When I first started out on my path, I ended up in psychosis with some real challenges interpreting, understanding and holding the energy and messages I was receiving.
This is very common and impacts almost all people on their journey at some point but I thought it would be useful to have a post that showed the differences between awakening and psychosis as the two things create quite different feelings and behaviours.
If you are experiencing feelings related more to psychosis, do not panic, this is all about the journey and how you learn to hold a very powerful energy while making sure your ego and own social conditioning and judgements aren't influencing your interpretations of what you are experiencing.
I personally thought at one point that I was the next coming as a female jesus, that I was some sort of chosen one, here to spread the word. In some ways, this is kind of true, however, in reality, there are many, many 'chosen ones' and the plan is more about working together and keeping ego, pride and control out of the mix so we can achieve the highest possible outcomes.
If you feel you are struggling with this you can of course post here but we are not qualified professionals and I would advise seeking support from qualified spiritual counsellors and psychologists who have experience in dealing with emerging spirituality.
I would likely not recommend becoming too caught up in anyone one religious or spiritual school of thought or practice, thought of course take from these what is helpful for you.
The difference between spiritual psychosis and a true spiritual awakening lies mainly in the level of grounding, integration, and psychological well-being of the individual experiencing it. This is why we reccomend meditation, yoga and grounding practices so frequently and as the cornerstone of the work we so here.
While both may involve profound shifts in perception, the key distinctions include:
1. Grounding vs. Disorientation
Spiritual Awakening: Involves a deep sense of inner peace, clarity, and connection to a higher reality. The person remains functional and grounded, even if their worldview is shifting. You know when you are in this state as fear, guilt and uncertainty are not present as the energies aren't compatible.
Spiritual Psychosis: Often comes with confusion, paranoia, disconnection from reality, and difficulty functioning in daily life. The person may struggle to integrate their experiences. You may find yourself hearing messages that generate guilt and fear and you can dispel these states even just by giving yourself a clear space mentally by meditating, walking in nature etc
2. Ego Dissolution vs. Ego Fragmentation
Spiritual Awakening: The ego dissolves in a healthy way, leading to a sense of unity, compassion, and surrender to life's flow.
Spiritual Psychosis: The ego can fragment chaotically, leading to identity confusion, delusions of grandeur, or feeling lost in multiple realities. This is where I ended up thinking I was 'the one' as I wanted to feel powerful and special because I had low self esteem and a lot of fear and shame in my body. I'm now happy and comforted to know that there are many of us, as we have community together. I don't need to feel special, or the best.
3. Integration vs. Overwhelm
Spiritual Awakening: The insights gained are gradually integrated into life, leading to positive transformation, wisdom, and balance.
Spiritual Psychosis: The experiences are overwhelming, making it difficult to distinguish between personal insights and intrusive thoughts or hallucinations. I took a lot of very powerful drugs over a very extended period of time with no guidance the first time I entered into these realms and this is why my ego was still so out of control.
4. Love & Expansion vs. Fear & Isolation
Spiritual Awakening: Leads to a sense of love, connection, and a deeper understanding of life.
Spiritual Psychosis: Can involve intense fear, paranoia, and feelings of persecution or existential dread. This can feel like negative energies are influencing you but remember always that they have no power over you and all you have to do is turn your attention to a neutral state.
Always bear in mind that even very positive feelings can also be part of delusional thinking when they are run through an ego state (like thinking you are going to be some sort of world leader or special figure to be looked up to). This is very different from unconditional love for yourself and others which feels much purer and cleaner.
5. Stability vs. Dysfunction
Spiritual Awakening: Enhances overall well-being and often improves relationships, creativity, and purpose.
Spiritual Psychosis: Can cause significant distress, making it hard to work, communicate, or maintain healthy relationships.
You may find yourself arguing with family and friends and feeling that it is your mission to convert them. It is not, regardless of how important it might seem to you.
Many have different paths and while you can respectfully open opportunities for discussions, you cannot and should not force your views on others. You are better to withdraw when you experience significant resistance from people for your own mental health if nothing else.
Key Takeaway
A true spiritual awakening brings clarity, peace, and positive transformation, while spiritual psychosis involves confusion, distress, and dysfunction. However, in some cases, a spiritual emergency—a temporary, intense awakening—may feel overwhelming but can be navigated with proper support and grounding techniques.
Again, I'm not an expert, other than an expert by experience and you should always seek support from people who are qualified and experienced in dealing with this subject.
'Qualified' doesn't necessarily mean went to university btw, there are many practitioners out there who can help but always be very careful and discerning around the messages and energy they are putting out as a lot of 'gurus' are exactly the sort of people I'm talking about in this post whose egos are in control under the guise of being spiritually awakened.
Take care and be well 🩷
It may be somewhat unrelated to the original topic, but I cannot deny that one of the motivations behind my spiritual practice is the desire to become a special being. While becoming such a being is indeed something to be celebrated, I sometimes observe a part of myself that compares me to others. We must be cautious of the immature desire to be 'more' special or spiritually 'superior' compared to others.
I believe that true, mature love lies in understanding and embracing even those who do not understand our beliefs and may even attack us. There was a time when I, too, did not know these things. They are who we once were, and we are who they may become in the future.
This perspective has made my journey toward enlightenment more enjoyable and wholesome. If you ever find yourself resenting others, just forgive them and let it go.
Absolutely excellent post.