Spiritual awakening is a profound and deeply personal process that can often be misunderstood. It involves a shift in awareness and connection to one’s inner self and the divine. However, society’s tendency to label these transformative experiences as depression or anxiety often leads to suppression of the growth they offer.

The Journey of Spiritual Awakening

Twenty years ago, my first spiritual awakening—a “dark night of the soul”—was misdiagnosed as depression. Instead of being allowed the time and space to heal, I was placed on medications after a single short doctor’s visit. The treatment not only disrupted my spiritual process but led to severe physical and emotional consequences.

A Personal Story of Misunderstanding

Modern culture teaches us to equate withdrawal and solitude with dysfunction. We are trained from an early age to prioritize productivity over personal reflection, leaving little room for the sacred rhythms of rest, renewal, and connection to God. This disconnection suppresses spiritual growth and creates a deeper societal issue.

Society’s Fear of Solitude

Periods of solitude are not signs of failure or avoidance—they are essential for recalibration and healing. Whether it’s 15 minutes of daily reflection or an extended period of retreat, time spent in solitude helps us process emotions, hear God’s voice, and reconnect with our purpose.

The Sacred Role of Solitude

The signs of spiritual awakening—withdrawal, sadness, introspection—are often mistaken for depression or anxiety. Medical professionals may rush to diagnose and medicate without considering the context of a person’s experience, interrupting the natural process of transformation and growth.

Misdiagnosing Growth as Illness

While both experiences may involve withdrawal and sadness, spiritual awakening is driven by a longing for renewal and truth. Depression, by contrast, is marked by feelings of hopelessness and stagnation. Understanding these differences is crucial to ensuring appropriate support and care.

Spiritual Awakening vs. Depression

Spiritual awakening often involves a period of discomfort as old beliefs and patterns fall away. While it may appear chaotic or isolating to others, it is actually a sacred process of renewal. Mislabeling it as illness can cause harm and prevent individuals from reaching a deeper understanding of themselves and their connection to God.

A Path Misunderstood

When spiritual growth is misdiagnosed, individuals may be pushed back into the grind of daily life too quickly. This not only robs them of the opportunity to heal but reinforces societal norms that suppress introspection and spiritual evolution.

The Danger of Suppression

True spiritual healing requires patience and trust. It’s important to give ourselves—and others—the time and space to navigate the challenges of spiritual awakening. Growth doesn’t conform to timelines, but unfolds in its own divine rhythm.

Honoring the Process

To support the healing process during a spiritual awakening, focus on practices like:	•	Journaling for self-reflection.	•	Meditation and prayer for clarity and connection.	•	Spending time in nature to restore balance.	•	Reading spiritual texts for guidance and wisdom.	•	Creative expression to channel emotions into meaning.

Practical Tools for Spiritual Healing

Many religious and spiritual texts support solitude. The Bible, one of the most far and wide read spiritual books of all time, affirms the importance of solitude for spiritual renewal. Verses like “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) remind us that stillness is not a sign of weakness but a sacred opportunity to reconnect with God and ourselves.

Scripture Supports Solitude

During my third dark night of the soul, triggered by family losses and caregiving demands, I fully surrendered to the process. Solitude became my sanctuary, allowing me to hear God’s voice and embrace healing through introspection. O genuinely believe that if I had been “allowed” to fully experience my first and second awakenings—rather than having them treated as problems to fix—this third awakening might not have been necessary, or at least not for a long time. Each interruption left layers of healing unresolved, showing the importance of honoring the process.

My Third Awakening

Through spiritual awakening, I learned to trust God and myself despite external judgment. Society’s expectations may demand that we “snap out of it,” but true healing comes when we honor the inner call to retreat, reflect, and recalibrate.

Trusting the Inner Call

As a society, we must stop pathologizing natural processes like grief, introspection, and spiritual awakening. By creating spaces for rest and renewal, we allow individuals to heal and grow into their authentic selves, benefiting both the individual and the community.

