Although the concept of awakening has been used to describe a myriad of experiences, the true meaning of awakening is moving from unconscious to conscious, and this means that the more conscious you become, the more you awaken.
No doubt, if you are reading this now, you’re probably somewhere on the path of spiritual awakening, let’s get straight to the point…
When most people think of awakening, they tend to think,
experiences that encompass love, joy and peace, and for the more idealistic, mystical images of unicorns and rainbows might even come to mind…
Unfortunately, this concept of awakening is very deceptive, and in fact, if you do experience any unicorns during the awakening process, they’re probably dragging you through the mud by your toenails.
The truth is that no matter what you read or what anyone tells you, the process of awakening can be downright brutal…!
In fact, if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the path, most of us would think twice before starting the journey.
Having said that, if Awakening did have a disclaimer, this is what it might say…Awakening Disclaimer
(Please read carefully before initially your consent).
1. Point of No Return
As soon as you take the first step on the path to awakening, you’re already past the point of no return. Although you might want to change your mind and get off this crazy ride, it’s a one-way trip down the rabbit hole.
Once you begin, there’s no turning back…
2. Awakening is Messy
Since awakening requires that we move from unconscious to conscious in all areas of life, specific issues will naturally arise to show you where you are asleep, and oftentimes, this can feel like all your “shit hitting the fan” – an industrial size fan…!
For instance, life issues will point out the prevalence of unconscious behaviors, especially those behaviors that are used to gain approval or acceptance from others.
No matter how messy awakening might be, don’t worry, you can count on Mr. Clean (aka Mr. Truth) to clean up the mess with his giant mop and pail – and once your consciousness is sparkly clean, you might even be able to eat off the floor!
3. Complete Internal Overhaul
Although everyone’s path is unique, no one awakens until they let go of the constructs and beliefs that have kept them asleep and on auto-pilot.
Therefore, somewhere on the journey of awakening, you will need courage and willingness to examine and re-examine everything you once believed to be true, including…
- age-old traditions
- cultural beliefs
- religious doctrine
- even the beliefs and values that have formed the foundation of your life…
Consequently, when you begin to see through all the illusions that have been constructed by systems, religions, traditions, etc…, you may question everything, and you might even come to the conclusion that all beliefs are false.
No doubt, as you dissemble the construct of reality, you will likely find yourself on shaky ground, and in fact, based on earthquake standards, the shaky ground could measure anywhere between a 6.3 and 8.0 on the Richter scale.
4. Resistance is Futile
Yes, you have ‘free will’ to resist the process of awakening at any point.
However, whether you like it or not, once you begin the journey, life circumstances will relentlessly push you toward awakening. So, not only is resistance futile, but the more you resist, the more difficult life becomes.
Therefore, it’s highly suggested to pack a white flag in your emergency kit – and don’t be afraid to use it.
Since the Universe is conspiring for your awakening, surrender does not mean giving up or losing the battle, and, in fact, every time you surrender to a Higher Power, you’ll be one step closer to awakening.
5. Emotional Roller Coaster
Make no mistake, walking the path of awakening can be an emotional roller coaster ride.
Like clockwork, unhealed past trauma and emotional wounds that have been stuffed or denied now come up to clear, and oftentimes, issues that were thought to be healed long ago resurface – demonstrating that a deeper level of healing is now required.
To ensure a safe ride on the emotional roller coaster, keep hands and feet inside the ride at all times, and if you can’t control your hands and feet, just hang on for dear life!
6. Alienated Friends and Family
As you begin to raise your consciousness and awaken, you may discover that you no longer have anything in common with your friends and family, and due to your scrutiny and rejection of previously shared beliefs, that old familiar connection could be gone.
No doubt, if you’re alienated from the ones you love most, it’s common to feel lost and alone. Moreover, if your loved ones no longer understand you, they might think you’ve gone bat-ass crazy.
So, be warned if you see two big brawny men carrying a straitjacket to your front door, don’t hesitate to run out the backdoor – and whatever you do, don’t look back!
7. Anti-Social Phenomena
During the process of awakening, small talk and socializing often become quite unappealing and even downright unbearable at times.
So, although you might feel uneasy about spending large amounts of time alone, there’s a good chance that, on most days, you’ll choose it over small talk and socializing.
8. End of Toleration
By Stage 3 of Awakening above, it’s very common to become hyper-aware of unfulfilling relationships and/or careers that have been quietly tolerated for years, and while this could prompt a growing desire for change, it’s often followed by a debilitating fear of the unknown.
Nonetheless, it’s impossible to fully awaken while you continue to engage in circumstances where you are unconscious and asleep.
Therefore, sooner or later, it’s time to acknowledge your personal truth and make tangible changes accordingly.
While this often means disentangling from unhealthy professional dynamics and/or dysfunctional relationships, it could also mean setting and enforcing boundaries that support a more conscious life.
9. Unrecognizable to Yourself
As a result of questioning your own identity, at some point, you might realize that you’re no longer the person you once believed yourself to be, and as you become unrecognizable to yourself, you might experience big life changes in a relationship, career, or physical relocation.
