Guests Matt Landsiedel and Michael DiIorio discuss spiritual awakenings, sharing personal experiences and insights. They explore the stages of awakening, profound spiritual experiences, practices for connection, seeking guidance, embracing the divine feminine, and the paradox of spirituality.
Connecting with nature and being fully present in the moment are powerful practices during spiritual awakenings.
Grounding through techniques like walking barefoot or using grounding crystals helps anchor oneself during spiritual awakenings.
Prayer, as a personal form of communication with the divine, plays an important role in navigating spiritual awakenings.
Communication, setting intentions, and being open to synchronicities bring a tangible and relatable element to spirituality.
Allowing, surrendering, and embracing curiosity are vital for spiritual growth and breaking free from ego-driven mindsets.
Seeking guidance, embracing integration, and understanding the paradox of power and powerlessness are crucial aspects of the spiritual journey.
Deep dives
Connecting with Nature
One of my core practices for moving through spiritual awakenings is connecting with nature. Whether it's finding a nearby park or exploring a nearby forest, immersing myself in nature helps soothe my mind and bring a sense of calm. I make it a point to be fully present during these nature experiences, allowing myself to feel connected to the energy and beauty that surrounds me.
Presence and Meditation
Alongside connecting with nature, I find that being fully present in the moment is a powerful practice during spiritual awakenings. Rather than overthinking, I focus on experiencing the world around me without judgment or analysis. This form of meditation helps me tap into a deeper sense of awareness and connect with the present moment.
Grounding Practices
Grounding is crucial for me during spiritual awakenings, as it helps me anchor myself and stay connected to the physical world. Grounding exercises include techniques like walking barefoot on grass or earth, visualizing roots connecting me to the ground, or even using grounding crystals like hematite or black tourmaline.
Prayer and Connection
Prayer is another important practice for me during spiritual awakenings. It's not limited to specific religious practices but rather a personal form of communication with the divine. I use prayer to connect with and seek guidance from the higher power, expressing gratitude, and seeking solace during challenging times.
The Importance of Communication and Synchronicities in Spiritual Practices
Communication and synchronicities play a crucial role in spiritual practices. Setting intentions, asking for guidance, and being open to receiving signs are all important aspects of connecting with the universe. These practices can bring lightness and fun to the spiritual journey. Synchronicities, in particular, can be humorous and unexpected, providing guidance or signs in unexpected ways. These practices add a tangible and relatable element to the often intangible nature of spirituality, helping individuals feel more grounded and connected.
The Power of Surrender, Curiosity, and Presence in Spiritual Growth
Allowing, surrendering, and embracing curiosity are vital for spiritual growth. By surrendering and allowing, individuals open themselves up to new experiences and perspectives, embracing a sense of curiosity rather than judgment. Cultivating curiosity helps to break free from the ego's preferential mindset and encourages a deeper exploration of life's meaning and purpose. Similarly, practicing presence through meditation or mindfulness allows individuals to slow down, connect with the present moment, and find joy in the here and now. Seeking presence can be achieved through various practices, such as engaging in nature, slowing down daily activities, or observing one's thoughts without trying to control or silence the mind. These practices enable individuals to tap into their inner wisdom, find peace, and expand their capacity for growth.
The Importance of Seeking Guidance and Embracing Integration in Spiritual Journeys
Seeking guidance and embracing integration are crucial aspects of the spiritual journey. Seeking support from coaches, therapists, or spiritual practitioners can offer valuable insights and pieces to one's personal puzzle. The journey becomes richer when we walk together and learn from each other's experiences, even if that learning is not intentional on the part of the teacher. The power of community and connection cannot be underestimated, as it allows for presence, authentic sharing, and the opening of new doors. Additionally, the process of integration involves honoring all aspects of oneself, including the shadow, wounded inner child, and various identities. This process allows for a more authentic and complete expression, breaking free from ego-driven identities and encouraging growth and expansion.
Embracing the Paradox of Power and Powerlessness in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth involves embracing the paradox of power and powerlessness. Recognizing that true power is not about control or dominance, rather it lies in the ability to focus one's energy on what truly matters. The journey involves understanding that some aspects of life are out of our control, and yet we have the power to choose our focus and presence in the present moment. Letting go of attachment to outcomes and surrendering to the journey itself allows for a more peaceful existence. It is also important to acknowledge our limitations and the vastness of the unknown. Honoring the wisdom that comes from lived experiences and remaining open to learning from others rather than claiming absolute truths fosters growth, humility, and an appreciation for the mysteries of life.
The Inverted Sphere of Spiritual Development and Letting Go of Attachments to Destinations
Spiritual development can be likened to an inverted sphere. As we navigate through life, our consciousness expands, and we encounter various patterns and themes. Each encounter with these patterns and themes becomes a smaller and more manageable loop, as our consciousness grows. It is a continuous process of growth, shedding, and integrating new understandings. While there is no final destination within this inverted sphere, we can find peace and joy by embracing the present moment and letting go of attachment to specific outcomes or destinations. This surrender to the journey itself opens up space for greater presence, playfulness, and appreciation of the evolving self.
The Importance of Honoring All Parts of the Self and Embracing the Darkness of the Spiritual Journey
The spiritual journey involves honoring all parts of the self, including the shadow, wounded inner child, and various identities. Shedding the ego-driven preference for presenting only the desirable aspects allows for a more integrated and authentic existence. The journey requires acknowledging and embracing the darkness as well as the light. The depths of suffering can lead to profound wisdom and depth of character, ultimately expanding one's capacity for compassion and understanding. Embracing the pain and destruction of the journey allows for a deeper shedding of what no longer serves, making space for transformation and growth. The path may be challenging, but it also holds the potential for beauty, healing, and liberation.
The Paradox of Spiritual Awakening: Simultaneous Power and Powerlessness
The paradox of spiritual awakening lies in recognizing both our power and powerlessness. While our ego craves control and certainty, true power comes from surrendering and focusing our energy on what truly matters. The present moment is the only place where we have true power, and dwelling on the past or future holds no power. Embracing our power to choose our focus and presence in the here and now allows for a more peaceful existence. At the same time, acknowledging our limitations and accepting the vastness of the unknown humbles us, reminding us that we do not have all the answers. Embracing this paradox, we find liberation and peace amidst the uncertainty of the journey.
Finding Meaning in the Journey and Embracing the Unknown
The journey of spiritual growth is not about reaching a final destination, but about finding meaning in the process itself. Seeking external milestones can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, finding peace and gratitude in the present moment, embracing the unknown, and surrendering to the journey brings a sense of liberation and contentment. Letting go of the need for absolute truths and embracing the humility of not knowing opens up space for continued learning and growth. The wisdom gained from one's individual experiences can provide a foundation for navigating the challenges and joys of the spiritual journey, while remaining open to new perspectives and insights from others.
In this episode, Matt Landsiedel and Michael DiIorio unpack the concept of the spiritual awakening. They both share their personal experiences with spiritual awakenings and how they navigated these really challenging periods in their lives. If you are struggling in life right now, you might be going through a spiritual awakening. The best way through one of these experiences is to learn about its meaning, making it easier to navigate.
Here are the 4 questions we explored in this episode:
What does spiritual awakening mean to you?
What has been one of the most profound spiritual experiences you’ve had?
What practices do you have to help you move through spiritual awakenings?
What has been your greatest learning when it comes to spiritual growth?
