The Awakening Journey: A bumpy ride
In today's world, the pursuit of happiness is often held up as the ultimate goal of life. We're bombarded with messages that tell us we should constantly strive for more, seek pleasure, and chase fleeting moments of joy. However, there's a deeper, more profound journey that some choose to embark upon—a journey of awakening. This journey is not about the pursuit of happiness but the quest for inner peace, to know the truth of your being, for deeper connection and fulfillment, and it's far from easy. In this blog, we'll explore why the awakening journey is so challenging, and is a long way from only sunshine and rainbows, and how it may ultimately lead us to living a more aligned and free life. Awakening is not a destination, but a journey, one that is non-linear, full of periods of expansion and contraction, and one that leads us to face any shadows, in order to become closer to our true selves, a divine spark in an infinite universe.
1. Unearthing Deep-Rooted Beliefs
The awakening journey begins with self-awareness. It requires us to question our deeply ingrained beliefs, many of which have been instilled in us since childhood. These beliefs shape our perspectives on success, happiness, and the meaning of life. As we delve into our own minds and confront these beliefs, we may face resistance, denial, and discomfort. It's not easy to admit that some of the beliefs we've held dear for so long may be holding us back from true peace.
2. Confronting the Ego
The ego, often referred to as the "false self," plays a significant role in our lives. It's the part of us that craves recognition, validation, and control. On the awakening journey, we must confront our ego and recognize its limitations. This is an arduous process, as the ego resists change and clings to the familiar. Letting go of the ego's grip on our lives can be emotionally taxing and requires a deep level of self-reflection.
3. Dealing with Pain and Suffering
Awakening is not a journey for the faint of heart. It requires us to face our pain and suffering head-on. Rather than running from our past traumas, fears, and regrets, we must embrace them and learn from them. This can be a painful and emotionally draining process, but it's essential for our growth and transformation. It's only by acknowledging and embracing our pain that we can ultimately find peace. When we push it away it remains unseen and still has power over us. This is not done instantly, but we gradually build up the strength to hold a little bit more and a little bit more as the journey progresses.
4. Embracing Uncertainty
Many of us seek certainty and control as it gives the illusion of safety and security. We want to know what the future holds and avoid any form of discomfort or unpredictability that may arise if we are unprepared. We try to ‘make things happen’ and control our lives. However, the future is created through the present moment, and the more present we are in that, the better a future we create. If we are lost in future fears, we are often not present. The awakening journey asks us to embrace uncertainty and this can be navigated through knowing yourself, and having confidence that you can handle whatever will come your way.. It challenges us to let go of our need for control and trust in the unfolding of life's journey. This can be incredibly difficult, as it goes against our natural inclination to seek stability and security in a physical manifestation, however finding this internal is more valuable and lasting than any external manifestation.
5. The Loneliness of the Journey
The path to awakening can be a lonely one. As we change and grow, we may find that our values and priorities no longer align with those around us. Not everyone will want to talk about these subjects and experiences which are somewhat alternate. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnect. Additionally alot of suppressed emotions may arise and can bring you into all sorts of high and low states, from anger, grief, resentment, sadness, emptiness to being filled with love and joy. Experiencing all these emotions can be hard alone. However, it's important to remember that the loneliness is a temporary phase, and as we continue on our journey, we may find a new sense of connection and community with like-minded individuals who are also seeking truth. When one door closes, another one opens. The more awake you become to yourself, the more you will feel, and this is a double sided coin; you may feel love and joy more, but you may also feel the depths of pain deeper than ever before. You will likely get triggered much more than when you were totally unconscious, for a period, as deeply suppressed emotions rise to the surface and it can take some time to learn to navigate and integrate these fragmented parts. You will likely pass through periods of expansion and periods of contraction, periods of love and ease, and periods of challenge, sadness, even depression. It requires patience and understanding and a deeper trust alongside self compassion and empathy.
The awakening journey is not for the faint of heart. It's a path that requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to face discomfort and uncertainty. This willingness will not necessarily come instantly but can build up over years, one step at a time. Meet yourself with where you are at, not where you think you should be. It will likely push you to the brink of giving up and feeling crazy, on more than one occasion.. It's not about chasing happiness or external success; it's about finding inner peace. Despite its challenges, the rewards of this journey are profound. As we unearth deep-rooted beliefs, confront our ego, deal with pain and suffering, embrace uncertainty, and navigate the, sometimes, loneliness of the journey, we, hopefully can gradually find ourselves moving toward a state of more peace within.
Ultimately, the awakening journey shows us that its not about avoiding life’s challenges, but learning to navigate them without being thrown off course or into the depths too frequently. Life is wavy, ride the waves. It's a journey that takes time and effort, the path of one who seeks truth. So, if you're embarking on a discovery path, remember that it's okay to find it difficult; in fact, that's often a sign that you're on the right track. Embrace the challenges, and know that its all stepping stones, a life journey. Its not to aspite to become anything, simply undoing what was learned and become more of your self.