Exploring Spiritual Awakening: Insights from the "Endless Possibilities Podcast"

In a recent episode of the "Endless Possibilities Podcast," host Gareth engages in a profound conversation with special guest Viivi Jokela about her spiritual awakening journey. The discussion delves into various themes, including non-duality, kundalini awakening, and the challenges that accompany such transformative experiences. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice from the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers interested in spiritual growth and consciousness.

Early Feelings of Alienation and Existential Angst

Viivi's Early Life and Sense of Alienation

Viivi begins by reflecting on her early feelings of alienation and discomfort that emerged during her childhood. She describes a sense of being an outsider, which led her to seek validation from others. This marked the beginning of her journey into separation and existential longing.

Actionable Advice:

• Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on your early life experiences and identify moments when you felt disconnected or alienated. Understanding these moments can provide insights into your current spiritual journey.

• Seek Validation Within: Instead of seeking validation from external sources, focus on self-acceptance and self-love. Practices such as journaling and meditation can help cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-worth.

The Primal Impulse and Existential Will

]The Deep Yearning for Something Beyond

Viivi articulates her longing as a "primal impulse" or "existential will," a deep yearning for something beyond the ordinary experience of life. Initially, this longing manifested as a search for fulfillment through external achievements and experiences.

Actionable Advice:

• Identify Your Longing: Recognize and articulate your own existential longing. What are you seeking beyond the ordinary experiences of life? This awareness can guide your spiritual exploration.

• Shift Focus Inward: Instead of seeking fulfillment through external achievements, turn your focus inward. Practices such as mindfulness and meditation can help you connect with your inner self and uncover deeper truths.

Introduction to Spirituality and the Catalyst for Change

Discovering Spirituality at a Young Age

At the age of 19, during a tumultuous period marked by personal tragedy and existential angst, Viivi discovered a book that introduced her to concepts of enlightenment and self-realization. This moment served as a catalyst for her spiritual journey.

Actionable Advice:

• Explore Spiritual Literature: Reading books on spirituality and self-realization can provide valuable insights and serve as a catalyst for your own spiritual journey. Consider starting with foundational texts such as "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle or "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda.

• Embrace Catalysts for Change: Recognize that challenging life events can serve as catalysts for spiritual growth. Embrace these moments as opportunities for transformation and deeper understanding.

Kundalini Awakening and Unity Consciousness

The Profound Experience of Kundalini Awakening

During a retreat in Hawaii, Viivi experienced a significant kundalini awakening, characterized by a powerful flow of energy through her central channel. This experience brought her a profound sense of relief and a glimpse of unity consciousness, where the sense of separation dissolved.

Actionable Advice:

• Explore Energy Practices: Practices such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation can help awaken and balance your kundalini energy. Consider seeking guidance from experienced teachers or attending retreats focused on energy healing.

• Embrace Unity Consciousness: Unity consciousness involves recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Cultivate this awareness through practices such as loving-kindness meditation and mindful living.

The Dark Night of the Soul

Confronting Core Issues and Egoic Wounding

The aftermath of Viivi's awakening initiated a rollercoaster of experiences, including intense states of depression and existential despair. This period, known as the dark night of the soul, forced her to confront core issues of egoic wounding and identification.

Actionable Advice:

• Seek Support: The dark night of the soul can be a challenging period. Seek support from therapists, spiritual mentors, or support groups to navigate this phase with compassion and understanding.

• Engage in Shadow Work: Shadow work involves exploring and integrating the hidden aspects of yourself. Practices such as journaling, therapy, and guided meditations can help you uncover and heal unresolved traumas and conditioning.

The Role of Kundalini Energy

The Quieting and Awakening of Kundalini Energy

During her dark night, the kundalini energy in Viivi's system became quiet and still. However, she later experienced a powerful kundalini awakening that brought her from a state of terror and panic to a profound sense of peace and nothingness.

Actionable Advice:

• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to the sensations and energy flow in your body. Practices such as body scanning and mindful movement can help you connect with your body's wisdom and energy.

• Embrace the Process: Understand that the awakening and quieting of kundalini energy are natural parts of the spiritual journey. Trust the process and allow yourself to flow with the changes.

Integration and Re-Entry into Human Experience

Returning to a Sense of Normalcy

Viivi describes her journey of returning to a sense of normalcy after experiencing the vastness of brahman. This re-entry does not diminish the depth of her experiences but rather integrates them into her everyday life.

Actionable Advice:

• Practice Grounding: Grounding practices such as walking in nature, mindful breathing, and connecting with the earth can help you integrate spiritual experiences into your daily life.

• Embrace the Present Moment: Cultivate a sense of presence and mindfulness in your everyday activities. This can help you stay connected to your spiritual insights while navigating the practical aspects of life.

The Ongoing Nature of Spiritual Growth

Embracing Continuous Evolution

Vivi and Gareth reflect on the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Even after reaching significant milestones, there remains an opportunity for further evolution and understanding.

Actionable Advice:

• Stay Open to Growth: Recognize that spiritual growth is a continuous journey. Stay open to new experiences, insights, and practices that can deepen your understanding and connection.

• Cultivate a Beginner's Mind: Approach your spiritual journey with curiosity and openness, as if you are a beginner. This mindset can help you remain receptive to new teachings and experiences.

Conclusion

In summary, this episode of the "Endless Possibilities Podcast" offers a rich exploration of spiritual awakening, consciousness, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Through Viivi's personal experiences and insights, listeners are invited to reflect on their own journeys and the interconnectedness of all beings in the quest for understanding and enlightenment.

By breaking down the key themes and actionable advice from the episode, this blog post aims to provide valuable guidance for those on their own spiritual paths. Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been exploring spirituality for years, the insights shared by Vivi and Garrett offer a profound invitation to delve deeper into the endless possibilities of spiritual awakening.