by Matthew Koren | Jun 16, 2023 | Community Conversations
In our collective journey towards spiritual awakening, we encounter challenges that test our resolve and push us to evolve. Presently, there are three remarkable issues that stand out, demanding our attention and introspection. Let us explore these unprecedented challenges that are shaping our spiritual paths in profound and unexpected ways.
Information Overload
The digital age has ushered in an era of unprecedented access to information. While this offers tremendous opportunities for growth, it also presents a challenge to our spiritual awakening. The sheer volume of information, conflicting beliefs, and diverse perspectives can overwhelm and confuse us. Discerning what resonates with our authentic selves becomes crucial. Finding a balance between seeking knowledge and integrating it with our inner wisdom is essential in navigating this information overload.
Disconnection from Nature
In our fast-paced modern lives, we often find ourselves disconnected from the natural world. The constant distractions and urban environments can create a sense of separation from the Earth’s rhythms and the profound wisdom nature offers. This disconnection can hinder our spiritual growth. Reconnecting with nature, even in small ways, can be transformative. Embracing nature’s beauty, spending time in green spaces, and fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life can help rekindle our spiritual connection.
The Ego Trap
We embark on the path of spiritual awakening, our ego can pose a formidable challenge. The ego seeks validation, control, and superiority. It can lure us into a trap of judgment, comparison, and attachment to outcomes. Overcoming the ego’s grip requires deep self-awareness and a commitment to humility and compassion. Recognizing the ego’s influence and embracing a mindset of surrender and non-attachment can liberate us from its limitations, allowing our true essence to shine forth.
Seeking A Path Forward…
As we navigate the complexities of our spiritual awakening, it is essential that we find our true path. The most powerful step you can take in your journey involves seeking, finding, and choosing a spiritual path that resonates with your deepest expression and highest purpose.
While it’s important to acknowledge and address the challenges that arise along the way, we cannot let ourselves get distracted from the most important elements of our spiritual awakening: what we feed our soul.
Embracing discernment amidst the influx of information, reconnecting with nature, and transcending the ego’s influence are pivotal steps towards personal and collective growth. Couple that with a path of ‘Know Thyself’ that has the ability to take you into the fullest expression of your God-self and you will find a never-ending source of growth and inspiration.
By cultivating self-awareness through a mystery or wisdom tradition, finding solace in nature’s embrace, and nurturing a mindset of humility, we can navigate these crazy issues and emerge stronger on our spiritual journeys.
Let us embrace these challenges as opportunities for profound transformation, trusting that the path to awakening is as unique as the individuals traversing it.
Matthew is a certified Guide for Conscious Leaders, and is inspired by the potential of connecting the measurable and immeasurable, Science and Spirit, to bridge the worlds of scientific theory with the magick of real-world experience. He is driven by a need to understand why we exist and our place in the multi-universe. Matthew’s approach assimilates the latest research in consciousness studies, psychology, business, organizational development, mindfulness and meditation, resonance and quantum field theory to support his clients. Matthew now serves as a consultant and guide for his clients at Spirit in Transition. His affiliations include: Certified Guide and Ritual Master by the Modern Mystery School, Member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, & Conscious Capitalism International. Matthew Koren lives in New York and Florida with his partner, and travels nationally and internationally to coach, consult and teach. Matthew invites you to introduce yourself by contacting him for a virtual meet-and-greet by clicking the following link:
https://templemedicine.as.me/online-consult
by Matthew Koren | Jun 14, 2023 | Community Conversations
Embarking on a spiritual awakening is a profound and transformative journey that unfolds uniquely for each individual. Let us explore seven signs that indicate we are undergoing a powerful spiritual awakening, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe.
1. Heightened Awareness
During a spiritual awakening, our awareness expands beyond the boundaries of the physical world. We may experience increased sensitivity to energies, intuitive insights, and a heightened perception of synchronicities. This newfound awareness allows us to glimpse the interconnected nature of existence and perceive the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.