A Vision for Change

Spiritual awakening is not a mental illness but a sacred journey. By trusting the process and allowing ourselves to grow, we reclaim our spiritual freedom and align with God’s purpose for us. It’s a path of courage, transformation, and ultimately, divine connection.

Reclaiming Spiritual Freedom

Nearly twenty years ago, I experienced what I now understand to be a spiritual awakening—a dark night of the soul. But at the time, my attempt to embrace this deeply personal and transformative experience was met with fear, skepticism, and ultimately, suppression. In the eyes of the world, my withdrawal into solitude and reflection wasn’t…

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

health

Health

mentalhealth

Mental Health

meditation

Meditation

Misdiagnosing Growth: The Danger of Labeling Spiritual Awakening as Depression

Positive affirmations can change your mindset and help heal your life. Replace negative self-talk with empowering statements like, "I am worthy of love and happiness."

Power of Affirmations

Self-love and acceptance are the foundations of healing. Treat yourself with kindness and stop self-criticism.

Self-Love is Essential

Your thoughts and beliefs create your experiences. By changing limiting beliefs, you can transform your life.

Thoughts Shape Reality

Holding onto anger and resentment harms you more than others. Forgiveness frees you emotionally and allows healing to begin.

Forgiveness Heals

Physical ailments are often linked to emotional states. Addressing emotional issues can lead to physical healing. For instance, unresolved anger might manifest as tension or illness.

Mind-Body Connection

This book principles emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions in achieving overall well-being.

"New York Times" Bestseller! As featured on "Oprah!" and" Donahue! "Over 16 Million copies sold worldwide, 3 Million in the USA! Louise L. Hay, best selling author, is an internationally known leader, her key message is: "If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed." The author has a great deal of experience and first hand information to share about healing, including how she cured herself after having been diagnosed as being terminally ill with cancer. By listening to this four CD set and doing the exercises and repeating the affirmations and beneficial thought patterns, YOU CAN CREATE THE LIFE YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED. "An excellent book for restructuring one's life and finding self-esteem and self love." -Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. Author of Love, Medicine Miracles

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

writing

Reading & Writing

books

Books

Louise L. Hay

You Can Heal Your Life

Imagine this: you're standing in front of a buffet with all your favorite dishes. You want to try everything, but your plate is small. What do you pick?This is life with limited time. Create a hierarchy of your interests, like I did, ranking what's most precious. For me, making videos topped the list, while violin found a smaller space. That clarity helped me prioritize.Tip: Take 10 minutes today to list your passions and rank them. What would top your list?

📝 The Power of Prioritization: How to Choose What Truly Matters

“It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.”(A sharp mind can conquer multiple domains; it’s all about how you wield it.)

Time management isn’t about working like a robot. Think of it as budgeting for your dreams.I started using Google Calendar and felt like a wizard conjuring free time.For example, I blocked mornings for video editing, but evenings remained open for hobbies like playing the violin.Story: One day, I scheduled just 20 minutes for writing, and guess what? That session birthed an idea for my most-watched video. Your turn—what’s your 20 minutes of magic?

⏰✨ Taming the Clock: Master Time Management Without Losing Joy

When I started college, I had to cook my meals—terrifying, right?But I turned a chore into a craft. Instead of rushing through it, I learned knife skills, explored spices, and now?My spaghetti is legendary!Lesson: Find joy in routine tasks and level them up. What could you transform? Your morning coffee? Your commute? Life’s little moments are opportunities to learn.

🍳 Cooking Up Skills: How to Grow Without Adding Time

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”(Dive into every interest. Examining multiple paths leads to a life worth living.)

Here’s a confession: I used to hop from interest to interest like a squirrel chasing shiny nuts.Soap-making, wood carving, ultra-realistic sketching—you name it, I wanted it. But after feeling constantly inadequate, I realized the trick: focus on what aligns with your core goals and save other dreams for later.My mantra? I can do it all—just not all at once. What shiny object is distracting you today?

