Five Things You Need to Know About Spiritual Awakenings

There is a shift taking place in American consciousness. More and more people are having mystical, mind-bending, life-altering experiences, often referred to as “spiritual awakenings,” or “callings.” An "awakening" is a moment of clarity in which a new insight or understanding is gained. Whether the awakening is prompted by a near-death episode, dreams which foretell the future, watching a movie or DVD, or a spontaneous soul urge or message, it brings greater awareness of a new reality and an augmented comprehension of oneself and others.

This trend is significant. Based upon findings from the Book Industry Study Group’s 2006 report, spiritual book sales are expected to shoot up 50% in the next five years. Why? Because people have an insatiable desire to know the deeper meaning of their lives. This tremendous growth and interest in spirituality has been spurred on by The DaVinci Code, movies such as What the Bleep Do We Know, and more recently, The Secret. What’s the real secret? The secret is that we are more than just “physical” beings, and spiritual awakenings are confirming this fact for more and more people around the world.

According to the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, one of the founders of humanistic psychology, Abraham Maslow, referred to these moments of awakening as “peak experiences.” Peak experiences are transient moments of self-actualization. At such times we think, act, and feel most clearly and accurately. Individuals are more loving and accepting of others, have less inner conflict and anxiety, and are better able to put their energies to constructive use. Some people enjoy more peak experiences than others, particularly those Maslow referred to as transcending self-actualizers.

Here’s five things you need to know about spiritual awakenings:

1) Who Me? Yes You! -Awakenings can happen to anyone, at any time, but frequently occur during a near-death experience, a catastrophic loss, a deep emotional depression, dreamtime, or even while performing a mundane task such as doing the dishes or feeding an infant.

2) I Never Thought of That!- There is generally a profound change in the person’s consciousness, along with great swells of energy. A sudden revelation, insight or vision spontaneously hits like a metaphoric 2x4 between the eyes and it feels like a sudden “Aha!” or internal light switch was turned on. The sense of profound inner peace, acceptance and universal connection can last from a few moments, to months or years.

3) Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes – Because of this new perspective, life may take on a new direction. The individual may choose to change careers, end certain relationships, or learn to do something they never had an interest in previously.

4) Climb Every Mountain - When a person answers the spiritual call, challenges and obstacles commonly arise. That’s an essential part of the journey…it can’t be easy for then there would be no growth or insight. Even though the going gets tough, allies often appear and doors to new opportunities open. By having the fortitude to overcome difficulties, the person discovers new layers of their true, authentic self and an inner sense of resolve.

5) What’s the Final Score? – After all is said and done, the person who has the courage to walk the spiritually awakened path gains tremendous self-knowledge and understanding. Frequently, there is an intense desire to share the insights they’ve learned so that others may benefit from their journey.