Awakening, But Not Quite: The Messy Start of a Spiritual Path

Starting a spiritual journey is like stepping into a forest with no map, only a faint whisper guiding you forward. For some, the call is loud and clear—lucky them. I’m still deaf sometimes, even with my almost perfect ear. It’s often a life event that shifts everything. For others, it’s a quiet, persistent nudge that something deeper exists beyond the surface of everyday life. No matter how it begins, one thing is certain: the start is rarely neat or straightforward.

The Overwhelm of “Guides” and “Gurus”

In today’s world, spirituality often comes pre-packaged. Scroll through social media, and you’ll find countless gurus, guides, and self-proclaimed experts promising enlightenment in five steps or less. It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. Between the overwhelming amount of information and the abundance of so-called spiritual experts, it can feel like navigating a labyrinth of half-truths and illusions. Some ‘guides’ may be well-intentioned but misguided, while others might simply be opportunists looking to profit from your search. Who do you trust? Where do you even begin?

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re allowed to question everything, including the person claiming to have all the answers. Spirituality isn’t about adopting someone else’s truth; it’s about discovering your own.

Questions, Not Answers

When I first dipped my toes into spirituality, I didn’t know what I was looking for. I only knew I was looking. We have a long history, spirituality and I—been on and off more times than I can count. Maybe I wasn’t ready, or maybe my baby brain got scared of what it saw. I don’t recall exactly; I just know I’ve always come back to it.

And in the beginning, when I decided to stay in, it was easier to follow someone else’s path rather than carve out my own. Maybe I wasn’t ready, or maybe my baby brain got scared of what it saw. I don’t recall exactly; I just know I’ve always come back to it. And in the beginning, when I decided to stay in, it was easier to follow someone else’s path rather than carve out my own. But over time, I realized that true growth didn’t come from finding answers—it came from asking better questions.

  • What resonates with me?
  • Why do I believe what I believe?
  • How do I feel when I explore this practice or teaching?

These questions became my compass. After bumping the wall countless times and getting a headache, I often find myself lost in the maze of countless gurus, especially when the human part of me feels like I know nothing and believes it would be easier to look outside for answers. Yet, those very questions helped me navigate the endless options without losing myself completely in the process.

Spirituality: A Trend or a True Awakening?

Another challenge is discerning whether the growing number of awakened people represents a true collective shift or just a passing trend. With crystals, tarot decks, and yoga retreats popping up in every lifestyle magazine, it’s easy to wonder if this is all just surface-level noise.

But here’s a thought: even if some of it is trendy, does it matter? If wearing a crystal necklace or pulling an oracle card sparks something real in someone, isn’t that enough? Spirituality doesn’t have to look a certain way. It’s deeply personal, and what works for you may look nothing like what works for someone else—and that’s okay.

Staying Grounded While Exploring

It’s easy to get lost in the metaphysical rabbit hole. You start with meditation, and suddenly you’re questioning the fabric of reality itself. While it’s exciting to explore new ideas, staying grounded is essential.

  • Keep a journal to reflect on your experiences. Or write a blog like me—because nothing says “grounded” like oversharing your existential crises on the internet :))
  • Talk to people you trust who can offer balanced perspectives.
  • Don’t shy away from skepticism; it’s healthy to question what you encounter. I think I came here to doubt everything—it’s practically my life’s mission.

Grounding doesn’t mean rejecting the mystical. It means holding space for both wonder and discernment.

You’re Not Late, and You’re Not Alone

One of the hardest parts of starting is feeling like everyone else is miles ahead. Social media doesn’t help, with its endless stream of people posting about their “ascension” or their perfectly curated altar spaces. But remember, nobody’s path is the same. You’re not behind; you’re exactly where you need to be.

And you’re not alone. The spiritual journey, messy and unpredictable as it is, connects us all. Whether you’re meditating for the first time, reading a book that cracks open your worldview, or simply sitting with your own questions, you’re part of something bigger.

If you’re just starting, take a deep breath. I will do this too every time I open social media :))) This journey isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about the unfolding. It’s about being curious, making mistakes, and embracing the mess. Let yourself wander. Let yourself wonder. The path will reveal itself—one step, one question, one moment at a time.

As for destinations? That’s a topic for another post. After all, isn’t the journey itself the most profound part?