An existential crisis can be just the spark you need to evolve spiritually.
But how? How do you direct existentialism into spiritual growth?
Here’s the essential knowledge to win this fight and come out on top.
How Existentialism and Spirituality Overlap
Maybe you’re depressed, struggling to make sense of it all, just like so many of us.
Perhaps you’re finding it challenging to muster inspiration and stay focused.
Everyone goes through these things – but what’s spiritual about it?
“Trust those that seek the truth, doubt those that have found it.” – André Gide
Questioning life and looking for meaning is the bread and butter of spirituality. It means you’re curious about the world around you. And that curiosity makes all the difference.
Just because you don’t have the answers doesn’t mean they’re not out there.
We understand many people go through this, so we’ve decided to help.
Here’s how to channel an existential crisis into spiritual growth.
1 • Practice and Develop Mindfulness
Practice is the keyword here. No one gets it right the first time.
And it’s always easy to give up before you even get started.
But why is mindfulness essential during a period of self-examination?
Mindfulness helps you recognize your inner space and tend to the gardens within.
It’s about finding your inner peace and letting go of everything else. Mind you, you’re not letting go forever. It’s temporary. But that renewed focus can give you the edge you need.
Mindfulness helps you tackle everyday challenges with a sharp and keen mind.
When your mind is clear and centered, your thoughts stabilize.
So, whenever you can, take stock of your senses. Tune in to your surroundings. Listen to your heartbeat. These things can help you perceive the world from a different perspective.
2 • Take Responsibility for Your Life
An existential crisis often makes us feel vulnerable and powerless.
So, you forego control. You let entropy win.
You grow distant from your passions and let things unfold without your say.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to let go. But that’s not always the case. So, you’ve got to recognize what you can and can’t control – what lies within your sphere of influence.
Our advice to you: take control of your life.
And it doesn’t need to be drastic. It’s all about the little victories.
The first step to conquering a kingdom is getting up early and making your bed.
But things won’t change overnight, bringing us to our next piece of advice.
3 • It’s All About Patience
Patience makes or breaks any effort.
Do you want things to change, to get better? They won’t, not without patience.
And an existential crisis will try its best to limit your perspective.
In other words, it will compel you to think short-term. You may give up on your dreams just because you can’t achieve them now. That’s never the right way to go about things.
Overcome this hurdle and you’ll reignite your spiritual core.
Embrace patience and let it become your stalwart companion in life.
With renewed patience, you’ll claw your way out of this mess and emerge triumphant – an improved version of yourself. More aware of what it takes and how to win every fight.
4 • The Future Is Never Certain
You can try to predict it, but the future’s always uncertain.
No one knows what tomorrow brings. Kind of scary, right? No, not really.
It’s the uncertainty that makes the journey exciting. It’s what makes life beautiful.
Imagine having all the answers and how soulless that would feel.
Existentialism bears down on us with frightening intensity. Like the devil, it convinces us that we should fear the unknown. But it’s the unknown that should motivate us instead.
The answers lie in the unknown – and why it’s worth embracing it.
Tomorrow might be the best day of your life. Or maybe the worst. But what you do now (in this very moment) shapes your destiny and helps you realize your true potential.
So, let go of the past and don’t stress the future.
Root yourself in the present moment and let it stabilize your energies.
5 • Existentialism – Or Spiritual Awakening?
It sounds all-important, yet strangely vague when you first hear about it.
What even is spiritual awakening? It’s not just some New Age mumbo-jumbo.
Usually, it’s a period of significant, life-altering change and transformation.
And when changes happen, peace and harmony are caught in the line of fire.
For many, spiritual awakening initiates an existential crisis.
Doubt, uncertainty, and confusion slowly but surely pave the way to clarity. But riding the waves and weathering the storm is essential to transforming to a higher state of awareness.
It’s never easy, but it’s always worthwhile.
It takes incredible strength and fortitude to withstand it, though.
So, you’ve got to remind yourself that this fight is worth fighting.
You’ll rise to a greater perspective and understanding when the sky clears.
Wrapping Up
Here’s everything covered so far, summarized:
- Mindfulness can and will make a difference.
- Take responsibility for your life, your choices.
- Be patient. Everything takes time.
- Embrace life’s uncertainty. Be bold.
- Existentialism is often a spiritual awakening in disguise.
Don’t let the waves drag you under. Incorporate these tips into your life.
Let them not only keep you above the surface but help you soar.
Sources:
Painting and writing – these are two passions that I have been perfecting for a decade.