Stage 1 of Awakening: Finding Yourself When Feeling Lost

Feeling lost is something we all experience at times. Staring at the ceiling at midnight, asking questions like, “Why does everything feel so empty?” or “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?” If these thoughts sound familiar, take a deep breath. Just so you know: You’re not alone.

Feeling lost is part of the human experience. It’s a universal call to reflect, to pause, and to rediscover purpose. But what if I told you these thoughts are actually the first step in something much deeper and more profound? Spiritual growth often begins in these moments of uncertainty. This stage is often referred to as the “Dark Night of the Soul,” the first stage of awakening.

This blog post is here to help you navigate those times when you’re feeling lost and show you how to turn that unease into clarity. I’ll share practical tools for self-discovery and healing that I wish I had them when I start my awakening journey. My goal is to help you move forward with kindness toward yourself and your unique path.

What Does It Mean to Feel Lost?

Feeling lost is more than just emptiness or sadness. It’s an emotional state where the life you once knew feels distant, and you’re unsure of who you are or where you’re headed. Often, this feeling of disconnection comes with thoughts like:

• “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
• “Life feels shallow or meaningless now.”
• “I don’t even know what I want.”

These feelings can manifest differently from person to person. Perhaps you feel fatigued, emotionally drained, or overwhelmed by self-doubt. Maybe loved ones don’t quite understand, asking things like, “Are you depressed?” or “What’s wrong with you lately?”

This disconnection might seem scary, but it’s also a sign that your soul is ready to grow. Feeling lost may be unsettling, but it represents a unique opportunity for profound change.

Disclosure Affiliate Links: Transparency is a beautiful thing. In our continuous endeavor to provide you with authentic and valuable content, we want to share a gentle reminder that some of our blog posts contain affiliate links. These links help support our work and allow us to keep sharing helpful resources. I only recommend products or services that I tried on my own skin and helped me in my healing journey. These recommendations comes from a place of love and genuine intention, aiming to guide you further along your path of self-discovery and healing. A portion from the commission I receive through the affiliate links is donated every quarter. It’s a win for all parties involved. Thank you for your support and helping us to empower others!

The First Stage of Awakening – The Dark Night of the Soul

The term “Dark Night of the Soul” stems from spiritual traditions to describe the deep emotional and spiritual turmoil often faced during awakening. It’s a transitional phase where old identities and beliefs dissolve, revealing space for self-expansion.

During this stage, intense emotions such as fear, doubt, or loneliness may surface. You might feel disconnected from your surroundings, unsure of your relationships, purpose, or even core beliefs. These emotions, though heavy, are essential for transformation. They clear the way for new perspectives, deeper self-awareness, and spiritual awakening.

How do you move through the darkness? Start by being gentle with yourself. Healing begins with self-compassion. Instead of seeing these emotions as something to resist or suppress, allow them to surface and flow. Remember, these feelings are not a step back; they’re a natural part of the process.

Best Tools for Self-Discovery and Emotional Healing

Although the Dark Night of the Soul can feel overwhelming, you don’t have to go through it alone or without guidance (as I did). Here are some handy tools to help you understand your emotions as you navigate your awakening journey.

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness anchors you in the present moment, helping you find peace amidst turbulence.

• Start small with 5-minute breathing meditations. Sit somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and focus on your inhale and exhale.
• For heart-centered healing, repeat this affirmation during meditation: “I am present in this moment, open to clarity and healing.”
• If you’re just starting out, guided meditations can be a great way to get some extra support.

2. The Benefits of Journaling for Mental Clarity and Focus

I love writing, and putting my thoughts and emotions on paper has become such a great way to dig deeper and uncover the root cause.

• Write freely or use prompts such as “What do I fear most right now?” or “What brings me joy?”
• Revisit and reread entries over time; they often reveal patterns and insights you hadn’t noticed.
• Don’t journal to reach perfection. Use it as a private mirror into your inner world, where self-expression holds no limits.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity during this phase.

• Intentionally carve out periods of stillness to allow your spirit to recharge; your body just needs a little time to catch up.
• Sleep, meditate, lie in your favorite spot, or simply spend time unplugged from technology.
• Know that sometimes, the answers we seek come in gentle whispers during moments of quiet.

4. Engage in Introspection

True self-discovery requires a commitment to looking inward. Reflect on what fulfills you, scares you, or excites you.

• Ask yourself questions like, “What truly matters to me?” or “What would I pursue if fear weren’t holding me back?”
• Look back at past decisions, recognizing how they shaped your present.

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

When you feel lost, taking action—even small steps—is vital to regaining momentum.

