Self-Care, Self-Fulfillment, Self-Love
Are you aware of your true passion? Or are you still seeking a greater purpose that will spark your joy and a deeper sense of fulfillment?
Believe it or not, your highest potential is already within you just waiting to be activated. Self-realization is a simple, yet profound journey that involves uncovering your true self to reveal what’s been there all along.
However, if you’re an accomplished woman, you may be trapped in a perpetual cycle of becoming. What I’m referring to is the unending quest to become more—prosperous, successful, fulfilled, etc. I’ll acknowledge that this pursuit might initially appear to be advantageous. However, over time it can propagate dissatisfaction by hindering the self-awareness and inner growth that’s essential for your genuine happiness.
I’m extremely cognizant of how easy it can be to get caught up in the frantic pace of becoming. The notion of simply being contradicts most societal norms. Yet, being is the key to unlocking your inner untapped potential and enjoying freedom through greater balance, purpose, and meaning.
You can absolutely break free from the chains of perpetual becoming and embrace the practice of being. When you choose to do this, you take an essential step towards self-realization and the awareness of your true self, replete with your innate potential.
The Concept of “Being”
Historical Perspectives
The concept of “being” is deeply rooted in ancient religious and philosophical traditions, each of which offers their own individual path to understanding existence and the self. For instance, in Buddhism, the concept of “being” opens the path to enlightenment. The Buddha taught that understanding your true nature of existence and self is crucial in the journey to Nirvana.
Similarly, Hindu philosophy states that the essence of being is explored through the concept of the inner self or soul. The realization of one’s inner self being one with the ultimate reality or world soul is central to attaining liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
In ancient Greek philosophy, Socrates’ famous maxim, “Know thyself,” emphasizes the fundamental role of self-awareness and self-realization in understanding life and existence. His student Plato also contemplated the forms and the nature of existence beyond the physical world.
The inquiry into the nature of “being” stands as a central metaphysical pillar for understanding life, the world, and the self. The universal human yearning for wisdom and enlightenment can be attained through the journey of self-realization.
The Modern Adaptation
In modern society, the ancient concept of “being” is integrated into mindfulness and self-awareness practices, which presents numerous avenues of exploration for understanding existence and consciousness. The emphasis of these practices is on centering yourself in the present so you can move beyond a habitual yearning to become something else; and instead, nurture your innate essence to thrive.
Mindfulness practices encourage you to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in the present moment, reducing anxiety, stress, and depression. Practices such as yoga and meditation, which derive from ancient Hindu and Buddhist philosophies, promote both physical and mental wellness. Journaling, breathing exercises, and walks in nature, also ground you in the present moment.
Emphasis on the connection between mind, body, and spirit cultivates balance and inner peace, accelerating true self-awareness and personal enlightenment. Therefore, the age-old exploration of “being” continues in modern times, offering paths for deeper understanding, mental and emotional balance, and self-realization.
The Dangers of Perpetual Becoming
The Cycle of Dissatisfaction: Always Wanting More
With perpetual becoming, there is the persistence of dissatisfaction. This relentless yearning for more—success, material wealth, validation—fuels discontent and anxiety, ensnaring one in a never-ending loop of insufficiency.
A Comparative Monologue: Feeling Unworthy
Amidst the rush to achieve, there’s the danger of slipping into comparative monologues, measuring your value against external yardsticks and feeling perpetually unworthy. This undermines self-esteem and self-acceptance, further exacerbating the disconnect from your true self.
Embracing the Power of Being
The Joy of the Present
With techniques like mindfulness and meditation, you can anchor yourself in the joy of the present. You truly embrace the power of being by immersing yourself fully in the now. When you apply these techniques to everyday life, you foster a deep sense of connection with the present moment and increased self-realization.
Harness Your Potential
Adopting the mindset of being, rather than becoming, positively impacts all facets of life—from relationships and careers to overall well-being. When all else is stripped away, you reveal the authentic self and see your potential with greater clarity, unburdened by societal expectations or external pressures. Don’t shy away from the true version of yourself. Harness it with audacity and reap the rewards of greater meaning, fulfillment, and joy in your life.
Throughout history, the concept of unbecoming to reveal one’s true ‘being’ has been advocated as a profound approach to understanding the potential within. Through self-realization, you can unearth your true purpose and discover your highest potential.
Self-Fulfillment, Spirituality
A spiritual awakening can lead to a great sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment. However, initially, you may find discomfort in your new perception of reality.
