Welcoming Transformation Within Yourself
By Desiree Lanz
Sooner or later, we all get the feeling. We become particularly
pensive, or look back and think, was that really me ten years ago,
three years, or even a month ago? Could I have changed that much? There
is a conscious awareness and recognition that something is different,
in our priorities, our sense of responsibility, or the way we react to
both the positive and negative actions of other people. Experiences
that may have seemed baffling reveal their meaning and our attitude
changes toward them. We are surprised by a sense of lightness, clarity,
and joy, see the extraordinary in things that went previously
unnoticed, regain a sense of abandon and playfulness, and see true
beauty not only in the philosophy and mechanism of life itself, but in
the actual act of living each moment mindfully with one’s full heart
and wisdom. We tire of the monotony and unreliability that the material
world alone provides and are ready to rise up, find answers, and claim
our right to happiness. The following list describes ten signs of
spiritual awakening found in people who have chosen to conquer human
limitations to reach the innate truth within.
1. Self Control
By not depending on sense experiences or the default influence of past
habits, one can exert true free will and experience the inherent
happiness of the soul. Whereas the norm is to act based on what one is
accustomed to doing rather than following one’s true wishes, a
spiritually committed person throws out bad habits that offer temporary
pleasure before ultimately bringing suffering and chooses the lasting
satisfaction of the spirit found through self-control.
A spiritual person’s willpower grows, exercising wisdom and good
judgment supported by meditation and good company. In the book Man’s
Eternal Quest, spiritual teacher Paramahansa Yogananda describes that
while the effects of alcohol, drugs, and sex are temporarily
exhilarating, they shut out spiritual power by intensely binding the
mind to body consciousness. Many people turn to alcohol and drugs to
cope with anxiety and unpleasant or sad memories, but this sort of
avoidance hides the inherent soul wisdom needed to overcome trials and
be lastingly happy. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali also speak of mastery
over the senses, explaining it as true personal victory and freedom
from body and mind. They teach that all people should build up power
over the mind, never allowing it to fall back. This way, one becomes
capable of anything and finds internal peace and joy that extends to
the rest of society.
2. Humility
A spiritual awakening is cultivated by the willingness to learn and
show understanding, striving for the well-being of others and
contributing to the environment by setting an admirable example without
speaking of one’s greatness. Once one realizes that the self is
something far beyond the body, that the soul is a microcosm of the
greater Spirit, one acts with the intention of being a vessel for this
benevolent force to express itself. Rather than taking credit for good
actions from an egotistical perspective, it is possible to present
successes as offerings to the divine aspect of the self, holding
gratitude rather than pride for the attributes and achievements one is
blessed with. When thoughts are centered on the welfare of others,
truth manifests.
3. Selfless, unconditional love
Love is the driving attractive force that gives life and purpose to
existence. Spiritual Master Sri Yukteswar said that ordinary love is
selfish and based on personal desires and gratification, while divine
love is boundless, changeless, and unconditional. Spiritually awakened
beings live in harmony with nature and other people, loving equally all
humanity and holding compassion indiscriminately regardless of creed,
nationality, deed, or any other boundary. Love entails great freedom,
but comes only when the mind is quiet and selfless. Only love, mercy
and goodwill developing in each individual can bring peace and
stability at both a personal and global scale.
4. Calmness and Concentration
Spiritually-developed people have formed great powers of concentration
to accomplish their goals. If one compares the true Self to the bottom
of a lake, it is only visible when the ripples of thoughts have
subsided and the water is tranquil. If the water is muddy or disturbed,
the bottom cannot be seen. Events, memories, concerns, and desires all
try to intrude ceaselessly throughout a person’s day. If thoughts are
strongly attached to emotions, they are even more difficult to let go
of. Concentration and meditation techniques train the mind to prevent
restless thoughts from clouding and obstructing the experience of one’s
true spiritual nature.
5. Non-attachment
Part of spiritual awakening is mental freedom from possessions. By
practicing non-attachment, one can enjoy things and perform material
duties with a sense of service rather than of personal gain. The ego
wants to cling to objects, ideas, youth, and other aspects of worldly
experience; by letting go of these things gracefully when they have
served their time, inner peace is strengthened.
6. Intuition
Intuition is a resolute, unfailing source of wisdom and guidance to one
who is receptive to its subtle advice. When one taps into this resource
by surrender and daily meditation, one is able to hear and trust what
the right course of action is to fulfill his or her best interests.
Everyone has this quality and with increasing awakening and clarity, it
becomes a fountain of growing insight and security.
7. Self-Knowledge
Those committed to a spiritual path constantly examine themselves in
order to make progress and implement necessary changes. Spiritual
teacher J. Krishnamurti asserts that without knowing who one really is,
there is no starting point for right thought so there cannot be
transformation. By being aware in each present moment of one’s
thoughts, intentions, and desires, one can begin to chisel away
unwanted personal qualities and give life to new traits that lead to
triumph over oneself.
8. Discernment
With increasing spiritual understanding comes the wisdom to know with
certainty the right course of action and the resolve to let nothing
stand in the way of upholding a choice. This does not imply
stubbornness or impulsiveness, rather a state of self-awareness that
consists of staying true to convictions while having the humility to
admit when one is wrong.
9. Happiness
Everyone strives to be happy. One becomes devoted to the spiritual path
ultimately to find an unchanging peace and bliss that is elusive in
material things.
Paramahansa Yogananda explains that one can never be truly and
permanently happy until one seeks satisfaction in spiritual progress
and avoids influences that inhibit this transformation. When it comes
down to it, the absolute proof of spiritual awakening is real,
unconditional, never-ending happiness.
10. Freedom
In the end, one is individually responsible for his or her own habits,
mistakes, and resolutions. Once the greater Self is found in the soul
with devotion and faith, one attains freedom and life is truly
beautiful. The Bhagavad Gita says, “Unattracted to the sensory world,
the yogi experiences the ever-new joy of Being. His soul engaged in the
union with Spirit, he attains indestructible Bliss.”
Spiritual awakening is a major occurrence in the lives of people
because it reveals a purpose for existence. To solve life’s labyrinth,
to see the marvel in everyday experience, fulfill the soul’s craving
for union, and ultimately find one’s way home is the true meaning of
spiritual awakening.