The words spiritual journey implies that we’re looking for something currently missing in our lives, as if there is a truth we are seeking to make our lives more complete or meaningful.
That is the crux of what it is all about: it is an inward journey, though outward actions or rituals may symbolize it, where one searches for and finds the wisdom, peace, and inspiration to live a more profound life. It is unique to you but many partake on this quest. It is a heroes path where one awakens to a personal spiritual truth.
Where It Starts
You may be put upon such an experience naturally by terrible hardships where you’re so broken that only sacred connection will save you. Or, you may consciously seek out a spiritual journey despite a rather comfortable life (indeed, being “too comfortable” may be the suffering).
The purpose of life is to find a mode of being that is so meaningful that the fact that life is suffering is no longer relevant
jordan peterson
And in our day in age where consumerism, financial struggles, and living less communal lives can threaten our sense of stability and connectedness, a transcendent journey is crucial for protecting the wholeness of self and nurturing inner meaning.
So if you’re feeling empty, lonely, or chronically depressed and hopeless, a spiritual journey may be wise to take.
Let’s go deep on what it means to embark on one and why it is beneficial to do so.
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What is a Spiritual Journey?
The spiritual journey is an introspective process of self-discovery that illuminates your deepest desires, emotions, and identity. It is where you come away with a rich understanding of and relationship with your beliefs about the divine or larger connection to life, the universe, or God.
It is a journey towards inner peace, faith in a higher power, or deep acknowledgement of and relationship to the wondrousness of life.
We all came into this world gifted with innocence, but gradually, as we became more intelligent, we lost our innocence. We were born with silence, and as we grew up, we lost the silence and were filled with words. We lived in our hearts, and as time passed, we moved into our heads. Now the reversal of this journey is enlightenment. It is the journey from head back to the heart, from words, back to silence; getting back to our innocence in spite of our intelligence. Although very simple, this is a great achievement.
Richard Rohr, Center for action and contemplation
However, it is not a final “A-ha!” adventure where you get the answers to all of life’s questions and are forever after the wise sage of your life.
No, it’s more that you find through this process a sense of security or ok-ness in the unknown, a peace with fear and uncertainty, through a newfound tethering to a loving life-force that helps you navigate when the waters of life become stormy.
Why it’s Important in Today’s World
Understanding your spiritual path is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-paced, materialistic world. As we navigate through the complexities of modern life—whether it’s the constant bombardment of social media, lack of being in nature, or the stress of a 9-to-5 job—many people find themselves disconnected, not only from others but also from their own inner selves.
This disconnection can lead to a lack of purpose and meaning, which in turn can impact our mental and emotional well-being.
For example, a person who feels unfulfilled in their career or marriage might find that exploring their spiritual path opens doors to a deeper sense of purpose. This helps them either transform their attitude toward their current situation or give them the courage to change the vocational path or relationship to one more aligned with their values.
In essence, your spiritual life then becomes a compass that guides you towards a fulfilling, balanced, and meaningful life. It’s like an inner wishing well you can go to for answers to life’s questions.
The Impact on Mental and Emotional Well-Being:
Below are just a few key benefits of a spiritual journey that can forever change the way you live your life for the better.
- Reduced Stress: Spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness teach you how to manage stress effectively, thus improving mental health.
- Emotional Resilience: A deeper spiritual understanding helps you view challenges as opportunities for growth, making you emotionally stronger.
- Enhanced Focus: Many spiritual paths include practices that improve your ability to concentrate, which can benefit all areas of your life, such as meditation or Tai Chi.
- Inner Peace: Spiritual growth leads to a more balanced mental-emotional state, allowing you to experience serenity even in turbulent situations.
- Positive Outlook: Many find that their spiritual journey leads them to a more optimistic perspective, which is directly linked to emotional well-being.
When despair for the world grows in me
wendell berry
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
How Spirituality Connects You With Your True Self and the Universe:
What is your true self? Many turn to a spiritual life because they’ve “lost their way” or “are not themselves”. What does that even mean? What are you trying to get to?
In a way, the spiritual journey is about recognizing you are where you are. It’s making peace with the uncomfortable truths of your past. Personal shame, such as when our conscience pricks whenever we remember something crass or stupid we’ve said or done to another, can drive us towards making a spiritual journey.
We no longer want the identity of someone who’s hurt others or has a reputation for being rude, selfish, or ignorant. This is just one example of how someone can feel out of alignment with their “true self”.