In my previous article, Awaken Your Potential: The Evolving Stages of a Spiritual Awakening, I spoke about how spiritual awakenings are often preceded by life-changing events. Pivotal life moments, such as a sudden loss, a serious illness, a divorce, or a career change, can elicit a shift in your perspective and launch you on a spiritual path.
As your journey unfolds, the feelings and sensations that come forth can be unfamiliar and even unnerving at times. You may notice an evolving sense of self and heightened emotions. If you don’t recognize such changes as symptoms of a spiritual journey, it can be unsettling.
To navigate your ongoing journey, it is helpful to understand that the stages of spiritual awakening are evolving and not linear; there will be periods of ebb and flow. In order to receive the full benefits of your journey, it’s valuable to honor and nurture your emotions, sensations, and introspective impressions.
Understanding Your Spiritual Awakening
Emotional Responses
Post-awakening, it can be common to experience a surge of heightened emotions. As your journey continues, you might find yourself oscillating between moments of profound joy and deep sorrow. It’s important to embrace the highs and navigate the lows with grace and understanding.
Heightened sensitivity is a blessing that you can use as a tool to navigate your journey towards enlightenment. Here are some of the emotions you may experience:
Profound Joy: You might feel profound joy as you see the world in a new light, realizing deeper connections and greater passion. This newfound perspective can make you feel more alive and aligned with your purpose, which allows even the smallest of moments to produce unimagined joy.
Deep Sorrow: The process of awakening often brings deep sorrow, since it might mean coming to terms with past traumas, injustices, or personal losses. You may also feel grief over what might have been, or have difficulty adjusting to changes happening externally and internally in your life.
Excitement: As you develop heightened intuition, you may experience excitement about the synchronicities and signs that guide you. It could feel like the universe is communicating with you in a more direct way, and you become eager to see where this path leads.
Confusion: You might feel confusion as a result of the whirlwind of emotions and energies you’re tuning into. It could even be challenging to distinguish your feelings from those of people around you, making it necessary to navigate a new depth of empathy.
Fear: Awakening can bring fear of stepping into the unknown or letting go of old beliefs and structures that no longer serve you. You might be afraid of what you’ll discover about yourself or the world.
Peace: Amidst the chaos, there can be moments of peace, where you feel deeply connected to your inner self and the universe. This comes from understanding and accepting the natural flow of life, with its ups and downs.
Compassion: Your heightened sensitivity tends to foster increased compassion, as you become more attuned to the feelings and struggles of others. You may find yourself understanding and empathizing with people on a deeper level, with a greater desire to help and uplift others.
Handling Your Emotions
Embrace your heightened emotions instead of shying away from them. These feelings are signals of growth and indicate that you are tuning in to your inner self. During your awakening, it’s important to give yourself space to experience the emotions fully. Simple practices like mindful meditation, deep breathing, or even taking a walk in nature can help you connect with these deeper aspects of yourself.
It’s also vital to give yourself the grace to evolve, to learn, and to adapt. Engaging in meaningful conversations, reading enriching literature, and becoming a part of a supportive community can provide nourishment for your evolving soul.
A New Sense of Self
The journey of spiritual growth is continuous, filled with moments of lucidity or confusion. As you embrace these intrinsic aspects of your journey, you’ll experience an overall sense of clarity and see things you may have overlooked before. This includes a new sense of self.
Since this version of you is new, it might come as a surprise when you handle situations differently. Instead of reacting as your ego did in the past, you pause to consider how you will choose to respond. At times, this might be surprising. Yet, keep in mind that a spiritual journey tends to be fueled by faith. Accordingly, positive responses could authentically be the most likely outcomes of your new sense of self.
The Gifts Of A Spiritual Awakening
As you become more receptive to the voice within, you learn how to trust your intuition. This enhanced intuition becomes your guiding force, allowing you to see things from a new point of view, understand situations better, and discover greater fulfillment and passion.
Material pursuits often fade in importance. Instead, your emphasis will be on personal development, enriching experiences, and meaningful relationships. A heightened awareness of energy vibrations can lead to distancing yourself from relationships that don’t serve you, while making new connections that support your evolving self.
Your ability to more intensely feel your emotions, along with the energy of others, is a true gift of your spiritual awakening. Embrace the highs and lows with an open heart. Trust that the universe is guiding you towards the most benevolent outcome for your highest potential.
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Have you been experiencing an urge to reevaluate your beliefs or reprioritize your life?
Are you searching for something, but you’re not sure what?
Do you crave more meaning and purpose?
You could be experiencing a spiritual awakening.
