A spiritual awakening is a shift in how you see yourself, other people and the world around you. Things that once felt important can suddenly feel empty, while things you never noticed start to feel full of meaning. It can be beautiful, and it can also be confusing and unsettling, especially when you don't know what is happening.
This post focuses on the signs that you may be going through an awakening. If you want to understand what sets an awakening off, read my guide to the 11 triggers of a spiritual awakening. If you're finding it hard going, my post on spiritual awakening challenges and how to navigate them will help.
My own awakening
Before I worked as a medium, I was an engineer. On the outside my life looked fine, but inside I felt unfulfilled, and I eventually hit a personal rock bottom.
In 2019, lying in bed on a Sunday night, I looked over at the bedside table and saw my father, who passed when I was 12, standing there in spirit and shining bright white. At the end of the bed were six more spirits standing in a circle. Nothing in my life was the same after that night.
Looking back, the signs had been building for months before. I just didn't have the words for them. If some of the signs below sound familiar, you're not alone, and you're not imagining it.
10 common signs of a spiritual awakening
1. You notice things you used to overlook
Your awareness sharpens. You might find yourself stopping to look at the sky, noticing the way light falls through the trees, or picking up on how people really feel behind what they say. Life feels more vivid, and you start to sense there is more going on than meets the eye.
2. Old goals stop feeling meaningful
The job, possessions or plans that once drove you may suddenly feel hollow. This was a big one for me. You might not yet know what you want instead, only that the old path no longer fits.
3. You long for a deeper connection
You may feel a pull towards something greater than yourself, whether you call it spirit, the universe, God or your higher self. Many people start exploring meditation, prayer, nature or spiritual books for the first time.
4. Your intuition gets louder
Gut feelings become stronger and harder to ignore. You might "just know" who is calling before you look at your phone, or sense that a decision is right or wrong without being able to explain why. For some people this is the first step towards developing psychic and mediumship abilities.
5. You notice synchronicities
Repeating numbers, songs that seem to answer your thoughts, or meeting exactly the right person at the right time. These meaningful coincidences tend to show up more often as your awareness grows, and many people feel they are being gently guided.
6. You feel other people's emotions more strongly
Your empathy deepens. Crowded places might start to feel draining, or you may walk into a room and immediately sense the mood. Learning to protect your energy becomes really important at this stage.
7. You question what you were taught to believe
Beliefs you once accepted without thinking, about religion, success, relationships or what happens after we die, may come up for review. This can feel uncomfortable, but questioning is a natural part of growth.
8. Some relationships change
As you change, some friendships may fade while new, like-minded people come into your life. This can feel lonely for a while. It doesn't mean anyone is wrong; you may simply be moving in different directions.
9. You crave peace and simplicity
Noise, drama and overstimulation become harder to tolerate. You may feel drawn to quieter routines, time in nature, healthier habits and practices like meditation or journalling.
10. You feel a growing sense of purpose
Over time, many people feel a clearer sense of why they are here and what they want to give back. For me, that purpose turned out to be mediumship: helping people feel connected to the loved ones they have lost.
What about the "dark night of the soul"?
Not every part of an awakening feels uplifting. Many people go through what is often called the "dark night of the soul", a period of feeling lost, empty or disconnected, sometimes just before a big shift.
If you're in that place, be gentle with yourself. And please remember that spiritual growth is never a replacement for professional support. If you are struggling with your mental health or feeling hopeless, speak to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada and the US, call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK, or contact your local emergency services.
What to do next
If you recognise yourself in these signs, here are a few gentle ways to support yourself:
- Ground yourself every day. Even a few minutes outside, barefoot on the grass, or a short meditation can help. My free Opening To Spirit meditation is a gentle place to start.
- Protect your energy. Notice which people and places leave you drained, and use simple practices to stay clear.
- Write it down. Keep a journal of synchronicities, dreams and intuitive hits. Patterns often become clear over time.
- Find your people. Talking to others who understand can make a huge difference.
- Get support if you'd like it. If you'd like someone to talk things through with, I offer one-to-one spiritual guidance sessions by Zoom, a supportive, judgement-free space to explore what you're going through.
Every awakening is unique, and there is no right speed to move through it. Trust that you're exactly where you need to be, and take it one step at a time.
This article is for spiritual exploration and entertainment purposes only and is not medical or psychological advice. Please see my full disclaimer.