Passing this on, it is from a "recovery" perspective...from the 12 steps, "Having had a spiritual awakening..."

It is difficult, very difficult path to walk or ideals to achieve, but walking the pace a day at a time, with faith in a Higher Power, it is possible.

12 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening.

1. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
2. Frequent attacks of smiling.
3. Feeling of being connected with others and nature.
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
5. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences.
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of ability to worry.
8. A loss of interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in judging self.
12. Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything.

Passing this on, it is from a "recovery" perspective...from the 12 steps, "Having had a spiritual awakening..."

It is difficult, very difficult path to walk or ideals to achieve, but walking the pace a day at a time, with faith on a Higher Power, it is possible.

12 Symptoms of Spiritual Awakening.

1. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
2. Frequent attacks of smiling.
3. Feeling of being connected with others and nature.
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
5. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experiences.
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of ability to worry.
8. A loss of interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in judging self.
12. Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything.

You are saying something that should be said. I am sad to say that you are describing a perfect world, which will never happen. I am a chickenpoop...I want to be brave, but working on it. I was more bold as a newbie. You go, girl!!!:yay: I will try to pay it forward!!!

Excellent post, Katelin. And the things on your list are very consistent indeed with Christianity (not that they might not also be consistent with the teachings of some other faiths). You're describing the effects of faith, of spirituality. Thanks very much for the post.

You are saying something that should be said. I am sad to say that you are describing a perfect world, which will never happen. I am a chickenpoop...I want to be brave, but working on it. I was more bold as a newbie. You go, girl!!!:yay: I will try to pay it forward!!!

Part of my recovery is following the 12 steps..and the 12th step says, "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

So, as I walk my road of recovery, remembering that "The point is, that we were willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection."

These 12 symptoms are likened to the 12 steps, and it about the journey, not the destination.
I will never be perfect, I am a child of God and have human defects.
But because of Gods grace and love, I have guides to help me along.

I will never be perfect, not find a perfect world, but I can do my best each day to walk in God grace than my disgrace. It is progress, not perfection, one day at a time.

Excellent post, Katelin. And the things on your list are very consistent indeed with Christianity (not that they might not also be consistent with the teachings of some other faiths). You're describing the effects of faith, of spirituality. Thanks very much for the post.

This is spiritual and it goes far back before "Christianity", and is not confined within the boundaries of any restrictive religion.

Very interesting. Many (if not all) of these 'symptoms' can also be attributed to de-conversion as well. I guess a lot of it comes down to each individual's personal past experiences.