Simply stated, a spiritual awakening signifies the start of your journey on a spiritual path. It can be described as a profound shift in consciousness that expands your worldview and mindset. You are waking up from ego-centered life and questioning previously held beliefs, habits, and societal norms that don’t serve your highest good. It’s the difference between being on auto-pilot versus being fully aware of your course.
Here are some frequently asked questions about spiritual awakening:
Why am I having a spiritual awakening? In a nutshell, your soul decided you were ready to wake up. Your soul has been evolving and expanding, and it’s time for you to reconnect with your true nature.
What activates a spiritual awakening? It can be triggered by many things and happen at any time of your life. Spiritual awakenings can be spontaneous or they can be caused by life-changing events, such as the death of a loved one, a serious illness, a divorce, a car crash, or a myriad of other things.
What are the benefits of a spiritual awakening? An awakening brings a better understanding of yourself and how you are connected with others and the universe. You begin to realize that true fulfillment and happiness can’t come from outside you and that it’s found within. You perceive the human experience in a whole new way, craving a more meaningful existence that makes you feel whole. As you learn how to activate your innate power and accept what is, you discover greater flow and increased joy, grace, and wisdom. Life becomes easier.
How long does a spiritual awakening last? Spiritual awakening is not a destination; it is a life-long journey. The process is complex and varies for each individual, ranging from calm to chaotic in intensity.
What does a spiritual awakening look like? There are 7 stages of spiritual awakening. It’s important to note that this is not a linear process that moves from A to Z. It is quite common to move back and forth between the stages. As well, you will most likely experience periods of ebb and flow in your evolution.
The Evolving Stages Of Spiritual Awakening
Stage 1: Feeling Lost
You experience confusion, disconnection, and unhappiness with your life. Nothing makes sense. You no longer feel like you. There’s an emptiness, like something is missing within you. It may seem as if a rug has been pulled out from underneath you.
Stage 2: Shifting Perspectives
As you become more awake and aware, you begin to perceive life, society, and the world in a different way. What was once accepted without question is critically examined. You see through the illusions and realize that many of your values and beliefs are inherited from other people. This period can be unsettling, as it challenges the foundations of your identity.
Stage 3: Seeking
You start asking questions like: “Who am I?”, “What’s the meaning of life?”, and “What is my purpose?” As a result, you begin to look at metaphysical and personal development resources for answers. You desire to be alone, possibly losing touch with friends and family as you become more introspective.
Stage 4: Finding
Through soul searching, you find teachers and practices that resonate with you. Your desire for truth and authenticity leads to the dissolution of old patterns that no longer serve you. You have glimpses of who you truly are.
Stage 5: Disillusionment
You become tired of the teachers and practices that once spoke to you and look for something deeper. If you had the experience of connection with the Divine, it can be normal to be separated again during this stage. However, your craving for deep connection and spiritual transformation motivates you to go in search of more.
Stage 6: Inner Work
Your desire to deeply understand who you are is the impetus for you to seriously dive into inner work and soul work. You may immerse yourself in practices that call to you, like mindfulness, meditation, shadow work, inner child work, and other metaphysical modalities.
Stage 7: Integration
You consciously apply the spiritual lessons you’ve learned, from your inner and soul work, into your daily life. This is where you experience the most lasting transformation. You’ll feel greater depths of connection, peace, joy, love, and alignment with all there is. And you may desire to use this wisdom to help others.
Tools & Practices to Aid Your Journey
Meditation & Mindfulness
Meditation is the cornerstone of many spiritual practices. By quieting the mind, you can tap into deeper levels of consciousness and understanding. Mindfulness or focusing on the present moment, helps ground you, calm your thoughts, and cultivate a balanced perspective.
Journaling & Expressive Art
Documenting your spiritual journey can be therapeutic. Journaling offers a way to process and reflect. Expressive art acts as a medium to convey complex emotions and insights, which can help bridge the gap between your soul and the external world.
Spiritual Guides & Healing
Seeking guidance from spiritual teachers or healers can be invaluable. Whether it’s through literature, seminars, or one-on-one sessions, their wisdom can offer clarity and direction during the ongoing journey of your spiritual awakening.
My Experience With Spiritual Awakening
My spiritual awakening was activated by just about every life-changing event that I mentioned above. It began to unfold between July 1994 and August 1996. Over the course of two years, I experienced the loss of two friends to cancer, the mugging and death of my father, a move from New York to Florida, the selling of my successful financial planning business to partner in a new company, the dissolution of the new company, a new job, a divorce, and a car crash that triggered fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and post-traumatic stress.
If you’ve seen The Matrix, like Neo I was offered both the blue pill and the red pill. If I had taken the blue pill, I would have remained asleep and unaware. Instead, I chose the red pill and spiritual awakening. Looking back at my Dark Night of the Soul experience, I will admit that it’s not a journey for the faint of heart.