🪞🐿️ Avoiding the Trap of Shiny Object Syndrome

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”(Adapting and thriving across multiple passions isn’t chaos; it’s brilliance.)

Picture this: you’re climbing a steep mountain.At first, it’s exciting, but soon your legs ache, and doubts creep in. That’s the valley of despair, where most people quit. I’ve been there with hobbies like writing and thumbnail design.But pushing through taught me this: every struggle is proof you’re growing. Example?When I first practiced violin, my neighbor’s dog howled. Today? They listen. What mountain are you climbing? Keep going!

🌟⚔️The Polymath's Path: Embracing Struggle and Success

“Do not be afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”(Pursue your passions unapologetically; greatness lies in embracing every path.)

Scrolling Instagram can feel like wandering into a museum of greatness. Soap-makers, musicians, artists—everyone seems a master.I’d look at my skills and feel like a potato. Then I reframed it: instead of envy, I let their success inspire me.My advice? Celebrate others' creativity and use it to fuel your journey. Next time you scroll, ask yourself: what’s one thing I can create today?

📱💔 How Social Media Jealousy Can Crush Your Creativity

“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”(Balance your choices; every interest you pursue defines your freedom.)

Think of Da Vinci—he painted, studied anatomy, and invented machines. Was he overwhelmed?Maybe, but he balanced exploration with focus. Today, I manage my love for writing, lifting weights, and making videos by assigning each a time slot.For instance, I lift weights during my midday break, turning physical activity into mental clarity.Try it: Mix passion with practicality—what's one skill you can fit into your current schedule?

🎨⚖️ Balancing Life Like a Renaissance Pro

Why settle for one path when you can conquer many? Embrace the chaos, own your ambition, and let the world chase you.

How can you deal with too many interests?
How can you juggle many hobbies at once? 

This was one of my worst struggles.
I'd jump from skill to skill, hobby to hobby, business plan to business plan.. all for little success in anything.
But over years of experimentation, I've settled at a fine balance.

You CAN pursue many interests AND make progress in each.

With some careful decisions, sacrifices and time-management techniques, it's possible for you to become a well-rounded person.
One who satisfied every aspect of their curiosity and achieves success in many faculties of life.

If you see the 'Renaissance Man' or 'Polymath' as an ideal worth labouring towards, then you'll benefit from this balance.

This video is everything I've learned in my own journey, for staying focused enough to progress all while branching out to build a diverse skill stack.

Enjoy!

--

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TIMESTAMPS
00:00-00:30 We Are Generalists
00:30-1:20 The Danger of Many Interests
1:20-2:45 My Testimony
2:45-4:13 Choosing What Matters
4:13-5:15 Time Management
5:15-7:20 Design Your Plan
7:20-8:35 Defer to the Future
8:35-10:28 Reframe, Don't Replace
10:28-12:30 Avoiding Creative Jealousy
12:30-14:25 Can You Push Through the Struggle?
14:25-14:29 What's Your Best Advice?

strategy

Strategy

problemsolving

Problem Solving

creativity

Creativity

videos

Videos

Journey to polymath - reading skills, book insights, learning techniques....Whatever interesting shows up!

Odysseas

How to Manage Multiple Interests

How to Manage Multiple Interests? 

Life’s ups and downs are part of the human experience. Accept that every day will bring new feelings, situations, and lessons.

Embrace the Change

Expecting every day to be perfect sets you up for disappointment. Instead, approach each day with an open mind and take it as it comes.

Let Go of Expectations

Emotions are fluid—one day you may feel on top of the world, and the next, a bit down. Understand that emotions are temporary, and it’s okay to feel differently from day to day.

Ride the Emotional Waves

When things go well, take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate it. Good days fuel you for when things get tough.

Appreciate the Good Days

Bad days don’t define you. Instead of overanalyzing or getting stuck in negativity, see them as temporary setbacks that will pass.

Don’t Dwell on Bad Days

Every feeling is valid. Be kind to yourself, whether you’re having a great day or struggling emotionally—both are part of the journey.