Since the stranger in the mirror is you, it’s probably a good idea to make friends with your new self. However, do your best not to judge or abandon your old self who did all the hard work to get you here!
10. Letting Go
As the most pivotal factor, awakening requires a complete letting go, such as letting go of,
- external judgments
- self-judgment
- social systems
- ego-generated behavior
- emotional wounds
- social, religious, and family beliefs,
…and even who you thought you once were.
Needless to say, this often includes forgiveness of oneself and others…
While this is often described as an “ego death,” it’s common to experience deep feelings of emptiness. In fact, a dear friend once described this part of the journey as, “sitting all alone in an empty Costco Warehouse.”
11. Embracing the Dark Side
As an often hidden aspect of awakening, you must eventually face and embrace your own dark side. Needless to say, if you’re attached to the identity of being a good person, this can be a very difficult process.
While it’s easier to categorize people as good and bad and rationalize that you fall into the former category, we all contain aspects of light and dark, and therefore, we all can demonstrate both the best and worst of humankind.
Since awakening requires a return to wholeness, along with a high level of unconditional self-love and acceptance, your whole being must be integrated – even the parts you dislike or strive to change.
So, keep in mind that as long as you don’t hurt yourself or anyone else, it’s usually safe to befriend your own inner “bad guy.”
12. Physical Symptoms
Let’s not forget that during the process of awakening, vibrational changes in the body and psyche can cause all types of odd physical symptoms… many of which can make you feel like you’re possessed.
So, before you call the exorcist or shroud yourself in garlic, remember that a variety of awakening symptoms are perfectly normal, such as,
- interrupted sleep patterns
- changes in appetite
- loss of desire
- confusion
- light-headedness
- bodily aches and pains
- depression,
...and more.
(Of course, seek professional medical care when appropriate.)😏
13. Cyclic Ups and Downs
On this crazy and chaotic path of awakening, you’ll likely have days when you feel on top of the world and you’ll think that you finally “made it”… only to find yourself back in the pits of confusion or despair the very next day.
Since this cycle is quite normal, why not enjoy the good days while doing your best to smooth out the bad.
Thankfully, over time, the ups and downs will even out, and eventually, you’ll discover a beautiful space to call home.
14. What’s the Point?
For most, the process of awakening often reveals that life has no real meaning or purpose, and this can result in feelings of hopelessness and depression.
After all, if there’s no purpose to life, what’s the point?
However, rather than being the end of the story, the best part of life begins after you move through the period of pointlessness. In fact, this is when you will have the ability to consciously write your own life story – the way you always wanted it to be!
15. Running Out of Time?
If you’re like many others on the path, you might experience pangs of regret for not starting the journey earlier, and you might even feel like you’re running out of time.
But, rest assured; thanks to a preset internal alarm clock, everyone begins to wake up at exactly the right time… specific to them.
In addition, even before you officially begin the journey, every life experience has propelled you toward awakening, and this means that there hasn’t been a single wasted moment.
So, do yourself a favor and double-flush those pangs of regret down the toilet…!
Two Steps Forward… Three Steps Back!
Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to awakening, and for many, the journey can feel endless – much like taking two steps forward and three steps back.
However, once you gain the wisdom of hindsight, you might be surprised to know that even the backward steps moved you forward in exponential ways.
No matter how it might seem, the Universe is conspiring to love you, and in fact, during your darkest moments, it’s empowering you to wake up and remember who you really are!
So, while it might appear as if there is no light at either end of the tunnel, the light you’ve been seeking is within, and this means that you’ve always had the power to illuminate your own path!
So, is it all worth it?
Although awakening takes enormous courage, strength, and tenacity, and it is not for the faint of heart, the journey is worth every challenging step.
So, what can you expect after awakening?
No doubt, through the process of awakening, we are presented with life’s most precious treasures, and yet, hands down, the best part about waking up is the immense freedom to be Who You Really Are!
You see, bit by bit, as the false self is shed during the journey of awakening, you inevitably discover the Real YOU – and this means that you inevitably wake up as your True Self.
By embodying the unconditional worth that is gained through awakening, you’ll inevitably feel centered and grounded in all areas of life, and because you’ll also attain self-empowerment in the process, you’ll have the confidence to live according to your own personal values.
In fact, once you’re fully conscious, your choices and behavior will never again be dictated by internal programs or external social expectations.
Moreover, by living as your True Self, heightened levels of clarity and vision will allow you to choose a fulfilling life’s purpose that’s right for you, and as your inner voice becomes loud and clear, intuition will guide you toward the fulfillment of your dreams and desires.
Once you’re awake, don’t be surprised if your energy and vitality go through the roof, and with greater emotional stability, you can expect healthier relationships and deeper connections too.
In fact, as increased levels of peace, love, and joy naturally fill your days, you’ll experience more flow and ease in everything you do!
by Nanice Ellis
PARADIGM SHYFT 