2. Dissolution of Egoic
PatternsAs we awaken spiritually, we become aware of the limitations imposed by our ego. We recognize patterns of fear, attachment, and judgment that no longer serve our higher purpose. By observing these patterns without identification, we start to transcend the ego, allowing our authentic self to emerge.3.
3. Inner Transformation
Spiritual awakening is accompanied by a profound inner transformation. We may experience a deep sense of inner peace, forgiveness, and compassion. Old wounds and traumas may surface for healing, leading to profound personal growth and liberation from emotional baggage.
4. Alignment with Authentic Purpose
During spiritual awakening, we begin to align our lives with our authentic purpose. We feel a deep calling to live in accordance with our true values and passions. We may discover new avenues of self-expression, creative endeavors, or a desire to be of service to others.
5. Expansion of Consciousness
The process of spiritual awakening expands our consciousness, transcending the limits of our previous beliefs and perceptions. We start to question the nature of reality, exploring new paradigms and seeking deeper understanding. This expanded consciousness opens the doors to higher states of awareness and spiritual insights.
6. Deepened Connection with Spirituality
During spiritual awakening, our connection to spirituality deepens. We may feel a stronger bond with the divine, the universe, or a higher power. Our spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, or energy work, become more profound, helping us access deeper states of inner peace and connection.
7. Embracing Unity Consciousness
A significant sign of spiritual awakening is the experience of unity consciousness. We recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the inherent oneness of existence. This profound realization fosters love, compassion, and a sense of collective responsibility, leading us to act for the highest good of all.
As we journey on the path of spiritual awakening, these seven signs provide guideposts along the way, illuminating our progress and reminding us of the profound transformations taking place within us. As Ips. Theresa Bullard might say, “Let us embrace these signs with openness, curiosity, and a deep willingness to surrender to the transformative journey of spiritual awakening.”
May these signs serve as beacons of light, guiding us towards greater self-discovery, expanded consciousness, and a more meaningful connection to the divine tapestry of existence.
by user_dd | Sep 17, 2021 | Transitory Thoughts
This time of year is all about balance. We’re invited now to notice where we are in balance and where we’re off kilter. Once we become more aware of how we are in this Autumnal threshold, we can then restore our balance accordingly, in order to move into the colder months with stability, steady feet, a happy heart and a nourished body.
In the Northern hemisphere, Mabon corresponds to the Sun’s alignment with the equator, which results in an equal duration of daytime and nighttime. Light and dark are balanced.
Traditionally speaking, this was a time where all the hard work of the summer months became readily available for survey; we could take stock of all our progress (back in the day this looked like a successful crop, well-fed animals, and the security of knowing you and your family have enough food for the winter months to come).
Celebrating Mabon & Inviting Balance
Let’s have a look at modern applications of this ancient tradition, which has been celebrated in many different ways by cultures from all around the world, including Chinese, Northern America, Greek and Bavarian.
The common denominator within all the different iterations of this holiday has to do with a celebration of rest after a bountiful harvest. Oftentimes the summer months translate to a lot of fruiting; we get involved with many projects, new and old relationships build and develop, and our creative fires are stoked by the long summer days.
The seasonal shift that Mabon represents, occurring at the Autumnal Equinox, is presenting an opportunity to tie up any loose ends, clear up any clutter that has accumulated over the last few months, and prepare for the winter months ahead, so that they can be peaceful, restful and energetically clean.
This inflection point in the seasons is a ripe invitation for ritual and celebration; here are common and accessible ways to honor this festival:
→ Apple harvesting (or supporting your local farmer by stopping by a farmer’s market for some apples) and including them on your altar (honoring the balance and harmony that the apple represents as a symbol; the ancient Biblical and modern technological implications of this fruit cannot be ignored!)
→ Creating a culinary treat for a celebratory feast with friends
→ Dedicate an afternoon to cleaning your external world; perhaps this is a portion of your living space, or your car if you drive one. Call on the practice of cleaning the outside to correspond with a cleaning on the inside.
Whatever way you’re called to honor the shift of seasons, be sure to celebrate the balance between light and the dark; honoring this balance will help to restore harmony in your life and, in turn, the lives of those you relate with.