Since that time, I have experienced all seven stages of spiritual awakening more than once. As I mentioned above, this is not a linear process and so I move back and forth between the stages multiple times. There were also periods of ebb and flow in my evolution. Sometimes, I took two steps forward and one step back; other times, one step forward and two steps back.
Yet, it was all worth it! Going through the process of spiritual awakening is unlike anything I could have imagined. I would never have thought that my spiritual journey would include becoming a certified life coach, certified master coach and assistant trainer of Accelerated Evolution, a spiritual counselor, and a doctor of metaphysics. My spiritual awakening has been deeply profound, and I would do it all over again…except, now I have the tools to do it more quickly and less painfully.
Are you having your own spiritual awakening, on the verge of experiencing an awakening, or desiring to experience an awakening? If you would like some insight, support, and guidance along the way, click here and request a complimentary discovery session.
Welcome the call of your soul. Embrace each stage, tool, and insight of awakening, knowing they’re guiding you towards your most authentic self.
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Why is timing relevant in your self-awareness practice?
Every individual has their own intrinsic cycles, inherent pace, and innate rhythms. These rhythms are a series of bodily functions that work in roughly 24-hour cycles and are regulated by your internal clock. They control patterns like sleep, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, hormonal secretions, and more.
Throughout each day, you naturally experience shifts from heightened to lower awareness levels. Understanding this and respecting your internal clock can help you establish a healthy sleep routine, regulate metabolism, boost overall well-being, enhance self-awareness, and optimize productivity.
Since self-awareness is affected by your natural rhythm and the demands of daily life, your mental state is deeply influenced by the time of day, your schedule, and your environment. The beauty of self-awareness practices is that they are flexible. So making the time, whether five minutes or an hour, to weave these practices into your schedule can profoundly elevate your life.
By syncing your awareness exercises with your natural rhythms, you acknowledge your humanity, honor your unique needs and potential, and harness your innate wisdom and creativity. For instance, morning hours may provide freshness and clarity, while the afternoon might require effort to focus. Evening, on the other hand, could be an ideal time for deep contemplation.
Recognizing your optimal times for self-awareness practices isn’t merely about sustaining your well-being; it’s an asset for leveraging your potential. The balance you receive from incorporating these practices throughout the day can enhance your relationships, career, and overall happiness.
Morning Practices: Wake Up With Awareness
Introspection
Morning, with its freshness and promise of a new day, is an excellent time for introspection. Set a positive tone for the day with a routine that includes gratitude journaling or mindfulness meditation.
Practical Tips
Simplicity is key. Start with a five-minute meditation or jot down dreams and goals. This can make a huge difference in your perspective as you head into the day. Make the creation of a peaceful environment a priority, same as if you were brushing your teeth.
Afternoon Routines: Find Peace In The Hustle
Breaks for Conscious Awareness
Afternoon slumps are real. Take breaks to refocus your awareness and re-energize. Regular breaks not only combat afternoon fatigue, they provide greater clarity for enhanced productivity and well-being throughout the day.
Simple Exercises
Mindful breathwork or a quick walk are powerful ways to encourage self-awareness during an afternoon low. Mindful breathing allows you to center, focus on the present moment, and calm your mind. Even a few minutes of deep, conscious breathing can revive your energy and concentration. Likewise, a quick walk, especially if it’s outdoors, can awaken the senses and provide a much-needed change of scenery.
Evening Self-Awareness: The Calm After The Storm
Self-Reflection
As the day winds down, the quiet of the evening offers a golden opportunity for self-reflection. Nighttime is an ideal time to evaluate, contemplate, unwind, and acknowledge what you’re grateful for. Fostering gratitude and a deeper understanding of yourself allows for a peaceful transition into slumber and improves your sleep quality.
Techniques
Practice mindful movements, journaling, conscious appreciation, or inspirational reading. Establishing a calming nighttime routine aids in reducing stress and creates a nurturing environment for self-awareness.
Challenges on the Path to Self-Awareness
Overcome Distractions
Your world is filled with distractions, so it’s vital to create a sanctuary for self-awareness practices. Your sanctuary, whether a physical space or a time dedicated to be free from interruptions, allows you to disconnect from the chaos and connect with your inner self. By cultivating an environment where reflection and introspection can thrive, you’re investing in your mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall personal growth.
Embrace Your Emotions
It’s normal to experience emotions during self-awareness practices. Choosing to embrace, rather than avoid, these feelings can deepen your understanding of self. Mindfulness techniques and the support of professional guidance can be helpful in navigating emotions that surface during these practices.