• Start with easy, nurturing goals, like meditating for 5 minutes a day or listing three things you’re grateful for every evening.
• Celebrate small wins. Every step forward matters, no matter how tiny it may seem. Keep in mind this is lifetime journey, not a race.

6. Reconnect with Nature

Nature is a healer. It has a grounding energy that soothes the soul while reminding us we’re part of something much larger.

• Walk barefoot in the grass to ground yourself. Feel the cool earth beneath you.
• Sit near water, whether it’s a river, a lake, or the ocean. The sound of waves has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Pause to notice small details, like the rustling leaves or birds in the distance, bringing yourself back to the simplicity of the present moment.

7. Protect Your Energy Field

Your energy is sacred, and taking steps to protect it is an act of self-love and healing.

• Surround yourself with environments and people that nourish your soul; listen to how your spirit feels in their presence.
• Visualize a protective light or shield around you — whether it’s a golden glow, a shimmering bubble, or whatever resonates most with you. This mental image serves as a gentle reminder that you have the power to preserve your energy.
• Release what no longer serves you, letting go of negativity and cultivating an inner sanctuary of peace and harmony.

Protecting your energy allows your light to shine brightly without being dimmed by outside forces. You are worthy of this care.

8. Align with Your Tribe

“There’s this feeling nobody will understand me”—but the truth is, many people are walking similar journeys. You are never alone.

• Seek out spiritual communities online, like empath or awakening forums, to connect with supportive, like-minded individuals.
• Share your thoughts with trusted friends or family members who offer nonjudgmental listening. Consider speaking with spiritual mentors or therapists experienced in awakenings.

How These Tools Transform You

The tools above are here to help you move from feeling lost to feeling empowered. They provide a map—not shortcuts—for the challenging but rewarding process of self-discovery. Each small, intentional action you take builds your insight and resilience, drawing you closer to clarity and peace.

By committing to this healing process, you’ll transition into life with a better understanding of who you are, what you value, and how you want to show up for yourself and others. Through self-compassion, you’ll discover there’s light already within you—even in the darker moments.

Awakening Begins With Trust in Yourself

Feeling lost isn’t the end of the road; it’s the beginning of awakening. By leaning into the discomfort, you’re stepping into transformation. Remember, every small decision to heal, explore, and rest is a declaration of courage and self-love.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed, pause and tenderly remind yourself, “I am finding my way, one step at a time.” Whether it’s starting with 5 minutes of meditation or journaling a single thought, what matters most is showing up for yourself.

Your spiritual awakening is a beautiful, personal process. Trust your unique path, and know that you’re exactly where you need to be.

Ask Your Soul

What would it feel like to fully surrender to the idea that I am already enough, exactly as I am in this moment?

Meet Your Alchemist Soul Family No Better Time Than Today & Now

Heal Your Blocks with the Golden Age Alchemy Academy™

When you take the brave step toward self-healing, you open the door to profound rewards. The freedom to live authentically. The courage to love yourself fiercely, flaws and all. The clarity to reconnect with your inner purpose and most radiant self.

At the Golden Age Alchemy Academy™, we guide you to reconnect with the most vulnerable parts of yourself, offering tools to transform self-doubt into self-love, judgments into forgiveness, and old wounds into powerful sources of strength.

Healing your blocks opens the door to profound emotional growth aligning you with your highest timeline:

• Release emotional blocks that have weighed you down for years.
• Reframe past pain with compassion and allow it to serve your growth.
• Rediscover joy, self-worth, and unshakable confidence in who you are.
• Reconnect with your spiritual essence, bringing balance and harmony into your life.

Under the gentle and loving guidance of Sol Tara—a trusted mentor with deep knowledge of Ancient Egyptian energy wisdom—you will learn to tenderly heal wounds and awaken to your highest potential. Through sacred practices, mindset shifts, and deep self-reflection, you’ll begin the beautiful process of restoring your emotional and spiritual balance.

You don’t have to do this alone. Together, we’ll guide you toward wholeness, helping you awaken the vibrant, empowered version of yourself that’s been waiting all along.

Why Join the Alchemy Academy?

