Lost after your spiritual awakening ? Stay put !

Dec 11, 2023
10 min read

Updated: Jun 20

So, you’ve had a spiritual awakening - congratulations! You've gone through all the stages of your spiritual awakening, the highs of newfound awareness and the depths of profound transformation.. .now what? Instead of the bliss and clarity you expected, you feel… lost. You expected to find inner peace but yet something is wrong.

Here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Feeling lost after a spiritual awakening isn’t a setback - it’s a part of the process. It’s like stepping into a vast, unfamiliar landscape after leaving behind the well-trodden paths of your old life.

In this guide, I’ll share the insights, practices, and lessons that helped me navigate this disorienting yet transformative phase. Together, we’ll explore why you’re feeling this way, what it means, and how to find your footing again - one step, one breath, one moment at a time.

1. Pause. Seriously, just pause. And do... absolutely nothing.

Feeling lost can be exactly where you’re meant to be right now. Think of it as standing in the middle of nowhere - uncomfortable, sure, but undeniably a sign you’ve come a long way. This is progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

The best thing you can do? Embrace what you’re feeling without judgment. Let it be. Don’t try to cover it up or pretend everything’s fine just to avoid questions from people who might not understand your journey. Some of them may not recognize this new version of you - and that’s okay.

You might feel tempted to rush through this phase, to find some “quick fix” for your discomfort. Or worse, you might long to go back to the life you knew before. Neither is the answer. Each stage has its own purpose, even this unsettling one.

When the urge to fake it, force it, or flee back to familiarity arises, pause again. Ask yourself:

What exactly am I feeling right now?
Why does this emotion feel so intense?
What am I trying to escape by avoiding this moment?

If you dig a little deeper, you’ll likely find fear - a fear of what could happen or what might not. Instead of fighting it, try looking at your situation with love, patience, and compassion. Let the knots of confusion loosen bit by bit as you gently examine them. You’ve got time - be kind to yourself. You’re worth the effort.

2. Dive in - read, research, and explore!

When everything feels like uncharted territory, curiosity becomes your best guide. Take this time to dive into books, testimonials, and articles about spiritual awakening. Look into the experiences of others who have walked this path before you. They may offer insights into why this phase feels so overwhelming and how to navigate it.

This period of adjustment is like rebuilding your world. You might feel as though the ground has shifted beneath your feet, and with it, you’ve lost old routines, friendships, and even parts of your identity. Yes, it’s unsettling, but it’s also an opportunity. As you explore, you’ll start to discover what resonates with this new version of yourself - whether it’s creating new habits, finding fresh friendships, or rethinking your career.

But remember, there’s no rush. Change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Let this be a time of gentle exploration rather than a mad scramble for answers. Even when you feel like you’re making no progress, know that you’re growing in ways you might not see yet.

Take it one page, one question, and one discovery at a time.

3. Build your circle: Connect with kindred spirits

Connection is magic - pure and simple. When you’re feeling lost, finding people who “get it” can be a lifeline. Best-case scenario? They help you climb out of your rut. At the very least, you’ll feel less alone when you share your experiences with others walking the same path. Win-win!

After a spiritual awakening, it can feel like you’re living in a different dimension while the world around you stays the same. You might notice that people you once felt close to seem distant now, wrapped up in their ego-driven lives. This disconnection can be tough. We all crave belonging, but finding your place in society might feel like a riddle you can’t solve.

The key? Finding your tribe. Connect with people who value their spiritual growth, who listen with compassion, and who understand the ups and downs of this journey. They’ll inspire you with their stories and give you hope when you need it most. You can share your fears, doubts, and triumphs, and know they truly understand.

When my awakening began 15 years ago, I didn’t just feel lost - I genuinely thought I was losing my mind. It was disorienting and overwhelming, like I had stepped into a world no one else could see. At the time, I didn’t even have the words to explain what I was going through. But as I started to dig into research and read about others’ experiences, I found a term for it: spiritual awakening. That moment of clarity was a turning point.

