Embracing the “Not Normal”: A Journey Through Awakening

Once upon a time, long ago, seekers journeyed to monasteries or ashrams, seeking direct encounters with the Divine/Source/The Universe/Great Spirit.

Within the sacred walls of these secluded holy spaces, they were nurtured as they navigated the profound experience of disconnecting from the conventional world in order to connect more deeply with the divine.

People spoke of visions, voices, telepathic communications, miraculous healings through prayer and touch.. Some fasted until they neared starvation, meditated for weeks without end…

All of these mystics and seekers at some point in their journeys grappled with emotional turbulence triggered by their profound shifts and realizations.

In those sacred spaces, it was understood that only a select few souls could withstand the intensity of "direct contact" with the Divine.

Now, the landscape has shifted.

We the seekers traverse this transformative path while embedded within a culture that often labels us as unconventional, perhaps even 'crazy.'

Because of our programming, we even use these labels on ourselves. Diagnoses, medications, and therapies may be suggested from family members, friends, or Google search results.

But what if we could normalize our unique journeys, embrace our 'not-normalness,' and recognize that letting go is the key to transitioning from the challenges of these times of upheaval, into a deep, unwavering connection with our truth?

Our society isn't structured for those who differ from the “norm,” or for those who have cultivated (or are in the midst of doing so) a direct link to the Divine.

(I do know from firsthand experience, though, that there are parts of the world and supportive communities in existence where such uniqueness is celebrated and nourished – you only need to seek them out!)

Some tools that can help with the transition from the “crazy-feeling” part of these experiences into more of a state of flow are prayer, self-exploration, and self-discipline enough to meditate or follow some daily routine in order to connect with our higher truth and with the Divine.

If you find yourself in this state, one of chaos or lack of clarity, spiraling into a dark night, take one small step toward restoring a feeling of wholeness by removing emotional and mental blockages between yourself and the open space needed for receiving answers and clarity.

Give yourself time and space to come into yourself and into your direct connection with Truth and Beauty.

Sometimes, though, the busyness and distractions of everyday life prevent us from dedicating time and space to this profound shift, which can draw things out and make the period of a dark night of the soul that feels ultra challenging last much longer. Distractions keep us in nervous system dysregulation.

If life is actually extremely busy, and there is actually no time for moments of solo connection to Self and the Divine (for example, a new mother with no support system) do not fear… There's another path out of the chaotic stage of a spiritual awakening.

This path is the one where we find mysticism, magic, and signs of the Divine in the tapestry of everyday life, in the seemingly mundane occurrences.

Washing dishes with extreme presence and acknowledging the miracle of access to unlimited water in the comfort of your home. Exploring in your mind the miracle that is water, which is a substance and a force of nature that we need in order to survive.

Or…

Sitting in silence and watching the movements of the tiny muscles in your child’s face as they experience their new life through their eyes of curiosity. Imagining all the events that had to go “right” in order for those muscles to exist and to work together in such beauty and harmony, right in front of you for you to bare witness to each and every day.

Etc… :)

This shift in perspective alone can allow us to experience ecstasy within the flow of a normal life, transforming the dark night of the soul into a mystical journey towards everyday bliss and deep connection with the Divine that is genuinely accessible to all.

A spiritual awakening can initially make us feel worse as we get to know the true content of our minds and hearts, confronting fears and limiting beliefs as we delve into the shadow side of ourselves.

The shadow side, our old programs, and our egoic connection to our fears (particularly of losing control) does not yield easily most of the time (though it CAN.. for some.. the story of the struggle of the spiritual path doesn’t need to be true for YOU), but eventually, we emerge feeling better and more aligned with our truth and with bliss, having journeyed through the dark night of the soul.

Enduring the chaotic feeling stage of a spiritual awakening requires trust, dedication to developing a personal relationship to the Divine, and if possible, a spiritual guide or a trusted friend who has navigated this experience before you who can help you with perspective and companionship as you navigate.

Begin a daily routine or a daily connection with the Divine that feels comfortable to you. Devotion can serve as a comforting force.

Keeping a journal to record thoughts and prayers is a powerful practice during this transformation, too!

Remember, all dark nights ultimately end with a light that illuminates a new path.

When your spirit is at its breaking point, you will finally see surrender as an option… and when you release control and go with the flow of the Divine, you will reap the heavenly rewards of daily bliss and the satisfaction of living in alignment with your True lifepath.