What is Spiritual Awakening?
I talk and write about spiritual awakening a lot. Even in my book ‘Finding the One – A practical Guide to Manifesting Your Soul Mate,’ I talk about spiritual awakening. I do this because spiritual awakening is the very foundation of all wellness, all life and all manifestation. But it has never really occurred to me to define spiritual awakening, until I have begun writing my new book, which is a manual on spiritual awakening (watch this space).
One of the main reasons spiritual awakening is not typically defined, is because attaching labels to such can take away understanding of its essence. We need to be careful when using words to define that which is beyond words. Many spiritual teachers in the past have attempted to point to spiritual awakening without words. Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as, the Buddha or the ‘awake one,’ described spiritual awakening in negative terms as ‘the end of suffering.’ On one occasion, in order to wordlessly impart wisdom, he reportedly held up a flower, in what is known as ‘the flower sermon’ or ‘the silent sermon.’
Because I am attempting to use words to describe that which is beyond words, if you can, take your awareness deeply into the body as you read. Be aware of the movement of the breath in the abdomen and chest as you read. Can you sense a warmth, an aliveness or even a subtle pulse throughout your body? Take a moment now to turn your gaze deep within. This will help anchor your attention in the space of this moment and will help you to step out of the literal definitions of the words and sense their essence instead.
The purpose of your life is to awaken, spiritually speaking. Even without these words and this understanding, you intuitively know this. On one level, you want life to please you and to deliver to you that which you desire. On another level, deep within, you know there must be something more to life. This is the something that calls to you; a deep longing that impels you forward, seeking; looking to fulfil the thing that seems to be missing.
That which you seek is not missing. You already are that which you seek. As you begin to realise who you are, you awaken spiritually.
Who you are cannot be defined but you can sense who you are in the quiet moments, when you become still and notice deep peace arising from within. It will likely be subtle at first, which is why you don’t always perceive this depth; this ‘aspect’ of self.
The world is noisy and chaotic. Our modern lives are filled with potentially problematic circumstances at every turn. There are constant distractions from this quiet stillness that you are. Life will try and tempt you into wrestling with its many stressful situations that cause you to become tightly wound into a knotted ball of tension. It is only when you unwind, let go of tension, release the racing thoughts and return to the stillness of this moment, you can reconnect with who you are.
This is what it means to awaken spiritually; you reconnect with who you really are. It really is that simple and natural, even though it’s often made out to be a big deal. For this reason, spiritual awakening can easily be overlooked but the good news is this is not an ‘achievement’ set aside only for the ‘masters,’ as some spiritual philosophies might inadvertantly lead us to believe.
You have likely had spiritual awakenings already, especially since you are drawn to reading about the topic. These awakenings can happen when you have moments of deep appreciation; perhaps witnessing a spectacular sunset or staring deeply into the eyes of your cat as it purrs contentedly on your lap. Maybe you’ve had awakenings when you were out camping or hiking with your loved ones, drinking in the sights, scents and sounds of a majestic landscape. Perhaps you’ve awakened under the night sky, awestruck by the expanse of glittering stars blanketing the earth. You may even have awakened during ordinary moments, such as, doing the dishes, cooking or performing a task you’re good at, like your job or a hobby.
Any time your attention is fully in this moment, coupled with a sense of peace and stillness, you are ‘awake’ to your true nature and available to life. This is spiritual awakening. It is available to everyone and you do it naturally. The trick is to keep some of your attention on the occurrences of life and some attention on the depths of your being as you move throughout your days. As you awaken spiritually, you will find your attention moving from one to the other; from the forms of life to the formless life, that is, the alive stillness within you. More and more frequently, you will come to settle in the stillness and live from within that space. This is akin to residing within the eye of the hurricane, balanced and stable, as life moves freely around you.
I mentioned earlier that the purpose of your life is to awaken. Life offers up events every day that invite you to go deeper into who you are. When you get caught up in life, there is great potential for suffering. As you allow your mind to be overly distracted by what occurs around you, rather than placing your attention acutely within the space of the now, you overlook the depths of your being. Your essential nature becomes obscured and you suffer. If you are suffering, this is your invitation to go deeper into who you are. As you move deeply into who you really are, as you awaken spiritually, suffering abates. Your true nature is beyond the chaotic happenings of this world. Realising this and bringing your attention to this space often; connecting with the depths of your being, anchors you steadfastly even amidst tumultuous times.
Awakening spiritually means becoming available to life. You reclaim energy and attention from your mind and the painful past that obscures your view of this moment. While it is subtle at first, you can go into depths of peace and joy so exquisite you will know unequivocally nothing was ever missing. Everything you have ever wished for is here for you now in this moment. This is the space from which all manifestation is born, delivered and received. It is the ‘joy that surpasses all understanding.’ When you awaken, you have found ‘kingdom of heaven’ and the space from which ‘all else can be added unto thee.’
Much love and peace friends xo
