WHEN THE SPIRITUAL PATH LEAVES YOU FEELING MORE ALONE
Have you become more alone since spirituality began to play a bigger role in your life?
Spiritual awakening and loneliness can sometimes go hand in hand. When something fundamental changes in the way we see ourselves and life, our relationships may begin to change as well.
Perhaps you feel less at home in old friendships. Conversations that once felt meaningful no longer feel the same. And it may be difficult to explain to others what you are actually going through.
Sometimes this is simply part of changing.
But sometimes it is worth asking what is behind the growing distance.
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING AND LONELINESS – IS IT ALWAYS GROWTH?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to be alone. Silence and solitude can be important.
Being misunderstood. Getting hurt. Saying no. Feeling angry, ashamed, jealous or wanting other people’s approval.
Deep spiritual experiences don’t automatically make these things disappear. We still bring our history and old habits into our relationships.
THE SPIRITUAL AND THE HUMAN
Maybe spiritual growth isn’t only about what happens in meditation.
It also shows up in ordinary life.
What happens when someone criticizes you?
Can you stay connected when things get uncomfortable?
Can you recognize the parts of yourself you would rather not see?
This is where psychology and spirituality can have something useful to say to each other.
My work draws on depth psychology, mentalization, neuroaffective developmental psychology, mindfulness and an understanding of how difficult experiences can affect us.
The point isn’t to explain spirituality away. It is to make room for both the spiritual and the very ordinary human side of life.
If any of this sounds familiar and you would like to talk about what is happening in your own life, feel free to get in touch.
I offer online psychotherapy.