This is predicated on the belief that humans are hard-wired to live lives that are healthily connected to others. Thus, when that’s out of balance, we seek to harmonize it.
What does it mean to you?
Wisdom Gained
Below are some wisdom you’ll gain when you seriously undertake a spiritual journey:
- Self-Understanding: You become attuned to your own desires, strengths, and weaknesses. You are a better decision-maker and self-accepting soul.
- Sense of Purpose: You gain a clearer sense of purpose or calling. You lead a more fulfilling life and choose to make meaning in experiences.
- Universal Connection: You experience the interconnectedness of all life. You feel part of the something greater than yourself. Whether you call it God or simply the universe, you can tap into it by reflecting on this truth.
- Heightened Intuition: As you become more in tune with your inner self and the universe, you find your intuitive abilities are enhanced.
- Alignment with Values: A conscious spiritual journey helps you identify and live according to your deepest values. It creates harmony between your inner and outer worlds.
Understand that these benefits enriches your spiritual journey and serve as compelling reasons to prioritize spirituality in today’s frazzled world.
How to Start a Spiritual Journey
As mentioned, you may be forced upon such a path by unexpected life circumstances. Losing your job, a loved one, failing out of school, or reaching rock bottom with an addiction are just a few. But you can also intentionally take the first step by simply being interested in doing so. As they say, “When the pupil is ready the teacher appears.”
All this means is that once you make up your mind to live a richer life, it’s inevitable that you’ll start seeking out how to do just that. You may begin to read books about spirituality. Or, you may start an in-depth journaling process such as The Intensive Journal Method by Ira Progoff.
Some triggers to beginning your journey may be:
- Starting a meditation practice or course
- Living through a personal crisis like the death of a loved one, illness, injury, or addiction
- Spending more time in nature, especially grand nature like the mountains or ocean. Being in touch with the mystery of existence
- Deep writing or journaling work
- Reading spiritual literature or biographies
- Engaging with spiritual communities such as through yoga, church, or Buddhist groups.
The 7 Stages of the Spiritual Journey
There’s no right or wrong way to begin an inner quest. However, the following are stages you may encounter on your journey.
I like these because they give symbols that we can use in our minds to encapsulate our experiences. We can use them as reflection points when in need to process what has happened to us along our way.
Understanding these stages will help you put some context around what you’re experiencing. It help you gain insight into your personal transformation.
Let’s check them out:
1) The Stage of Ignorance
In this initial stage, individuals live their lives without acknowledging a deeper purpose or meaning. Life revolves around daily routines, immediate needs, and materialistic desires.
Symptoms and Signs:
- Lack of interest in self-improvement or spirituality.
- Prioritization of material gains over emotional or spiritual well-being.
2) The Awakening
Something shakes the foundations of your life—be it a traumatic event, an existential crisis, or a brush with the mystical. You begin to question your existing beliefs and lifestyle.
Initial Feelings:
- A sense of dissatisfaction or restlessness.
- A vague feeling that there must be “more” to life than its surface appearances.
3) The Seeker
Armed with questions and a thirst for knowledge, you actively start looking for answers. This is where books, mentors, and spiritual practices enter the picture.
Potential Pitfalls:
- Becoming lost in the maze of spiritual teachings.
- The risk of becoming a “spiritual shopper,” never settling into one path.
4) The Practitioner on the Spiritual Journey
This is the stage where spiritual theories are put into practice. You begin integrating meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or other spiritual practices into your daily life.
Finding Resonance:
- Experimenting to find the practices that best suit you.
- Starting to experience the benefits of regular spiritual practice.
5) The Challenger
As you progress, you’ll start to face inner challenges. Old patterns, beliefs, and emotional wounds rise to the surface for healing.
Catalysts for Growth:
- Recognizing that challenges are opportunities for growth.
- Confronting fears, biases, and past traumas.
6) The Awakened Soul
You’ve developed a deep sense of inner peace, love, and connection to the divine, the universe, or whatever you choose to call the spiritual force that unites us all.
Embracing Virtues:
- Living a life governed by compassion, love, and forgiveness.
- A felt sense of interconnectedness with all beings.
7) The Selfless Server
In this final stage, you’ve aligned your personal will with the divine or universal will. Your actions become a way to serve others. You become an instrument for the greater good.
Becoming a Beacon:
- Your mere presence serves as an inspiration to others.
- You find joy and purpose in selfless service, contributing positively to the world around you.
