Marcel Proust said,

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Welcome to The Soul Podcast. I’m Stacey Wheeler.

Today, I want to talk about a moment that sneaks up on you, like a beautiful sunrise you didn’t expect. It’s the moment you realize the world is more than it seems, and so are you. Have you ever felt a quiet shift, as if the world suddenly whispered there’s more to life than you’ve known? A spiritual awakening is like waking up in a vast, uncharted land—beautiful, bewildering, sometimes overwhelming. It’s a call to know yourself, to touch the mystery of existence. Today, I’ve got seven steps to help you embrace this journey and make the most of it, drawn from the wisdom of seekers who’ve walked this path.

Many years ago, I was standing on a footbridge over a stream in the forest, listening to the sounds around me... watching the sunlight bounce off the ripples in the water. I’d been wrestling with many life changes that year. I felt I was missing something. But what? That day, a question fell lightly but firmly on me: What if there’s more to me than I’ve ever let myself believe? It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It felt like a door creaking open. An invitation. That was my awakening—well... at least, the start of it. Maybe you’ve had a moment like that—a quiet shift, a sudden clarity, or even a loss that cracked your heart wide open. Maybe that moment is now. Whatever brought you here, you’re not alone.

A spiritual awakening isn’t one tidy event; it’s a unfolding process. You might question your job, your relationships, why you’re even on this earth. Or maybe you’ve felt a spark in nature, during a meditation, or in a fleeting moment of connection that left you breathless. Your soul is whispering, There’s more. 

It’s normal to feel excited, confused, even scared. It’s messy. It’s human. And it’s worth every step. Today, we're going to talk about how to navigate it.

Step One: Embrace the Uncertainty

When you’re awakening, the ground feels shaky. Beliefs you’ve held for years might unravel, leaving you recognizing what's new, wondering what’s true. This uncertainty isn’t your enemy—it’s your teacher. It’s where growth blooms. Instead of fighting the confusion, lean into it. Ask yourself, What am I being called to explore? Grab a journal and spill your thoughts, doubts, dreams. Let them breathe. Eckhart Tolle once said, 

“Some changes look negative on the surface, but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” 

Don’t rush to answers. Trust that the unknown is carving a path for you, even when you can’t see it yet.

Step Two: Create a Sacred Space

Your awakening needs a home—a place to anchor your spirit. Find a quiet corner in your house, a park bench, or a spot under a tree that feels like a sigh of relief. You'll know the feeling when you find your space. My space is on the floor beside an old steamer trunk - facing a specific south-easterly direction. Don't ask me why. I don't know why. That's the angle my soul wants to face when sitting in silence. Find your space. Trust your gut. 

If possible, fill your space with things that spark peace: a candle, a feather from a walk, a photo that warms your heart. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. Use this space to reflect, meditate, or just sit in silence. On my 100+ year old steamer trunk, I keep an abalone shell filled with objects of memory; small stone from a hike, a shell from the Sea of Cortez, a photo of my grandmother. There's a touchstone within reach. I found it on a seashore, smoothed by the sands of time. I add or take away from this collection as time goes by. It's a peaceful ritual that reminds me to stay grounded and present in the moment. 

Having a sacred space makes spirituality a habit, a refuge when the journey feels too big. It’s like having a place to give your soul a place to rest.

Step Three: Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Awakening can feel like a tidal wave—excitement, fear, wonder, all crashing at once. Mindfulness and meditation will be your anchors. Start small: five minutes a day, focusing on your breath. Notice your thoughts without chasing them. Over time, this quiets the noise, letting you hear the still, small voice inside—the one that knows your truth. For decades, scientific minds rolled their eyes at meditation, dismissing it as woo-woo fluff. But now? Researchers' eyes have been opened. Studies show mindfulness meditation slashes stress, calms anxiety, and sharpens self-awareness—helping you tune into your inner compass during a spiritual awakening. It doesn’t stop there. Regular practice can lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and even reduce cholesterol levels, keeping your body steady as your soul explores new horizons. It’s like a gym for your mind and heart, building resilience and clarity when the vastness of awakening feels overwhelming. This new balance is pure gold for the spiritual journey.

