How Does Spiritual Awakening Happen? The 7 Stages of Spiritual Awakening

One day, none of it matters: the habits, the beliefs, and the identities you clung to.

You wonder: was any of this ever real?

That’s the first sign of a spiritual awakening. 

Spiritual awakening is a powerful, sometimes unsettling process of letting go of who you thought you were, to discover who you truly are beneath it all.

It’s thrilling. It’s terrifying. And it changes everything.

But when you understand the stages, you will realize that the chaos isn’t for nothing— it’s taking you somewhere.

Are you prepared to understand this journey? Let’s start.

What is Spiritual Awakening?

Spiritual awakening is the moment you realize there’s more to life than what you’ve been living.

It is when you begin to question all that you have taken for granted about yourself, about the world, and about other people around you. 

A spiritual awakening leads you to greater self-realization, allowing you to understand your true nature and your relation with the world.

It opens your eyes, allowing you to go beyond your ego and move towards new horizons.

But don’t confuse it with spiritual enlightenment, though—awakenings have nothing to do with perfection and happiness, but with transformation and becoming conscious of your real, actual, and present reality.

How Does Spiritual Awakening Happen?

Most times, spiritual awakening tugs gently at your soul, urging you to explore deeper.

It enters your life softly, beginning with experiences that profoundly impact you. 

For many, it is as a result of a life-altering change, such as a loss, and your life feels as if it has fallen apart, or a trauma so profound that you begin to question life in its entirety.

The British Psychological Society explains there might be some connection between certain life events and neurochemical triggers that can lead to awakening.  

Those experiences compel us to confront that which we have not desired to confront, and then, in a desire to comprehend, seek out deeper meaning in life, moving beyond the surface level.

I remember a friend who, after losing a loved one, felt as though her whole world had collapsed.

She told me, “I couldn’t go back to who I was before. I was broken, but I was also waking up.”

She did not simply desire to know why events transpired, she wanted to know what’s next.

For a few, awakening comes through “The Dark Night of the Soul”—a period of profound mental and emotional anguish.

It feels like being lost in the dark, but somehow, in the depth of that darkness, something shifts.

Sometimes, the path begins with a simple curiosity.

A conversation, a book, or a fleeting moment of inspiration can spark the desire to explore something greater.

Watching a deeply impactful movie can also be the cause of a spiritual awakening; check this out for some suggestions.

But whatever the trigger, one thing is certain: when life calls, we wake up.

And once you do, everything changes.

The Role of Kundalini Awakening in Spiritual Growth

To understand Kundalini awakening, imagine there’s this hidden energy inside you, kind of like a sleeping power just waiting to wake up.

It’s called Kundalini, and it sits at the base of your spine.

Once it begins to move, it can transform everything—how you perceive yourself and the world around you. 

Once Kundalini begins to move, it flows through different areas of your body, called chakras, or places of energy.

As it moves through these regions, it releases accumulated feelings and mental blocks, and opens new doors to thinking and feeling.

It’s a new beginning for your mind and spirit.

The experience isn’t all smooth sailing.

Sometimes, it can stir strong feelings and even feelings you did not know that you were holding onto.

But in the midst of it all, things become clearer. 

It is usually a transformative journey because when Kundalini awakens, it’s like you get a new perspective on life.

One that feels more real, more alive.

If you’d like to learn more about Kundalini awakening, check out this post.

The 7 Stages of Spiritual Awakening

Stage 1 – The Call to Awakening (Triggering Event)

The first stage of spiritual awakening is usually subtle.

It can be likened to a feeling that begins to tug at you, quietly urging you to pay attention.

This is the call to awakening.

That’s when you begin to sense that there must be more to life, even when you can’t put it into words yet. 

It could happen during a quiet moment.

Or it might come after something major, like a breakup or the loss of a loved one, that cracks your world wide open and makes you ask, Is this really all there is? 

For me, it was a slow, quiet realization that I wasn’t living at all; I was simply getting through each day.

But when that seed of awareness was planted, I couldn’t deny it.

Life seemed smaller in a way, and I longed to experience life in a way that was deeper. 

This stage is where everything begins.

It’s when the universe gently invites you out of daily routines and into a deeper life.

You don’t know where this journey will lead, but soon enough, you will.

And when your call comes, there’s no going back.

The journey begins. 

Stage 2 – The Dark Night of the Soul (Crisis & Transformation)

After the initial awakening, things often get harder before they get clearer.

This is the Dark Night of the Soul—a stage where the foundation of your identity starts to crack.

The beliefs you once held, the roles you played, even the way you see yourself—suddenly, none of it feels solid anymore.

This can be an intense period of emotional struggle.

You might feel lost, disconnected, or even question everything you once believed in.

It’s like standing in a fog with no clear path forward.

The things that used to give you comfort might no longer make sense, and the uncertainty can be overwhelming.

But if there’s one thing to hold onto, it’s this: something real is taking shape beneath all the confusion.

Old layers are falling away, not to punish you, but to make space for something more authentic.

You don’t have to rush through it or force meaning from it—just keep going.

Clarity comes, even if you can’t see it yet.

Stage 3 – The Search for Truth (Seeking Answers)

After enduring the difficult phase known as the Dark Night of the Soul, a new chapter unfolds—the quest for truth.

With countless questions lingering, you now seek answers.

Perhaps for the first time, you find yourself diving into spiritual literature, exploring various philosophies, and engaging in practices like mindfulness and meditation.

You yearn to understand the realities of life.

At this point, you begin to notice actions that once went unnoticed—such as journaling, being aware of your breath, or simply carving out quiet moments for yourself.