Each stage of the spiritual journey offers its own lessons, challenges, and rewards. The journey is seldom linear; you may find yourself revisiting previous stages as you continue to grow.
However, the more you understand these stages, the better equipped you are to navigate your own path toward spiritual awakening.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid them
Like with anything in life, a dark side exists. Going on a spiritual journey can be a personally vulnerable process, which can leave you prone to predators and manipulators. Not only that, but the process itself can be overwhelming and confusing. Let’s look at some common pitfalls that you may encounter on this quest:
Spiritual Bypassing
What it is: Using spirituality to avoid confronting emotional wounds, unresolved issues, and responsibilities.
How to Avoid: Make sure to integrate emotional healing and accountability into your spiritual practice. If needed, consult with mental health professionals.
The Guru Trap
What it is: Over-reliance on a spiritual teacher to the point of unquestioning obedience. It often sidelines your own intuition and discernment.
How to Avoid: Keep in mind that even the most enlightened teacher is still human. Trust your own inner guidance and take what resonates with you.
Spiritual Journey Escapism
What it is: Using spirituality as an escape from real-world responsibilities or challenges, rather than facing them head-on.
How to Avoid: Balance is key. Use your spiritual practices to gain the strength to confront, not avoid, life’s challenges.
Materialization of Spirituality
What it is: Focusing too much on the material aspects of spirituality like accumulating crystals, gadgets, or certifications, but neglecting inner work.
How to Avoid: While tools can be helpful, remember that the core of spirituality lies in your own inner transformation.
Information Overload on a Spiritual Journey
What it is: Consuming endless spiritual books, videos, and courses without taking the time to integrate or practice what you’ve learned.
How to Avoid: Take time to digest and apply the knowledge you gain. Action and experience are as important as intellectual understanding.
Tools to Assist You on Your Spiritual Journey
From books to meditation apps, you’ll find different tools useful in exploring your inward path to a higher consciousness. Below are some that I’ve found useful.
A Few Recommended Books
- “Waking Up” by Sam Harris
- “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle: For understanding the importance of present-moment awareness.
- “Falling Upward” by Father Richard Rohr
- “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra: Offers practical guidelines for spiritual living.
- “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
- “The Book of Life” by Jiddu Krishnamurti
- “The Universe in You” by Rumi
(Share your favorite books in the comments- I’d love to know!)
Meditations
- Guided Meditations: Apps like Waking Up, Headspace and Calm offer easy-to-follow meditations for beginners.
- Transcendental Meditation: A more advanced form of meditation that requires specific training but offers deep benefits.
- Heroes Journey Meditation: A guided visualization exercise designed to take you through the archetypal stages of the hero’s journey, allowing you to confront challenges, meet guides, and achieve inner transformation in a meditative state.
Online Resources for a Spiritual Journey
Websites and apps can offer a wide range of articles, courses, and interviews on various spiritual topics. Here are a few great ones:
- LonerWolf
- Sounds True
- Waking Up app by Sam Harris
- Tiny Budda
- Tara Brach
- The Center for Action and Contemplation
Spiritual Community
- Local spiritual groups, online forums, or spiritual retreats can provide you with a community of like-minded individuals for support and guidance.
CHECK OUT MY FRIENDS OVER AT LONERWOLF, WHERE YOU’LL FIND A PLETHORA OF SPIRITUAL RESOURCES FROM SPIRITUAL AWAKENING BOOKS TO DREAM JOURNALS AND COURSES.
Personal Rituals
- Creating your own rituals or practices can be a powerful way to cultivate a daily spiritual routine. Prayer, chanting, or even a morning gratitude list are a few examples. Something as seemingly simple as an everyday movement practice, like weightlifting or yoga, can be a way to get in tune with your spirit.
- Some people create full-moon rituals. Here, on a monthly basis, you check in with yourself and review where your life is at. It’s a ritual to celebrate, give thanks, or chart new paths toward change.
Conclusion
In the intricate tapestry of life, your spiritual journey serves as the golden thread that weaves together your inner and outer worlds. Understanding the seven stages of this journey isn’t just an academic exercise.
It grants you the tools to build emotional resilience. You’ll foster a deep sense of self-awareness, and create meaningful connections with the universe and those around you.
While the path is laden with potential pitfalls, knowing how to sidestep them—aided by a treasure trove of resources—ensures that you not only walk this path but also flourish on it.
So as you continue this awe-inspiring journey toward spiritual awakening, remember that each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your truest self and a life rich in purpose and joy.