7 Stages of Spiritual Awakening: A Guide to Expanding Your Consciousness

What Is Spiritual Awakening?

Spiritual awakening is one of the most profound experiences a soul can undergo. It’s not always easy but it is deeply transformative. Think of it as slowly waking from a dream, becoming aware of your true self, your divine essence, and your connection to all things. As your consciousness expands, your old life may begin to feel like it no longer fits, and you may start to question everything you once believed to be true.

While the journey is unique for each of us, there are common stages many experience on the path. Some people move through these stages quickly, while others spiral through them again and again, deepening their understanding each time. Wherever you are, trust that you’re not behind or ahead. You’re right where you need to be.

In this post, I’ll explore the 7 stages of spiritual awakening and how each one helps you reconnect with your soul, your truth, and Source itself.

The 7 Spiritual Awakening Stages

The Catalyst

A life-change, paradigm-shifting event jolts you awake. Alternatively, a series of gentler, minor awakenings occur until you are fully awake and aware.

Example Events:

• Near-death experience
• Life-threatening illness
• Depression / Break-down
• Spirit visitation
• Meeting one’s soulmate

Typical Emotions:

• Disbelief, shock and awe –  Having a hard time believing it happened
• Fear – Not understanding what’s happening
  

A Shift in Perception

You begin to see things differently and that alters how you perceive your life.

Example Events:

• Job dissatisfaction
• Relationship issues / Longing for Soulmate
• Desire to move / Needing a change of scenery
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Questioning the status quo

Typical Emotions:

• Discomfort – Your life no longer feels like it ‘fits’ you.
• Confusion – You’re unclear about what is happening, and you don’t know how to deal with it.
  

Journey of Discovery

Your field of awareness expands, and new information streams in.

Example Events:

• Synchronicities
• Premonitions and hunches come true
• Prophetic dreams and visions
• Seeing and hearing things that others don’t

Typical Emotions:

• Thrills and Chills – Feeling titillated, but also a bit frightened, each time you connection with the spirit realm
• Isolation – Not feeling comfortable sharing your experiences with friends and family, and not knowing where to turn for help or guidance
  

Seeking to Understand

You begin to see magic in the mundane.

Example Events:

• Thirst for spiritual knowledge
• Voracious reading
• Seeking likeminded individuals with whom to share your experiences
• Going to psychics and intuitives for readings
• Attending classes and workshops
• Traveling to Sacred Places (i.e. Sedona, Manchu Picchu, Stonehenge)
• Seeking your true purpose

Typical Emotions:

• Excitement, joy, exhilaration – Craving more experiences, and wanting to share your experiences.
• Impatience – Feeling like you can’t learn fast enough!

 Developing Your Spiritual Gifts

You begin to consciously seek a deeper connection with Source.

Example Events:

• Meditating
• Doing Qigong, yoga, or another form of mindful activity
• Creating (i.e. painting, writing, singing, etc.)
• Studying healing modalities (i.e. Reiki)
• Honing your intuition (i.e. doing your own angel card readings)
• Strengthening your relationship with your spiritual guides
• Wanting to heal the world

Typical Emotions:

• Joy – Feeling the reconnection with your higher self and Source
• Eagerness – Wanting to share your gifts with others

Owning Your Spiritual Gifts

You start to trust your connection with Source.

Example Events:

• Answering your own questions and healing yourself
• Teaching, mentoring, guiding and healing others
• Pruning and purging outmoded beliefs
• Eliminating stress (i.e. change of job or relationship)
• Living with integrity and speaking your truth
• Being your own role model and forging your own, unique path

Typical Emotions:

• Happiness – Being able to help yourself and others
• Confidence – Knowing you are on the right path

Reintegrating with your Soul

You begin to manifest a life that is in true alignment with your highest self.

Example Events:

• Loss of previous fears, interests and desires
• Letting go of the need to control, worry, and plan; living more fully in the Now
• Creating, playing and laughing with childlike abandon
• Thinking about life outside of 3-D Earth

Typical Emotions:

• Peacefulness – Finding that inner stillness
• Detachment – You are no longer as wrapped up in the drama of ego

Final Thoughts on the Awakening Journey

Spiritual awakening is not a destination; it’s an unfolding. You may revisit stages more than once, each time with greater awareness, healing, and trust. Wherever you find yourself right now, remember that awakening is not something you have to achieve. It’s already happening. You are simply remembering who you are.

Allow yourself to grow at your own pace. Honor the beauty of your journey. And know that you are not alone. Many are awakening right alongside you.

Happy awakening. May your path be guided by love, light, and deep inner knowing.

Kim’s Note:
A version of this article was featured in Newsweek Magazine’s Spiritual Living Special Edition, highlighting the stages of spiritual awakening and the path of conscious transformation.

If this post resonated with you, feel free to share it with someone on their journey, or leave a comment below letting me know what stage you’re currently moving through. I’d love to hear from you. Need help on your awakening path, we would be happy to help.