When you step into the Alchemy Academy, you’re making a powerful commitment to your growth, healing, and alignment. Here’s what awaits you:

• Master Your Thoughts & Emotions: Achieve harmony and balance by understanding and lovingly guiding your thoughts and emotions. Discover the strength to create the life you truly desire.
• Heal Past Trauma: Release the emotional and physical traumas stored within your body using compassionate, proven techniques that nurture your Soul.
• Reclaim Your Energy & Power: Transform emotional exhaustion into vibrant, focused strength and get your power back.
• Unshakable Confidence: Release self-doubt and align with your Soul purpose trusting your intuition.
• Develop Psychic Abilities Safely: Unfold your intuitive gifts with care, intention, and expert guidance, ensuring your growth feels safe and grounded.
• Manifest Financial Abundance: Shift your mindset and energy to attract the prosperity and opportunities you deserve.
• A Like-Minded, Supportive Community: Surround yourself with a loving group of spiritual individuals who share your passion for growth and awakening. You’ll feel seen, valued, and genuinely supported.
• Exclusive Membership Support: You’re never alone on this path. An Academy mentor will be by your side, offering compassionate guidance whenever you need it.

My Personal Experience

5 Transformations – Experienced by Healing My Inner Blocks:

1. Discovering Self-Worth and Confidence: As I worked through my blocks, those feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt started to fade away. I discovered a deeper sense of self-worth and confidence, which made it so much easier and more natural to achieve my goals, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy life’s joyful moments.

2. Effortless Manifestation of My Desires: Releasing fear and stepping into alignment allowed me to create a flow in my life. Obstacles I once struggled were dissolved, making room for peace and abundance without constant struggle.

3. Releasing Old Patterns and Rewriting My Story: The Academy’s tools and support helped me shed limiting beliefs and cycles that no longer served me. I learned how to meet life with purpose and grace instead of perpetuating past fears.

4. Creating a Future Aligned with My Soul’s Purpose: Through this healing, I began shaping a life that resonates with my Soul/Higher Self, stepping into my highest timeline with clarity, abundance, and freedom from past pain.

5. Nurturing Support and Community: Under the heartfelt guidance of Sol Tara and the beautiful collective of the Golden Age Alchemy Academy™, I felt truly seen, heard, and supported. It’s not just a program; it’s a sanctuary for your Soul to heal & grow gracefully.

If you’re ready to break free from the weight of the past and step into a thriving, aligned, and confident version of yourself, the Golden Age Alchemy Academy™ offers the tools, wisdom, and support to guide you every step of the way. Trust that your transformation is within reach.

Take this as your sign. The abundant, powerful you is closer than you think.

[Click here to explore more of my story and transformations.]

Tap Into Joy Frequency

Ah, spiritual awakening—that elusive state of self-discovery where everything aligns, the Universe makes sense, and your energies radiate perfection. Or, at least, that’s what it’s supposed to be. For the rest of us, it sometimes feels more like stumbling in the dark, chasing enlightenment while dodging existential dread and occasionally crying over the price of crystals.

If you’ve embarked on the spiritual awakening path and need some light (and slightly sarcastic) humor to balance out the gravity of it all, here are a few jokes about spiritual awakening that might just make you laugh, cringe, and, if we’re lucky, feel seen.

Meditation: Because My Brain Needs a Vacation From My Brain – meditation promises tranquility, but no one talks about how your thoughts play hide-and-seek the second you close your eyes. Seriously, how does “I am one with the Universe” transform into reliving that embarrassing time when you confidently waved back at someone, only to realize they were waving at the person behind you?

Enlightenment: I Saw the Light, and It Gave Me a Headache – The road to spiritual awakening is filled with bliss, but what about the headaches from overthinking it? Was it the light of enlightenment or just my laptop glowing as I binge-watch another series at 2 a.m.?

Mindfulness: Paying Attention to My Thoughts Just Makes Me Realize How Weird I Am – Mindfulness sounds beautiful in theory until you’re sitting in silence, realizing just how strange, random, and slightly unhinged your inner monologue truly is. Why do pigeons walk like that, anyway?

How to Join with an Exclusive Discount

Schedule an Interview Call with Sol to ensure the Academy is aligned with your goals.
Mention my name—Cristina Stan—to unlock an exclusive $111 discount on your membership fee.

Disclosure: Transparency is a beautiful thing, and I believe in sharing it wholeheartedly. If you feel called to join the Alchemy Academy, I’ll receive an affiliate commission as part of this flow of abundance. But here’s the beautiful part—you benefit from this too. I’m sharing a portion of my commission with you in the form of a $111 discount on your membership fee.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical or mental health advice. Cristina Stan is not a licensed health professional (e.g., physician, therapist, dietitian) and does not claim to act as one. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your specific health situation. By choosing to apply information from our website or services, you acknowledge that your decisions are voluntary and your results are your responsibility.

“There is an application process as this is an advanced program and a group experience.
We want to ensure you’re ready for this level of transformation and that you’re a good fit for our community.”
~Sol Tara

Reminder: Healing unlocks the door to unlimited potential and opportunities.

From my heart to yours,