The Simplicity of Awakening

An awakening experience is anything that helps us see the world and ourselves in a truer way.

Recently I made a list of the awakening experiences I've had throughout my life. I expected it to be short. After all, big changes and significant realizations don't happen every day. I started with the major turning points in my life, the times when something big or small completely redirected my course. Then I started writing about the people in my life, the adversity I've faced, the beautiful moments I've experienced, and as my list grew it led to another realization: LIFE is an awakening experience. Everything I've ever done or felt or gone through is perfectly designed to help me see myself and the world in a truer way. Everything.

There are times when I've felt lost and off track in life. Usually it's when I get caught up playing a role, trying to meet the expectations of others and failing to pursue my own personal mission. When I'm in this state, my burdens feel heavy and joy and laughter are noticeably absent. Life feels like an endless grind, a quiet and pointless march to my grave.

Then something happens to wake me up. It could be something good, like getting a new job or finishing college. It could also be something bad, like health or relationship issues. Both the good and the bad in life can wake me up to reality and remind me who I really am.