“Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.”

What the Body Tells Us

Spiritual awakenings don’t stay politely in the mind. The body is often the first to speak up.

Fatigue is common. Insomnia can appear seemingly overnight. Your nervous system may feel fried, overstimulated, or oddly alert at the worst possible hours. Some people describe this as energetic “downloads,” while others just know their body is trying to recalibrate faster than their mind can keep up.

Physical symptoms can include:

• Exhaustion or wired-tired states

• Digestive changes

• Aches, pressure, or unexplained discomfort

• Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, or people

Staying hydrated, spending time in water, resting without justification, and using simple grounding rituals like baths (Epsom salts help, and yes, add the essential oil if it feels supportive) can help the body process what’s moving through.

Awakening is not separate from the nervous system. It moves through it.

Navigating Emotional Turmoil

Anxiety and fear are frequent companions during spiritual awakenings. It's like the manual you subconsciously followed to get you through your life gets torn up right in front of you. Your past beliefs and identities are challenged as you receive or wait to receive new spiritual insights, leaving you disorientated and unsure of what's next.

This process can strain relationships too. You might feel misunderstood or alienated, particularity if friends and family don't understand what's happening - or if you don't fully understand it yourself. Relationship dynamics shift when differences in values or beliefs emerge, and it;s not uncommon to walk away from people or situations that no longer align with the new version of you. This can trigger grief, fear, and conflict. But allowing yourself to feel and mourn the loss is key to moving forward.

The Ego's Role in Spiritual Awakenings

One of the biggest obstacles in this process? The ego's resistance. I like to think of the ego as a stubborn teenager who thinks they are always right. It fears change and will do almost anything to sabotage growth as a defense mechanism.

Ego resistance manifests in different ways: self-doubt, fear of new experience, reluctance to let go of old patterns, or distractions pulling you in all directions. It creates a tug-of-war between the ego's desire for security and the soul's longing for expansion. Giving space to listen, accept, and and integrate the emotions, fears, and traumas that arse allows you to heal and release these blockages.

Taking Care of Yourself During a Spiritual Awakening

Nourishing your body, mind, and soul is critical during these transformative times. While you may feel isolated and like "no one will get it", you are not alone. Self compassion and acceptance are essential as you navigate the process.

Here are a few ways to support yourself:

• Grounding Practices: Meditation, nature walks, and grounding exercises can help calm the nervous system.

• Energy Healing: Integrative energy healing can offer support by moving stagnant energy. (You can read more about this here)

• Community and Support: Seek guidance from like-minded people, spiritual mentors, or communities that understand your experience.

Spiritual Awakening FAQs

What are common spiritual awakening symptoms?

Common spiritual awakening symptoms include emotional sensitivity, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, identity confusion, heightened awareness, and emotional release. Many people also experience shifts in relationships, values, and how they relate to their body and nervous system.

Is a spiritual awakening the same as a dark night of the soul?

No, but they can overlap.

A spiritual awakening is a broader shift in awareness. A dark night of the soul refers to a more intense period of grief, loss, or existential distress that may occur during an awakening. Not all awakenings include a dark night, and some people experience multiple cycles over time.

Can a spiritual awakening cause anxiety or depression?

Yes.

Spiritual awakenings can trigger anxiety or depressive symptoms as familiar identities and coping strategies dissolve. This doesn’t mean the experience is “just spiritual” or “just psychological.” It’s often both. Mental health support can be an important and appropriate part of the process.

How long does a spiritual awakening last?

There is no fixed timeline.

Some phases last months, others unfold over years. Spiritual awakening is not a single event with a clear endpoint but an ongoing process of integration and adjustment.

Do I need to do anything to complete a spiritual awakening?

No.

Trying to rush clarity often creates more distress. Integration happens through rest, reflection, grounding, and allowing insight to settle over time.

Is a spiritual awakening dangerous?

Spiritual awakening itself is not dangerous, but lack of support can make it overwhelming.

If someone experiences severe dissociation, paranoia Toggle, loss of functioning, or thoughts of self-harm, professional mental health support is essential. Spiritual and psychological care work best together.

How can I tell the difference between a spiritual awakening and a mental health crisis?

The difference is not always clear without support.

Spiritual awakening tends to move toward increased self-awareness and integration over time. A mental health crisis often involves escalating distress, fragmentation, or loss of agency. Working with a qualified professional can help discern what kind of support is needed.

What helps ground a spiritual awakening?

Grounding practices support the nervous system and help prevent overwhelm.

Helpful supports often include time in nature, gentle movement, rest, hydration, consistent routines, body-based practices, and grounded energy work focused on regulation rather than activation.

Is it normal to feel alone during a spiritual awakening?

Yes.

Many people feel isolated because their inner experience shifts faster than their external world. Finding supportive spaces where your experience is met with understanding rather than dismissal can significantly ease the process.

The journey of spiritual awakening is not linear (unfortunately) and can be wildly unpredictable. Reaching out for support from professional therapists or counselors can help rule our or address any underlying psychological imbalances that might arise or impact the spiritual process.

Embracing the Spiritual Transformation

While spiritual awakenings can feel intense and uncertain, they also offer profound opportunities for growth, healing, and self-discovery. By acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects, you can navigate the shadows with courage and grace, ultimately stepping into your true purpose and potential.

Feeling the pull of a spiritual awakening and not sure here to turn? You're not meant to navigate this alone. Let's connect - schedule a clarity call and let's explore how I can support you. I offer integrative energy healing sessions that can help clear block, ease anxiety, and guide you through the chaos. Book here!