10 Signs Of A Spiritual Awakening
Welcoming Transformation Within Yourself
By Desiree Lanz
Sooner or later, we all get the feeling. We become particularly pensive,
or look back and think, was that really me ten years ago, three years,
or even a month ago? Could I have changed that much? There is a conscious
awareness and recognition that something is different, in our priorities,
our sense of responsibility, or the way we react to both the positive and
negative actions of other people. Experiences that may have seemed baffling
reveal their meaning and our attitude changes toward them. We are surprised
by a sense of lightness, clarity, and joy, see the extraordinary in things
that went previously unnoticed, regain a sense of abandon and playfulness,
and see true beauty not only in the philosophy and mechanism of life itself,
but in the actual act of living each moment mindfully with one’s full het
and wisdom. We tire of the monotony and unreliability that the material
world alone provides and are ready to rise up, find answers, and claim our
right to happiness. The following list describes ten signs of spiritual
awakening found in people who have chosen to conquer human limitations to
reach the innate truth within.
1. Self Control
By not depending on sense experiences or the default influence of past
habits, one can exert true free will and experience the inherent happiness
of the soul. Whereas the norm is to act based on what one is accustomed to
doing rather than following one’s true wishes, a spiritually committederson
throws out bad habits that offer temporary pleasure before ultimately bringing
suffering and chooses the lasting satisfaction of the spirit found through
self-control. A spiritual person’s willpower grows, exercising wisdom a good
judgment supported by meditation and good company. In the book Man's Eternal
Quest, spiritual teacher Paramahansa Yogananda describes that while the
effects of alcohol, drugs, and sex are temporarily exhilarating, they shut
out spiritual power by intensely binding the mind to body consciousness. Many
people turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with anxiety and unpleasant or sad
memories, but this sort of avoidance hides the inherent soul wisdom needed to
overcome trials and be lastingly happy. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali also
speak of mastery over the senses, explaining it as true personal victory and
freedom from body and mind. They teach that all people should build up power
over the mind, never allowing it to fall back. This way, one becomes capable
of anything and finds internal peace and joy that extends to the rest of society.
2. Humility
A spiritual awakening is cultivated by the willingness to learn and show
understanding, striving for the well-being of others and contributing to the
environment by setting an admirable example without speaking of one’s greatne.
Once one realizes that the self is something far beyond the body, that the
soul is a microcosm of the greater Spirit, one acts with the intention of being
a vessel for this benevolent force to express itself. Rather than taking credit
for good actions from an egotistical perspective, it is possible to present
successes as offerings to the divine aspect of the self, holding gratitude rather
than pride for the attributes and achievements one is blessed with. When thoughts
are centered on the welfare of others, truth manifests.
3. Selfless, unconditional love
Love is the driving attractive force that gives life and purpose to existence.
Spiritual Master Sri Yukteswar said that ordinary love is selfish and based on
personal desires and gratification, while divine love is boundless, changeless,
and unconditional. Spiritually awakened beings live in harmony with nature and
other people, loving equally all humanity and holding compassion indiscriminately
regardless of creed, nationality, deed, or any other boundary. Love entails
great freedom, but comes only when the mind is quiet and selfless. Only love,
mercy and goodwill developing in each individual can bring peace and stability at
both a personal and global scale.
4. Calmness and Concentration
Spiritually-developed people have formed great powers of concentration to
accomplish their goals. If one compares the true Self to the bottom of a lake,
it is only visible when the ripples of thoughts have subsided and the water is
tranquil. If the water is muddy or disturbed, the bottom cannot be seen. Events,
memories, concerns, and desires all try to intrude ceaselessly throughout a
person's day. If thoughts are strongly attached to emotions, they are even more
difficult to let go of. Concentration and meditation techniques train the mind
to prevent restless thoughts from clouding and obstructing the experience of
one’s true spiritual nature.
5. Non-attachment
Part of spiritual awakening is mental freedom from possessions. By practicing
non-attachment, one can enjoy things and perform material duties with a sense of
service rather than of personal gain. The ego wants to cling to objects, ideas,
youth, and other aspects of worldly experience; by letting go of these things
gracefully when they have served their time, inner peace is strengthened.
6. Intuition
Intuition is a resolute, unfailing source of wisdom and guidance to one who is
receptive to its subtle advice. When one taps into this resource by surrender
and daily meditation, one is able to hear and trust what the right course of
action is to fulfill his or her best interests. Everyone has this quality and with
increasing awakening and clarity, it becomes a fountain of growing insight and
security.
7. Self-Knowledge
Those committed to a spiritual path constantly examine themselves in order to
make progress and implement necessary changes. Spiritual teacher J. Krishnamurti
asserts that without knowing who one really is, there is no starting point for
right thought so there cannot be transformation. By being aware in each present
moment of one’s thoughts, intentions, and desires, one can begin to chisel awa
y unwanted personal qualities and give life to new traits that lead to triumph
over oneself.
8. Discernment
With increasing spiritual understanding comes the wisdom to know with certainty
the right course of action and the resolve to let nothing stand in the way of
upholding a choice. This does not imply stubbornness or impulsiveness, rather a
state of self-awareness that consists of staying true to convictions while
having the humility to admit when one is wrong.
9. Happiness
Everyone strives to be happy. One becomes devoted to the spiritual path ultimately
to find an unchanging peace and bliss that is elusive in material things.
Paramahansa Yogananda explains that one can never be truly and permanently happy
until one seeks satisfaction in spiritual progress and avoids influences that
inhibit this transformation. When it comes down to it, the absolute proof of
spiritual awakening is real, unconditional, never-ending happiness.
10. Freedom
In the end, one is individually responsible for his or her own habits, mistakes,
and resolutions. Once the greater Self is found in the soul with devotion and
faith, one attains freedom and life is truly beautiful. The Bhagavad Gita says,
“Unattracted to the sensory world, the yogi experiences the ever-new joy of
Being. His soul engaged in the union with Spirit, he attains indestructible Bliss.”