Harness the power of time to enhance your self-awareness practice and shift your perspective in profound ways. Recognizing the ideal moments for self-reflection and the tools or strategies that work best for you can lead you on a more mindful journey towards a richer, more fulfilling existence. The valuable rewards that you glean from these self-awareness practices include daily doses of clarity, peace, and joy.
Remember, the journey of self-awareness is uniquely yours. Embrace it, honor your needs, and seize your full potential.
Burnout, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Overwhelm, Receiving, Relationships, Self-Care, Self-Fulfillment, Self-Love, Spirituality
“Resting in Awareness, we transform all the ‘stuff’ of our lives.” ~ Ram Dass
What is self-awareness? And why is it important?
Briefly, self-awareness is the ability to recognize your emotional shifts, pinpoint your triggers, and view situations from another person’s perspective. A benefit of being conscious of your emotions and triggers is that it’s the first step in being able to regulate them, thus allowing you to respond more intentionally in the future. The advantage of seeing things from another person’s point of view is reduced conflict and more meaningful relationships.
According to New York Times best-selling author and leadership guru Tasha Eurich, 95 percent of people believe they are self-aware, but only 10–15% of people actually possess this skill. This means that they do not know who they are, how others perceive them, or the bigger role they are meant to fulfill in the world. Thankfully, self-awareness is a skill that can be developed.
There are two main types of self-awareness: internal and external. Both are essential for transforming your unwanted habits, routines, impulses, and reactions to more desirable behaviors. Internal self-awareness is the cognizance of your values, thoughts, and emotions. External self-awareness is the understanding of how you’re viewed by others.
Self-awareness, both internal and external, is foundational for revealing your full potential. When you can embody self-awareness, you have a more holistic understanding of yourself and how you fit in the world.
Types of Self-Awareness
Internal Self-Awareness
Internal self-awareness refers to an inner understanding of your values, thoughts, passions, motivations, needs, emotional triggers, behaviors, and affect on others. If your internal self-awareness is high, then you tend to make choices that are in alignment with who you truly are. This means that you’ll enjoy a more fulfilling life. On the other hand, if your internal self-awareness is low, you may choose actions that result in undesirable outcomes. For example, enduring an incompatible job or relationship because you’re unsure of what you really want.
External Self-Awareness
External self-awareness concerns your consciousness around how others perceive you. When your external self-awareness is high, you can accurately see yourself from the point of view of another person. This enables you to build more solid and fulfilling relationships. However, if your external self-awareness is low, there can be a disconnect between how you think you come across to others and how you are actually seen. For example, your colleagues might misconstrue your stress-induced assertiveness as intimidation.
Reveal Your Greatest Potential
Having insight into the types of self-awareness—internal and external—helps unlock the door to a deeper understanding of yourself and can reveal your greatest potential. This can powerfully transform your personal and professional development journey.
Encourage Internal Self-Awareness
Activating your internal self-awareness allows you to better manage yourself. This can lead to better outcomes and increased opportunities.
Introspection is a great way to uncover new gifts and passions. These discoveries may direct you to more significant challenges and opportunities, such as a more fulfilling career path. Introspection assists you in recognizing unwanted emotional patterns and managing your responses more effectively. This can help turn potential conflicts into opportunities for understanding and collaboration.
To encourage internal self-awareness, turn to introspective practices like mindfulness, meditation, or journaling. As you consistently tune into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment, you’ll discover patterns and illuminate insights that can transform your evolutionary experience.
Cultivate External Self-Awareness
External self-awareness complements your internal understanding by offering insights into how you’re perceived by others. This awareness can reveal blind spots in your self-perception and lead to valuable personal and professional growth.
Actively seeking feedback and being open to critique is essential for cultivating external self-awareness. For instance, you may think of yourself as a competent communicator, but feedback from colleagues might disclose that you have a tendency to monopolize conversations or disregard differing viewpoints. Such constructive input can point out areas of improvement and potential, which will effectively facilitate growth in your interpersonal and professional skills.
Together, internal and external self-awareness can “transform all the ‘stuff’ of” your life to reveal your greatest potential. Internal self-awareness allows you to align your actions with your values and passions, while external self-awareness helps ensure your adaptability to thrive in almost any situation.
Finding a balance of internal and external self-awareness will ideally allow you to see yourself as others perceive you. Those who master this skill are more creative, confident, successful, and fulfilled. They enjoy better relationships, garner greater respect, and are more effective and higher earning leaders.