Not long after, I found people on the same path, and to this day, we’re still in touch. My “spiritual family” became a source of strength and understanding during those tumultuous early days and beyond. Though we’re scattered across the globe, speaking different languages and living in different cultures, the bond we share is profound. They’re the ones who remind me I’m not alone in this, and they continue to inspire me with their growth and insights.

This sense of connectedness is priceless. It’s your reminder that you’re not alone - and that being lost is just another part of finding your way.

4. Find calm in the chaos: Meditate

When you experience a spiritual awakening, your mind can feel like it’s running a marathon on a never-ending loop. Thoughts race at light speed, and no matter how much you try to hit the brakes, your brain seems to have a mind of its own - thanks, little ego! It’s trying to keep its grip on your life, resisting the changes you’re going through.

Meditation is your go-to tool for quieting this mental storm. It’s like giving your overworked mind a moment to breathe, allowing you to sift through the whirlwind of thoughts and find clarity. Beyond that, meditation offers an array of benefits for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

When my awakening began, I was working as a yoga teacher. I remember feeling so overwhelmed by everything happening inside and around me that I decided to take a full month off. And what did I do? Meditate - almost obsessively, you might say. For hours on end, sometimes up to eight hours a day, I simply sat with myself. It might sound extreme (and not everyone can take that kind of time), but for me, it felt essential - a kind of spiritual triage.

That month was transformative. My body twitched uncontrollably at times, as if it was shedding layers of old energy. I had out-of-body experiences that felt like I was soaring through different dimensions. My chakras - especially my heart and third eye - seemed to release years’ worth of stored tension, leaving me in tears one moment and feeling blissful the next. There were other moments too, like waves of deep gratitude washing over me, and profound silences where I felt connected to everything and nothing all at once.

Meditation doesn’t have to look like that for everyone. Start small:

A few minutes of focused breathing in the morning.
A guided meditation app in the evening.
Simply sitting quietly with your eyes closed, allowing whatever comes up to just… be.

Each session is a gift to yourself. Over time, you’ll notice the difference - a sense of peace and clarity that was hidden beneath the noise all along.

5. Clear your space, clear your mind

When your inner world is in upheaval, your outer world can feel just as cluttered. Decluttering your life - both physically and energetically - can bring a surprising sense of clarity and relief. Think of it as creating space, not just in your home but in your mind and spirit too.

During my own awakening, I felt an intense need to simplify everything. I have always been pretty minimalistic (I hate clutter), but even the small excesses in my life started to feel heavy. I began with my physical surroundings. I cleaned out my closets, donated items I hadn’t touched in years, and replaced some with plants that brought a fresh, calming energy into my home. I love plants. I’ve always needed plants around me, but then I needed even more.

It wasn’t just about aesthetics either - it was about lightening the load. As I cleared the space around me, I felt lighter inside too. The chaos in my mind seemed to settle as my home became more intentional.

Decluttering can extend beyond your physical environment:

Your diet: During this time, I also noticed a strong pull toward eating lighter and more nourishing foods. Out went the processed snacks and sugary indulgences. I embraced simple, wholesome meals that felt like they were supporting my spiritual journey.
Your habits: I took a closer look at the “stuff” I had accumulated - not just objects but behaviors, relationships, and routines that no longer aligned with who I was becoming.

Decluttering is personal, and it doesn’t mean turning into a minimalist overnight. Start small. Maybe it’s the old sweater you haven’t worn in years, or the stack of magazines you’ve been meaning to recycle. Or perhaps it’s setting boundaries with people or activities that drain you.

Here’s a trick that worked wonders for me: ask yourself, “Does this bring me joy or serve me in any way?” If the answer is no, let it go - with gratitude.

Clearing your space and life is a symbolic way to tell the universe: I’m ready for new energy to flow in. And trust me, it will.

6. Find joy in the little things

Joy is a superpower. When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, joy becomes your anchor. It doesn’t have to be grand or life-changing - it thrives in the little moments: a smile, a sunset, a song. Joy isn’t about fleeting happiness or instant gratification; it’s something deeper, a feeling of connection to the present moment and gratitude for it.

