12 Spiritual Awakening Signs

The path to spiritual awakening aka discovering who you really are, isn't always marked by grand epiphanies or ‘far out there’ revelations. Often, it's the quiet stirrings of the heart and subtle shifts in perception that signal the greatest transformations within us. Have you noticed some unexplainable changes in your thoughts, feelings and way of seeing the world? Have you ever felt like the world just... snapped into focus? Or maybe it's the opposite for you, and everything seems to be spinning out of control, but in a way that feels like it's leading you somewhere important and you have no idea where. Either way, you might be on the brink of something big: a spiritual awakening or what I prefer to phrase…you’re discovering who you really are. This isn't about hearing choirs of angels or floating off into the cosmos; it's about a deep, internal shift that can change everything from how you see yourself to how you interact with a world that suddenly seems very different. 

An awakening or re-discovering is a natural process many go through where our consciousness starts expanding in ways that can shake up our lives. It's all about gaining higher perspective and re-aligning with our true selves and priorities. Here are 12 common signs it's happening:

1. Shifting values. You may find certain things just don't feel right for you anymore while other ideas make perfect sense. Questioning long-held values is normal as you seek deeper truth. It might start with a nagging feeling in the back of your mind, like your internal compass is spinning towards a new north. Suddenly, the career you've been gunning for feels hollow, or the relationship you're in doesn't fit like it used to, or the social activities you once craved no feel mundane is ever. You might start questioning what you've always been told about success, happiness, or what's 'normal'. This isn't about being unhappy with where you are; it's about sensing there's more out there and being drawn to it. The hustle for money or status starts to take a back seat to a hunger for meaning and authenticity.

2. Your Beliefs Take Flight. A spiritual awakening can feel like your mind is opening up to ideas that were once locked away. Maybe you start or stop exploring different philosophies or religions, not because you're lost, but because you're searching for truths that resonate with your expanding consciousness. You might find yourself drawn to books, podcasts, or conversations that challenge your old worldview. It's like you've been given permission to question everything you thought you knew, and it's exhilarating. Beliefs that once shaped who you think you are can start crumbling. To some, this can feel chaotic, confusing and scary because you don’t trust the unknown as a result of letting go of multiple beliefs, often at once.

3. Priorities Shift Like Sand. Remember those goals you had written down? The five-year plan? Well, it might as well be written in sand at high tide because a spiritual awakening can wash it all away. Similar to values, what was once important—climbing the career ladder, nailing that next big purchase—might not just take a backseat; it might get kicked out of the car. You find yourself prioritizing different things: personal growth, helping others, or simply being present in the moment.

4. Intuition Is Your New Best Friend. Speaking of that gut of yours, it's on fire. Intuition isn't just a little whisper anymore; it's like a megaphone inside your soul telling you "Yes, this way" or "Nope, not for you". You start getting strong nudges or "gut feelings" often accurate. And the crazy thing is, the more you listen to it, the louder it gets. You might find yourself making decisions that don't seem to make sense on paper, but they feel right in a way that's undeniable. Follow the breadcrumbs with self-awareness intact, the result can be a beautiful thing!

5. Pull toward nature. There's something primordial about the call of the wild—those lush green forests, the vast expanse of the ocean, or the simple serenity of sitting by a lake during sunrise. Sounds nice right? If you're suddenly finding that nature isn't just a nice backdrop but a necessity for your well-being, it's a significant sign. The trees, the breeze, the earth under your feet—being in nature can feel like coming home, providing a powerful sense of connection and clarity. It's as if each leaf and every ripple of water is speaking directly to you, helping to ground you in the present moment. It’s because it is! Nature is very much alive and can engage with you in multiple ways. That rabbit hole is for another post.

6. Your Senses Go Into Overdrive. I'm not just talking about your physical senses—although those can certainly feel heightened. It's more like you've got this new antenna for vibes, energy, or whatever you want to call it. You walk into a room and you can feel what's going on without anyone saying a word. Your gut becomes your guide, and it's got some pretty wild ideas about where to go next. This isn't something you can always explain to your friends, and that's okay. This is your journey, and it's taking you to places logic can't always follow. Stay curious and open-minded to those unseen sense of yours!

7. Dreams contain teachings. When the lights go out and the world falls away, your dreams become more than just random neurons firing. They start to feel like nightly classes in the school of self-discovery. If your dreams have become vivid, almost cinematic experiences that leave you pondering their meaning when you wake up, take note. These nocturnal narratives could be guiding you, offering symbols and messages that resonate with your waking life, and helping you to understand where you're headed on your spiritual path.

If you want to understand more about dreamtime in a much deeper way, beyond time and space, I recommend this resource. I’ve personally taken it and it made me realize much more about myself.  

8. Desire for growth. If the status quo no longer satisfies and you're feeling an insatiable urge to learn, explore, and improve, this is a hallmark of spiritual awakening. You're no longer content to skate on the surface of life; you want to dive deep. This isn't about getting ahead in the traditional sense; it's about expanding your consciousness, exploring different realms of spirituality aka multidimensionality, and understanding the universe and your place within it. This hunger for growth is like an inner compass pointing you toward enlightenment. Don’t think it's a sprint, it’s a lifelong journey that will continue even once your human physicality expires.

9. Detachment from image and ego. This one's subtle but powerful. You might notice that the mirror doesn't hold the same power over you anymore. The labels you once used to define yourself—your job, your status, your wardrobe—start to feel like costumes you don't need to wear. There's a sense of liberation when you realize you're not the sum of your achievements or the roles you play in life. As you detach from these external constructs, what's left is the essence of who you truly are, and that's where your focus shifts.

10. Less attachment to outcome. Life becomes less about the destination and more about the journey. You find a new sense of peace in letting go of the need to control how things will turn out. Instead of being driven by anxiety or a rigid attachment to specific outcomes, you're content to ride the waves of existence with trust and acceptance. This doesn't mean you don't care about the future; it means you're not letting the future dictate your happiness in the now.