Practice Self-Compassion

Life’s unpredictability builds resilience. Learn to bounce back from tough days and keep moving forward with the understanding that tomorrow might be better.

Develop Resilience

Focus on the current moment rather than stressing over the past or worrying about the future. Each day brings a new opportunity to live fully.

Stay Present

Good or bad, every day teaches you something new. Use both positive and negative experiences as lessons for growth and self-awareness.

Learn from Each Experience

Trying to control every aspect of life is impossible and exhausting. Accept that some things are beyond your control and adapt as needed.

Don’t Seek Control Over Everything

Life would be dull if every day and every feeling were the same. Celebrate the variety of experiences that make life rich, dynamic, and full of meaning.

Celebrate Life’s Variety

"Not every day will be the best day, and not every feeling will be the same—but that’s what makes life so beautifully unpredictable."

How to Accept and Adapt to the Ever-Changing Nature of Life and Emotions

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

longevity

Longevity

Embracing Life’s Variability: Every Day and Every Feeling is Not the Same

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Letting go often feels like falling. It feels like surrendering control, and in a way, it is. But in that surrender, we discover freedom—the freedom to release the stories that have kept us tethered, the freedom to trust that life will continue even when we stop trying to manage it all. Letting go opens the door to stepping into a version of ourselves that feels more aligned, more whole, and ultimately freer.

The Power of Release

The stories we cling to shape how we see the world and ourselves. They provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, even when they no longer serve us. But sometimes, the act of letting go—of stepping beyond the narratives we’ve held onto—creates space for something new. It’s not about rejecting the past but about recognizing when a story has run its course and trusting that better things may lie ahead.

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Labels are convenient—they help us define and organize our world. But they can also limit us, boxing us into categories that don’t fully capture who we are. Philosopher Alan Watts reminds us that labels are merely symbols, not reality. Our essence—the truest version of ourselves—transcends any label. By letting go of rigid categories, we free ourselves to explore the depth of our individuality and shared humanity.

Labels Limit Us

Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth.

What if the pain of misalignment isn’t from choosing the “wrong” label but from relying on labels themselves? Labels offer structure, but they can’t capture the richness of our essence. By questioning the stories we’ve inherited and the beliefs we’ve built around labels, we can begin to see ourselves as something far greater—complex, limitless, and uniquely human.

Questioning Our Beliefs

We are both the character and the author of our story. As characters, we live the emotions, fears, and experiences of life. But as authors, we can step back and rewrite the narrative. This shift in perspective gives us the power to reshape the stories we’ve told ourselves, creating new opportunities to grow, heal, and embrace the future. Change isn’t easy, but it’s the starting point of transformation.

Becoming the Author of Your Story

Letting go doesn’t mean having all the answers. It begins with curiosity—the willingness to ask questions and challenge assumptions. What if the way we’ve always seen the world isn’t the only way? What if the path forward is something we haven’t yet imagined? By staying open, we create the space for clarity, freedom, and the new possibilities that only emerge when we embrace the unknown.

Curiosity Creates Space

Trust is the foundation of letting go—trust in ourselves, and in that which is greater than ourselves. It isn’t forced; it’s built over time through alignment, honoring our needs, and showing up for ourselves. It’s the willingness to believe that life will unfold as it should, even if we can’t see the whole picture. This trust brings freedom—the freedom to release control and live in alignment with the truest version of ourselves.

Freedom Through Trust

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.

Familiarity can feel safe, but clinging to it can limit our growth. Post-election, many feel the tension of shifting realities and resist change out of fear. But what if we embraced these shifts as opportunities to grow and evolve? Letting go of the past isn’t about forgetting—it’s about trusting that new beginnings can bring us closer to freedom, fulfillment, and a more aligned way of living.