During my spiritual awakening, joy became my medicine. I remember going through a phase when nothing seemed to make sense anymore. But then, I stumbled upon simple pleasures that brought me back to life. One day, I decided to bake bread from scratch. The soothing rhythm of kneading dough and the satisfaction of pulling a golden loaf from the oven felt grounding, almost magical. It reminded me how healing these little acts of creation could be.

Not long after, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years. Those moments of creativity were incredibly therapeutic. What surprised me the most was how my emotions spilled onto the canvas. On the days when I felt aligned and peaceful, my colors were bright, vibrant, and full of life. But during the chaotic days, the palette shifted - darker tones dominated, and some paintings were nearly monochrome. It was fascinating to see my inner world reflected so clearly in my art.

To cultivate joy, you don’t need a roadmap. Start with the things that naturally light you up:

Spend time outdoors - take a hike, lie in the grass, or simply sit and watch the clouds roll by.
Create something - draw, paint, write, cook, or even rearrange your furniture.
Laugh often - watch a silly movie, call a friend who always makes you giggle, or just let yourself be playful.

Make a list of activities or moments that make your heart smile, then intentionally weave them into your days. The trick is to notice these moments when they happen and savor them.

Joy also has a secret weapon: gratitude. The more you focus on what you’re grateful for, the more joy you’ll find in even the smallest corners of your life. Think about it - how many reasons do you have to be grateful right now? A warm cup of tea, a cozy blanket, a kind word from a stranger. These tiny things add up to a profound sense of contentment.

When you’re lost, joy is your compass. It reminds you that even amid the unknown, there is beauty and goodness to be found.

7. Take care of yourself without guilt

Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s essential. During and after a spiritual awakening, self-care becomes the foundation that helps you rebuild your life with balance and intention. Whether it’s a long, luxurious bubble bath with your favorite essential oils or setting boundaries with a firm “no,” taking care of yourself is a powerful act of self-respect.

When I went through my awakening, I didn’t fully understand the importance of self-care at first. I was so focused on the chaos and the transformations that I forgot to nurture myself. But eventually, I realized that to make sense of everything happening within me, I needed to create a space for rest, reflection, and restoration.

For me, it started with small steps, like dedicating time to quiet moments of reflection or pampering myself with the scents and textures I loved - essential oil baths became a ritual. Then I took it further by learning how to say no to obligations that didn’t serve me, which was a game-changer.

But self-care isn’t just physical - it’s spiritual, emotional, and even financial. It’s about finding balance and tuning in to what you really need. For instance:

Spiritual care: Practicing meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature to ground yourself.
Emotional care: Releasing guilt, expressing emotions freely, or confiding in someone you trust.
Financial care: Setting boundaries around spending or saving for things that truly align with your values.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned was that self-care isn’t always indulgent. Sometimes it’s about hard decisions, like stepping away from toxic relationships or shifting your priorities. It’s about creating a life that supports your well-being rather than depleting it.

And yes, self-care takes time. You might need to step back from the constant grind of everyday life, as I did. I learned to cherish the little things - a slow morning with tea and a book, a walk where I could breathe deeply, or even just the peace of allowing myself to say, “Today, I choose me.”

So don’t feel guilty about prioritizing yourself. The better you care for yourself, the more aligned and empowered you’ll be to move forward on this journey.

Takeaway:

Feeling lost after your spiritual awakening isn’t a detour; it’s a necessary rest stop on the journey of transformation. Just like a marathon runner needs time to recover, your mind, body, and soul need space to adjust to your new state of being. This in-between phase is as important as the awakening itself - it’s where integration happens.

Allow yourself to surrender to the process. Embrace your feelings without judgment, connect with those who understand, and find joy in the little things that ground you. Most importantly, trust that this is all part of a larger cycle of growth.

And to end with a touch of humor… Make the most of this truce where you will begin to feel more at peace in this new version of yourself, because remember, life is cyclical and will inevitably surprise you with another twist - a new awakening, a new layer of discovery, and yes, perhaps another moment of feeling lost in a whole new way! But isn’t that the beauty of this journey? Each cycle brings us closer to the truth of who we are.

So for now, take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and know this: you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

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