Spiritual Awakening Is A Double-Edged Sword

Many times in my life I’ve had to move on, leaving friends, family, relationships and spouses behind, because I outgrew them. The spiritual awakening process is a double-edged sword. When we awaken, our value systems change. The shift is a blessing, but burning bridges always hurts, and often when we least expect it.

One of the most obvious symptoms of knowing we’re no longer in sync with those around us, is when we can do nothing other than listen to our inner guidance, as it gets louder and louder.  And, the more we tune into it, the more authentic we become and we can’t pretend anymore. Truth and integrity take over, because those values are more in alignment with our soul.

Often, those closest to us, align themselves with their own illusion of who they want us to be. They project onto us the values they think they most admire, and choose to find these in us, as opposed to who we really are. As Maya Angelou stated so wisely, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them; the first time.”

The caterpillar must accept its own disappearance in its transformation. When the marvelous butterfly takes wing, nothing of the caterpillar remains ~ Alejandro Jodorowsky

However, people find all kinds of reasons to believe what they want to, by projecting it onto others, because they want the perfect friend, partner, and so on. They don’t understand there is no such thing as ‘perfect,’ and the consequences can be devastating when we don’t match up to their ideal.

This is why opposites attract each other, but when it doesn’t work out as anticipated, we feel we have made a mistake; that the person we trusted wasn’t worthy in the first place. As a result, what happens is that both parties are set up for disillusionment at some point. Then, what first attracted us to the person is not attractive anymore.

When one of the partners grows more, or is more awakened, then the other feels threatened. It is their own sense of comfort that is threatened. And, culturally, we have all been taught that we’re only supposed to manifest that which is comfortable.  When we become uncomfortable, we start to believe we made a mistake. Wrong. Judging our manifestation by our comfort level, to determine if we’re manifesting, or not, is incorrect. We manifest the people and circumstances necessary to learn and grow in wisdom, which we would never do if we lived in a constant state of ease and comfort. Everything is manifestation – even the most painful experiences. Nothing is wasted. There is purpose in everything.

The fact is, we all change at some level and we cannot expect others to be the same as they were when the relationship started. No one ever stays the same. Some feel so threatened they turn others against us. Again, manifestation must be factored in. It is fear that turns them against us. Whether fear, or fear of change, or fear of losing, the list is endless, and in the end what they fear most manifests.

No one is going to change unless they want to. Often, it is best, as much as it hurts, to just let them be, and move on. Remember, the truth will always come out. Salute your own courage for living your highest truth with integrity.

The spiritual journey is individual, highly personal. It can’t be organized or regulated. It isn’t true that everyone should follow one path. Listen to your own truth ~ Ram Dass

Personally, when I’m feeling like I’m growing out of a relationship of any kind, I hand it over to the Divine. I ask the Divine to look at the situation. Perhaps there is something I have overlooked. The Divine has the ultimate clarity, and I wait for their answer, which usually is given through synchronistic events.

Finally, I can just follow the path the Divine is setting forth for me. It is always a relief when I find I am back on track, and feeling gratitude for the lesson learned.