Try apps like Headspace, or Insight Timer or free guided meditations online. It’s not about emptying your mind; it’s about making space for what matters. When I started meditating I felt like I was trying to wrestle my mind into submission. My mind raced and I couln't clear my head. I had it all wrong -but it helped. It took some guidance to figure out the best way for me to meditate. And I found my magic mix. Now when I meditate, I drop in more easily. feel lighter. Some days it's like I glimpsed myself for the first time.

Step Four: Seek Knowledge, but Stay Open

Your curiosity is a compass now. Dive into spiritual books—The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, and listen to The Michael Singer Podcast. But don’t stop at reading—explore. Try Buddhist teachings, mysticism, or Indigenous wisdom, without pressure to choose one path. The goal isn’t to find the truth but to discover what resonates with your truth. There's a line from the poet, Rumi: 

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” 

It reminded me to stay open, to let my heart lead. There is no right or wrong way in spiritual growth and exploration. Be cautious of rigid dogma; Find the way that is yours. Treat every source as a guide, not gospel.

Step Five: Connect with Like-Minded Souls

Awakening can feel isolating. You might see the world differently than your friends or family, and that can sting. Seek out others who understand—a meditation group, an online forum, a spiritual workshop. Lean outside your comfort zone. There's much to be found there. Sharing your questions and stories with fellow seekers can make you feel less alone. Connection creates belonging. You don’t need a guru, but a mentor or friend who’s been through it can offer clarity. Years ago at a weekend workshop, I met a woman whose story mirrored mine—it was like finding a mirror for my soul. We've been dear friends for a decade now. She is still one of my most trusted guides. Thanks, Johanna. I love and appreciate you. 

Trust your instincts about who feels safe and authentic.

Step Six: Ground Yourself in the Everyday

Spirituality isn’t just about cosmic epiphanies; it’s about living them. Integration is everything. Wash the dishes with presence. Pay your bills with gratitude for what you have. Take a walk and notice the way leaves catch the light. Every moment is a chance to express the divine. Make it a daily practice. 

Ground your awakening by caring for your body—eat nourishing food, move, rest. Avoid getting lost in spiritual tools like crystals or rituals; they’re helpful but can overwhelm or distract if overdone. Balance the mystical with the mundane, and you’ll find a quiet joy. I’ve learned that folding laundry with intention can feel as sacred as a meditation when I allow myself to be present in the moment. Notice the word  allow - not force. 

Finally -Step Seven: Be Gentle with Yourself

This journey isn’t a sprint. You’ll have days of clarity and days of doubt. You might worry you’re “doing it wrong” or not progressing fast enough. Let that go. Self-compassion is your greatest ally. Treat yourself like a friend you cherish—kindly, patiently. “Challenges are opportunities for growth,” one guide reminds us. If fear or resistance surfaces, sit with it. Cry if you need to. Laugh when you can. I’ve had nights where I felt lost, only to wake up and realize those moments were teaching me about myself. You’re not just awakening; you’re becoming more fully you. The deepest self is emerging.

Let’s pause for a moment. Close your eyes if you can, and take a slow breath. Feel the air move through you. This is what awakening feels like—a quiet return to yourself. Wherever you are on this path, you’re exactly where you need to be. 

We all wonder, don’t we? When the veil lifts and we glimpse something bigger, we ask: Who am I, really? What’s my place in this vast universe? A spiritual awakening doesn’t hand you answers—it gives you the courage to live the questions. Each step you take, each moment you choose to show up, you’re weaving a tapestry of meaning. This is a sacred pilgrimage back to yourself. It's an awakening to a connection; with yourself and to others. It is an awakening to the great mystery.

So, if you’re standing at the edge of this journey, wondering now what?—breathe. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Light a candle. Ask a question. Trust the quiet pull in your heart. The path is unfolding, and it’s yours to walk, one gentle step at a time.