The dark side of spiritual awakening: 8 signs you might experience

negative signs of spiritual awakening

We hear a lot about the beauty of spiritual awakening — finding purpose, connecting with the divine, and experiencing inner peace.

But what about the other side? The part where you feel more lost and confused than ever before?

For many, spiritual awakening comes with a dark, difficult phase that’s rarely talked about.

Here are 8 signs you might experience on this darker, more challenging path of spiritual growth—and why they’re an essential part of the journey.

1) You’re experiencing intense emotional upheaval

On the journey of spiritual awakening, your emotions aren’t always serene.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

People undergoing a spiritual awakening often experience potent emotional turmoil. They may feel like they’re on an emotional roller coaster, with extreme highs followed by profound lows.

This isn’t about being overly dramatic or unstable.

Rather, it’s a part of the process. It’s about bringing to the surface repressed emotions and past traumas that have been buried deep within your subconscious.

Think of it as a cleansing storm, shaking loose the old to make way for the new.

This emotional upheaval can be disconcerting, even scary at times. But if you find yourself undergoing such an intense emotional churn, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing the darker side of spiritual awakening.

Insight: It’s not about getting lost in these emotions, but acknowledging them and understanding their roots. It’s this understanding that ultimately leads to healing and transformation.

2) Feelings of loneliness and isolation are prevalent

Let’s talk about the paradox of loneliness.

In psychology, it’s often discussed how we can feel the most alone when we’re surrounded by others. This is especially true during a spiritual awakening.

You might be at a party, surrounded by friends and laughter, and yet feel a sense of profound aloneness. Or you could be walking down a bustling street, only to be struck by an intense feeling of isolation.

This doesn’t mean you’re being antisocial or want to retreat from the world permanently.

Instead, you’re just disconnected from others because your inner transformation is making you see the world in a different light.

This can create an emotional gap between you and those who haven’t embarked on this journey.

But here’s the thing: this feeling of loneliness isn’t always negative.

It can be a sign that you’re shedding old societal constructs and norms that no longer serve you.

It’s the first step towards finding your authentic self, even if it means walking the path alone for a while.

Let’s say it’s like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon – solitary, but free and transformed.

3) You might start to question your relationships

Now, this might seem counter-intuitive, but the feelings of loneliness and isolation we just discussed can lead you to question your existing relationships.

It’s interesting how spiritual awakening can make us reevaluate our connections with others. You might find yourself questioning the authenticity and depth of your relationships.

It may feel as though your current circle doesn’t understand or resonate with your new perspectives and experiences.

This doesn’t mean you’re becoming judgmental or critical of others.

Rather, you’re starting to seek deeper, more meaningful connections that align with your evolving consciousness.

This may result in distancing from old friends, ending romantic relationships, or even feeling estranged from family members.

And while it may seem harsh, it’s a natural part of the process — you’re just shedding old skin to embrace the new one.

4) Drastic life changes become the norm

Ever felt like you’re living a life that’s not truly yours?

During a spiritual awakening, you might start making drastic changes in various areas of your life. This could range from your career and lifestyle choices to your eating habits and hobbies.

Suddenly, the job you once loved might seem unfulfilling or the city you’ve lived in for years might feel suffocating. You might find yourself adopting a healthier lifestyle or developing new interests that align with your evolving consciousness.

This is not about being impulsive or reckless.

Rather, it’s about aligning your outer world with your inner transformation. Why?

Because you’re making choices that reflect your evolving self, even if they seem radical to others.

Such drastic changes can be unsettling and disruptive. They can make you question your sanity and make others worry about you. But they’re often a part of the spiritual awakening process.

5) Overwhelming sensations and experiences become commonplace

During a spiritual awakening, it’s not uncommon to have intense and even unusual experiences. These can be both physical and metaphysical.

You might find yourself dealing with:

  • Disturbed sleep patterns or vivid dreams
  • Fluctuations in energy levels
  • Sudden bouts of illness or unexplained physical discomfort
  • Heightened sensitivity to your surroundings
  • Mystical experiences like synchronicities, premonitions, or psychic phenomena

This isn’t about becoming a superhero or losing touch with reality.

Rather, it’s about your consciousness expanding and becoming more attuned to the subtle energies around you. It’s about your physical body adjusting to these higher frequencies of energy.

So if you’re experiencing any of these phenomena on a regular basis, it could indicate that you’re traversing the darker side of spiritual awakening.

6) You start to question everything

Now, let’s get personal.

In my experience, one of the most intense aspects of a spiritual awakening is the incessant questioning.

Suddenly, everything you’ve held as true or have been taught to believe comes under scrutiny. You start to question your beliefs, your values, and even your very existence.

I remember how I started questioning the meaning of success, happiness, and life itself. It felt like the solid ground beneath my feet was turning into quicksand.

I know that this might seem confusing but here’s what you need to remember:

This questioning is crucial for our growth. It shakes us out of complacency and pushes us towards deeper understanding and wisdom.

7) Overwhelming sensitivity to energy

During a spiritual awakening, you might notice that you’re more sensitive to the energy around you.

Crowded places, negative environments, or even certain people can feel draining or overwhelming.

You might also become more sensitive to light, sound, or even the emotions of others, which can lead to sensory overload.

This heightened sensitivity happens because your intuitive abilities are sharpening.

You’re becoming more attuned to the subtle energies in the world, which can feel overwhelming at first but ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of the world.

Studies on empathic individuals show that they experience heightened sensory sensitivity due to their increased emotional awareness.

8) Sleep disturbances and vivid dreams

Finally, many people going through a spiritual awakening experience disruptions in their sleep patterns.

You might have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently, or have vivid dreams that feel real.

These dreams often contain symbolic messages or unresolved emotions that your subconscious is working through during this transformative time.

Sleep disturbances are common because your energy body is going through a reset, and this can affect your sleep cycle.

It’s also believed that during awakening, your higher consciousness communicates through dreams, offering guidance and clarity on your path.

What can we do when traversing the dark side of spiritual awakening?

Spiritual awakening can be both beautiful and challenging. The negative signs you experience aren’t indicators of failure but signs of deep inner transformation.

The discomfort is paving the way for profound growth, healing, and a deeper connection with your spiritual path.

  • Seek support: Reach out to like-minded people, join spiritual communities, or seek professional help if needed. You don’t have to walk this path alone.
  • Practice mindfulness: Regular meditation and mindfulness practices can provide a sense of grounding and help you stay centered amidst the chaos.
  • Nourish your body: A healthy body can better support your emotional and spiritual well-being. Make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise.
  • Journaling: Writing about your experiences and emotions can provide a therapeutic outlet for your thoughts and feelings.

As we traverse the darker side of spiritual awakening, it’s important to remember that this journey is unique to each one of us.

The discomfort is paving the way for profound growth, healing, and a deeper connection with your spiritual path.

After all, no matter how dark the night, dawn always follows.

Tina Fey

Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing for Yoga Group to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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