Challenges on the spiritual path
When spirituality gains completely new insights
In the beginning, the discovery of our spirituality – the awakening – can give us a sense of security, a new foundation to stand on. But sooner or later we are challenged. Then we can suddenly fall deep into a pit of frustration or sadness, despite all the time and energy we have put into developing ourselves. We have attended courses, read books, visualized, meditated, affirmed – but still it can feel like we are losing our footing.
The journey to spirituality is a wonderful path, but it can also be fraught with risks if we rush too quickly. Too much at once can lead to mental and emotional fatigue – and in the worst case, even mental illness. Therefore, it is important to understand: the path to spirituality contains challenges that most people face in one way or another.
When everything starts to shake
The spiritual path can suddenly change direction and create uncertainty – not only because what we have long taken for granted begins to shake, but also because our logical and analytical thinking is constantly challenged.
Old patterns, behaviors, and norms are put to the test. We are faced with trials that can arouse self-criticism and self-doubt. It is easy to feel that we “should” be further ahead, but in reality every step – even the fall backwards – is part of learning.
We are here to learn.
It is important to remember: we are all here to learn . Life on earth is not only about happiness and light. It also contains setbacks, sadness and the feeling of stagnation.
Spiritual development happens in stages – sometimes in the form of pauses when we neither see, hear nor feel anything. These silences are not wrong, they are part of the process that we should not force.
Examples of challenges
- We may believe that spirituality frees us from problems, but life continues to contain both wounds and worries.
- We can pretend to be unconcerned, but in reality the heart carries wounds that need attention.
- We may want to see everything positive and sweep away the unpleasant with meditation or affirmations, instead of facing it as it is.
- We can try to give up all our habits at once, which becomes exhausting.
- We may clash with everyday needs – money, work, responsibilities – that do not disappear because we have gained new insights.
- We can become so enthusiastic that we talk about spirituality all the time, which can cause irritation or concern in those around us.
One of the biggest challenges in the external
In a world where much is still governed by logic, science and performance, spirituality can arouse both prejudice and misunderstanding. It is not uncommon to be met with reactions such as one has gone “a little crazy” or is losing grip on reality.
A journey from silence to visibility
When the spiritual journey becomes too clear, it can no longer be explained away, even if those around us do not always understand. Sooner or later, the path leads to contact with the supernatural, the invisible, the unknown – where we encounter experiences that are too precise, too strong and too recurring to be dismissed as coincidence or fantasy.
Synchronicities, visions, messages and events that go beyond the rational. And when these experiences are shared in a whole group where several people witness the same thing at the same time, it becomes obvious: spirituality can neither be explained away nor hidden away anymore.
And here a new challenge arises: once we have opened the door, it cannot be closed. Even though many do not believe what we are experiencing, we can no longer pretend as if nothing has happened. The synchronicities continue, the supernatural events occur – and they shape the way we see the world.
Over time, these experiences grow in clarity until we feel we can live no other way than to follow them. At first it takes courage to stand in our spirituality despite the disbelief of others, but later the courage is exchanged for a deeper security . Then we let go of what others think – because the truth within us has become greater than the fear of other people's opinions.
Relationships that change
A common and painful part of the journey is that relationships are affected when you begin your spiritual path. Friends, partners, children or parents may have difficulty understanding, which can create distance. It hurts, but it is also part of the journey.
At the same time, here lies an opportunity: to deepen relationships that are based on respect and love – and to grow into a new phase of closeness. New relationships, communities and sisterhoods can also emerge when we dare to stand in our development.
Normalize setbacks
Many women feel insecure when they hit a slump and think they “should be further along.” But falling back or doubting is completely normal . It’s not a failure, it’s part of the process.
Development rarely happens linearly – more often two steps forward and one step back.
The role of the body in spiritual development
Spiritual development is not just about meditation, books or courses. The body is an equally important part of the journey. Sleep, nutritious food, gentle movement like yoga or walks in nature make it easier to integrate spiritual insights.
When the body feels better, the soul becomes freer to grow.
How can we help ourselves?
- Give yourself breaks: allow yourself to rest from everything spiritual and be in ordinary life for a while.
- Ground yourself: walk barefoot, dip your hands in water, hug a tree.
- Practice gratitude: regularly write down what you are grateful for.
- Love yourself: remind yourself of your unique beauty.
- Dance and music: let loose in movement and sound.
- Physical closeness: cuddling with children, partners or animals.
- Carry reminders: phrases or symbols that strengthen you.
- Kindness to yourself: practice patience and compassion – trust grows with every trial.
- Well-being: sauna, spa, crystals, light or heat that reminds the body of softness.
- Meet your inner child: allow emotions through various forms of therapy, reflection and introspection.
Trust in spiritual breaks
When we go through periods where “nothing happens” – we see nothing, hear nothing, feel nothing – it’s easy to think we’ve done something wrong. But often that’s when insights are integrated.
The break is not an interruption – it is an important part of the journey.
A little daily reminder
Start your day with a few deep breaths and say silently: I trust my journey. Small rituals like this can make a big difference over time. And above all – feel gratitude for everything you already have and are.
Challenges ahead
Once we get a little further along the journey, we may think that things will only get easier. But even then, challenges arise. A common experience is the feeling of discouragement when we realize that we cannot integrate all our insights at once.
But now we recognize the signals more quickly and can meet them with greater care. We know that rest, grounding, and simple presence can carry us through.
We also see that development happens layer upon layer . Insights need to mature before they become part of our everyday lives. Allowing the process – instead of forcing results – is a form of wisdom.
The spiritual journey is not straight forward.
It is filled with peaks and valleys, light and shadows. But every step – even the difficult ones – is part of the journey.
By meeting the challenges with presence and kindness, the journey becomes not only bearable, but deeply meaningful.
© by HerMine's
Last updated September 21, 2025
Utforska gärna
