The Questions That Arise After Awakening

One of the most challenging aspects post-awakening is navigating the aftermath. It is during this phase that many profound questions surface.

Now that I've realized I am not simply this identity, what am I? In recognizing this reality is an illusion, what is truly real? If the previous state was bondage, what does liberation entail? How do I maintain my sense of freedom in a world where those around me seem trapped?

This is not an easy path. Often, there’s a strong temptation to revert back to the familiar comforts of a deluded reality—where life may not have been perfect, but there were established rules, a sense of community, and comfort in what was known.

We might wish to slip back into our old identities like cozy wool coats, seeking safety in the familiar templates that felt secure before our awakening. Yet now, those very coats feel constricting and ill-fitting. Although we can wear them temporarily, remaining in them for too long becomes unbearable.

So, what comes next? Must you sever ties with everyone from your past, abandon previous activities, or avoid familiar places to remain true to your new self? Should you announce your awakening to everyone and reveal your transformation? How do you navigate life in this new paradigm?

I believe there is a balanced approach between loudly expressing your new insights to those who may not understand—potentially leading to feelings of isolation—and masking your evolution beneath layers of outdated identity that no longer serve you.

It is possible to remain authentic without completely destroying your past connections.

While I have lost many relationships and aspects of my former life due to my awakening, I have also managed to strengthen certain relationships and maintain friendships with individuals who hold vastly different spiritual beliefs.

But how is this achievable?

Here Are Five Strategies to Help You Embrace Your New Self

1. You Are Not Obligated to Share Your Experience

   You don’t have to disclose the specifics of your spiritual awakening to those you know may not understand. People may label you as eccentric or worry about your mental health. If you feel compelled to discuss it, consider joining online communities where you can find comfort among those who have had similar experiences.

It’s perfectly acceptable to keep the details of your journey private if it feels safer in certain relationships. You can still express your evolving worldview without delving into your personal experience. For instance, in a conversation about spirituality, you might say, “My understanding of the divine has transcended what I learned through traditional religion,” and leave it at that.

This statement may invite some discomfort or disagreement but protects you from potential ostracism.

2. Allow Others to Be on Their Own Journey

   You may feel inclined to help loved ones escape their illusions for two main reasons. Firstly, you want them to find freedom, just as you have. However, each person is on their own path, and their growth isn’t something you can control.

It’s often hard to witness friends or family suffering due to their own misconceptions. We tend to want to save them, making us feel less isolated in our new understanding. However, we must accept that we cannot force anyone to awaken faster.

Agree to disagree, and learn to respect their beliefs, even if they appear limiting. They are entitled to their perspectives and may find it more important to cling to them for now.

3. Your Self-Recognition Is Sufficient

   It’s a natural human desire to seek validation and understanding from others. We often derive our identities from how those around us perceive us. However, after awakening, we realize that our authenticity is independent of others' perceptions.

Your self-worth does not hinge on how others see you. You are the lens through which you view yourself, and achieving clarity within is what truly matters. Over time, you will grow more comfortable with this internal validation, which will become the foundation of your authenticity.

4. Embrace Discomfort When Necessary

   While maintaining peace may sometimes feel inauthentic, there will be moments when it’s essential to voice your perspective. Staying silent about someone’s delusion can feel like a disservice, and remaining in the company of those who don’t fully see you can be isolating.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to navigating these feelings. You must learn to recognize moments of disconnect and discomfort, allowing yourself to explore what—or who—can accommodate your transformation. Sometimes, you may need to step away from certain people or situations.

5. Give People the Opportunity to Surprise You

   Often, we refrain from sharing our true selves due to a fear of judgment, which is usually self-imposed. We might assume that others cannot handle our new identities or that acceptance is unlikely. However, people can surprise us.

At times, the answer is simply to be vulnerable, allowing someone into your newfound world, despite the fear it may invoke.

Coming out of the spiritual closet doesn’t require that everyone knows the details of your awakening. It simply means you no longer feel the need to hide.

Recognize the feeling of hiding, the shame, the masks, and the limitations. When you see yourself clearly and allow those capable of understanding to witness you, you’ll find that the discomfort of inauthenticity fades away.

If you’d like to engage in a discussion about spirituality, feel free to drop a comment! I welcome conversations!