Reframing Post-Election Realities

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how much of our collective energy seems tied up in fear—fear of change, fear of loss, fear of the unknown—and revisiting my understanding of what it means to truly let go. With the recent U.S. election results, emotions are running high, and it’s clear that many are struggling with the…

philosophy

Philosophy

The Power of Release: Embracing Change, Trusting Yourself, and Reframing Post-Election Realities

It's okay to overthink sometimes. It's a common reaction to fear and anxiety. Here are some key reasons why:
<ul>
 <li>Worrying about unknown outcomes is natural</li>
 <li>Thinking through decisions can lead to better choices</li>
</ul>

Overthinking is Normal

Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. Notice when you're overthinking and try to understand the underlying reasons

Self-Awareness

Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to calm your mind and reduce stress

Be aware of cognitive distortions like black-and-white thinking and overgeneralization. Challenge these negative thought patterns

Cognitive Distortions

Being kind to yourself and avoiding self-criticism is important. Don't let your thoughts bring you down.

Self-Compassion

Start visualizing yourself achieving your goals to stay motivated and reduce anxiety. Try these tips:
<ol>
 <li>Picture yourself reaching your goals, using emojis if needed.</li>
 <li>Break down big goals into smaller milestones and visualize each step.</li>
 <li>Include specific details in your visualization, such as visual, auditory, and tactile sensations.</li>
 <li>Use positive and empowering words in your thoughts and visualizations.</li>
 <li>Revisit your visualizations regularly to keep yourself motivated and focused.</li>
</ol>

Visualization for Goal Achievement

If you're struggling with overthinking, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
<ul>
 <li>Talk to friends and family. Sometimes just having someone to listen can help you feel better.</li>
 <li>Consider seeing a therapist. They can provide professional support and tools for managing overthinking.</li>
</ul>
Remember, it's okay to seek support when you need it. Take care of yourself. ❤️

Seek Support

Key Concept: Keep learning and growing through various methods.
Ideas to try:
<ul>
<li>Read books</li>
<li>Take courses</li>
<li>Attend workshops</li>
</ul>

Continuous Learning ❇️

Remember, overcoming overthinking is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress.

Calm your thoughts, navigate your stress, and understand your anxiety with this compact illustrated guide for overthinkers everywhere. Are you an overthinker? You're not alone! In a world full of deadlines, and technology, and constant stress, anxiety sometimes feels inevitable. But what if you learned to ride the wave of anxiety, instead of getting lost in it? Get Out of My Head is here to help, providing guidance and inspiration for anxious overthinkers of all sorts. This compact, illustrated book offers soothing techniques for understanding anxiety and moving through the traps of overthinking. Aimed at a modern audience looking for support and community, this beautifully illustrated guide offers a joyful, manageable way to deal with anxiety and quiet stressful thoughts through easy exercises, bite-sized takeaways, and calming visuals. Written by Meredith Arthur, founder of the popular mental health platform Beautiful Voyager, and illustrated by Leah Rosenberg, this charming alternative to technical mental health guides walks readers through the process of building awareness around anxiety, identifying triggers, moving through blocks, building healthy boundaries, and developing an arsenal of tools for thriving. With actionable tips throughout, and a special section on dealing with end-of-year anxieties, this striking volume also includes a small, saddle-stitched secondary book -- meant to act like a weighted blanket in book form for help on the go -- in a concealed internal pocket.

education

Learning & Education

Meredith Arthur

Get Out of My Head

For me confidence means when you believe in yourself in one moment and you don’t doubt about yourself. When you aren’t afraid of speaking in front of many people or of your own opinions.

What Is Confidence

A lot of surveys showed that crossed hands make us feel more anxious. It’s a natural reflex when we feel in a danger and we want to save the most vulnerable place on our body

1. Body Language

If you try to be confident maybe negative self-talk doesn’t help. Believe me, you’re as good as everyone else and negative thinking doesn’t make sense and doesn’t help.

2. Negative Self-talk

For me the most important thing was to realize that I’m as good as everybody else and I manage to do things I always thought it’s impossible.

3. Realize

The last thing that helped me is to don’t think about I don’t believe me. I just told myself to believe and try it.

