Spiritual awakening and enlightenment have been important topics for people throughout history. However, it’s hard to clearly define these terms since they go beyond what we typically understand. Generally, spiritual awakening means recognizing your true self as the inner light (or the spirit within, or the “Self” as Ramana Maharshi suggested), while enlightenment refers to living moment by moment with a new-found sense of identity.

Various traditions describe spiritual awakening in unique ways. No one description is better or worse than others, but similar thoughts are found in different teachings.

Some signs of a true spiritual awakening include:

• A sense of oneness with all creation
• Recognition of the One Source as Reality and Truth
• Transformation of identity from a limited human to an infinite being
• Ability to see beauty and inter-connectedness in all
• Unbounded freedom, joy, and peace
• Renewed vitality, confidence, and positivity
• Embracing all, including negativity and darkness
• Disappearance of fear, especially of death