Patterns, coincidences, and a sense of life purpose start to reveal themselves.

The opinions of others hold less weight, and trusting your instincts becomes more natural.

This journey isn’t just about accepting new ideas blindly; it’s about experimenting with them to find what resonates with you.

With each new insight, you inch closer to the truth.

You’re not just awakening; you’re actively seeking the truth.

You can also take this test to know what stage of spiritual awakening you’re in.

Stage 4 – Expanding Consciousness (Self-Realization Begins)

At a certain point in your journey, a transformation occurs.

It shifts from merely acquiring knowledge to genuinely experiencing the truths you’ve been uncovering.

You begin to understand that you are more than just your thoughts, feelings, or the roles you assume.

There exists a deeper, more aware aspect of yourself—your higher self—that has always been present, patiently waiting for your recognition.

Moments of insight often arrive in surprising forms.

Perhaps you find yourself watching a sunset, and for the first time, you truly appreciate it, feeling an intense connection to everything around you.

Or you notice a change in how you respond to an old trigger, realizing that your past no longer holds power over you.

This stage is not about transforming into someone new; it’s about rediscovering who you have always been.

The lines between “you” and the world begin to blur.

You start to feel that life isn’t merely happening to you—it’s unfolding through you.

I recommend this free numerology reading for a start.

Stage 5 – Inner Peace & Surrender (Letting Go of Ego)

At this stage, something profound happens—you stop fighting.

Not in a way that means giving up, but in a way that feels like letting go.

The relentless urge to control, to prove yourself, to seek approval—it begins to fade away.

You come to realize that peace isn’t something to pursue.

It has always been there, beneath the clamor of your thoughts.

This doesn’t imply that challenges disappear, but your approach to them shifts.

Instead of fighting against them, you start to trust.

Rather than reacting impulsively, you take a step back to observe.

You notice your thoughts, your feelings, even your lingering fears—but now, they no longer define who you are.

A profound sense of acceptance washes over you.

You surrender—not to defeat, but to the natural flow of life.

You grasp that growth isn’t about forcing outcomes; it’s about letting life unfold as it should.

And in that surrender, true freedom begins.

If you’d like a guide on how to find your purpose, this would help. 

Stage 6 – Spiritual Enlightenment (True Awakening)

If Stage 5 is about surrender, Stage 6 is about being.

You’re no longer just practicing inner peace—you are inner peace.

The ego, which once clung to control and identity, has loosened its grip.

There’s nothing left to chase, nothing left to prove.

You’re simply present, fully immersed in life without resistance. 

This doesn’t mean challenges disappear, but they no longer shake your foundation.

Fear and doubt may still arise, but they pass through like waves instead of pulling you under.

You no longer see yourself as separate from life—you are life, flowing effortlessly with it.

Clarity replaces confusion.

Purpose isn’t something to find; it naturally reveals itself in every moment.

Love, joy, and gratitude become second nature, not because you try to feel them, but because they’ve always been there beneath the noise.

You’re not just awake—you’re aware.

And in that awareness, life finally feels whole.

Stage 7 – Living in Alignment (Sustaining Spiritual Growth)

Awakening isn’t just a destination; it’s a way of life.

In this final stage, everything you’ve learned, unlearned, and discovered transforms from mere insight into a lived reality.

The distinction between the “spiritual” and the “ordinary” fades away, as you recognize that everything is spiritual.

Every action, every interaction, every breath is infused with the same presence and depth.

You navigate through life with clarity—not because you possess all the answers, but because you’ve learned to trust the process.

There’s a quiet confidence in how things unfold, an understanding that even challenges serve a purpose.

You find yourself listening more—to your inner voice, to others, and to the subtle guidance that has always been present.

Decisions come easily, not because life is flawless, but because you’ve stopped resisting it.

As spiritual awakening expert Forrest Rivers, rightly puts it, the ultimate sign of awakening is a feeling of oneness with nature.

There’s no rush, no need to prove yourself or strive for more.

Joy isn’t something to pursue; it emerges naturally.

Love isn’t something to seek; it’s an inherent part of who you are.

You no longer search for alignment; you live it.

This is the essence of truly being awake.

FAQ

• How do you know if you are having a spiritual awakening?

You may be going through a spiritual awakening if you’re starting to question your old beliefs and looking for a deeper meaning in life.

You might notice that you’re more aware, introspective, or feeling detached from your previous habits.

It’s also common to experience emotional shifts, moments of clarity, and a newfound sense of purpose.

• What are the processes of spiritual awakening?

Spiritual awakening often kicks off with a significant event that challenges your perception of self or reality.

As you begin to question your established beliefs, you may encounter emotional struggles that pave the way for personal growth and a pursuit of truth.

This transformative journey encompasses expanding your awareness, shedding the ego, and cultivating inner peace.

• How do I awaken my spiritual powers?

Awakening your spiritual powers involves less about “activating” something outside of yourself and more about connecting with what’s already inside you.

Begin by incorporating mindfulness, meditation, and presence into your daily routine to calm the distractions and listen to your intuition.

As you let go of limiting beliefs and cultivate self-awareness, your spiritual abilities will start to unfold naturally.

Conclusion

Spiritual awakening is a deeply personal journey that doesn’t follow a linear path.

Embrace every part of the process, even when it feels challenging—each step, whether large or small, is leading you toward greater clarity and peace.

There’s no need to rush.

Spiritual growth isn’t about reaching a final destination; it’s about experiencing each phase and learning throughout the journey.

Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. 

I’d love to hear about your experiences—what stages have you encountered?

How has your awakening transformed you?

Share in the comments, and let’s continue to support one another on this path.