4. Don’t Think About It

“Before you diagnose yourself with depression and low self-esteem, please make sure you are not surrounded by idiots.”

How to improve confidence 

“The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The author deep-dives into how nostalgia isn't just a vibe but a full-on cultural takeover. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">In a world dominated by throwbacks and reboots, the piece argues that our obsession with "the good old days" prevents us from living in the now—or imagining futures that are actually better.</li></ul>

"Memory Lane Is a Dead-End Street"

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Instead of just embracing history, society selectively filters it for aesthetic clout. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">From TikTok-core aesthetics to 90s-themed Insta filters, the past becomes a product. </li></ul> It’s not history—it’s a curated mood board.

"When the Past Hits Different"

“We don’t just remember the past; we remix it endlessly, turning it into content for clicks, likes, and views.”

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Social media’s infinite scroll favors recycled content over originality. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">The article claims that platforms push "digestible" nostalgia because it’s easy to consume. </li></ul> ﻿Think short poems or retro memes—designed to be double-tapped, not deeply felt.

"Blame It on the Algorithm"

This part gets deep: nostalgia isn’t harmless. It distracts us from dealing with today’s problems (climate, inequality, AI) and makes change feel impossible. A world that’s obsessed with its past is too scared to dream about what’s next.

"Cancelled Futures"

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Big brands milk nostalgia to sell everything—from throwback logos to Stranger Things-style branding. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">But it’s more than marketing; it’s about corporate control over how we remember.</li></ul>

"The Corporate Takeover of Sentiment"

Pop culture reflects this trend. Instead of revolutionary art, we get endless remakes, prequels, and reboots. The result? Original storytelling becomes rare, and our cultural imagination shrinks.

"The Revolution Won’t Be Televised—It’ll Be a Remake"

“Our future is not a remix of what has been—it’s a blank canvas begging for original strokes.”

Challenge yourself to ditch the nostalgia goggles. Instead, focus on creating memories worth revisiting later. It's not about erasing the past—it’s about not being trapped by it.<ul><li>Use Case: Commit to daily mindfulness practices to stay grounded. </li><li>For instance, instead of scrolling through “vintage” filters on social media, explore the unfiltered beauty of your environment.</li></ul> ﻿Practical Step: Spend 10 minutes a day journaling about today’s experiences without reference to the past.

"Break the Time Loop — Reclaiming the Present"

Reject Nostalgia, embrace the present; and the future too!

The historical novel isn’t cool. Popular? Yes. Enduring? Yes. A bit, well — for nerds? Also yes. Coolness lies in being at the right place at the right time…

Past Tense | Our Hang-Ups with nostalgia

Find 100+ Mindfulness Tips & Facts - Curated from inspiring sources like Books, Podcasts & Articles - Genuine Insights from like-minded Users like You!

Misdiagnosing Growth: The Danger of Labeling Spiritual Awakening as Depression

You Can Heal Your Life

How to Manage Multiple Interests?

Embracing Life’s Variability: Every Day and Every Feeling is Not the Same

The Power of Release: Embracing Change, Trusting Yourself, and Reframing Post-Election Realities

Get Out of My Head

How to improve confidence

Past Tense | Our Hang-Ups with nostalgia

ADHD and Anger: Why You Struggle To Control It?

Understanding Healthy Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace and Well-Being

It's time to
Read like a Pro.

Misdiagnosing Growth: The Danger of Labeling Spiritual Awakening as Depression

You Can Heal Your Life

How to Manage Multiple Interests?

Embracing Life’s Variability: Every Day and Every Feeling is Not the Same

The Power of Release: Embracing Change, Trusting Yourself, and Reframing Post-Election Realities

Get Out of My Head

How to improve confidence

Past Tense | Our Hang-Ups with nostalgia

ADHD and Anger: Why You Struggle To Control It?

Understanding Healthy Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace and Well-Being

It's time to Read like a Pro.

It's time to
Read like a Pro.