The following are quotes from an article by one spiritual teacher I admire that describe the present and next (expected or desired) stages in my life journey. I've read this article many times. I reread it twice this morning.
The Present Stage
"As we recognize how asleep we have been, we can clearly see that most people we know are still asleep. We try to wake them up, but our attempts are seen as judgmental and, therefore, met with deaf ears."
"We are seen as different, weird and maybe even crazy. Sooner or later, we decide to keep our growing awareness to ourselves; maybe rationalizing that it's better to be silent than bejudged. At this point, we don't have a lot of hope that others will wake up."
"We are still focused on everything that is wrong in our lives, and in the world, but, at the same time, we have resistance to letting go."
"[W]e may leave unsatisfying jobs, intimate relationships, families, friendships, religions, organizations and any disempowering ways of life. We may disentangle from roles we played, reject our past identity, [...]."
"Our former model of the world is failing and we no longer see the world in black and white or good and bad. There may be a growing sense that we are all connected, but at the same time we may feel completely disconnected from every other human being."
"By now, we may be able to see the connection between our thoughts/beliefs and the creation of our reality, and, as a result, we try to control our thoughts, but it is a difficult process because old programs are still running."
The Next (Expected or Desired) Stage
"You have mastered the art of letting go, and surrendering to a higher power. You also experience and have access to the inner power you possess, without ego control."
"Doubt has been replaced with faith and trust. You are able to see and understand your life in such a way that your past and present all makes sense. You have forgiven everyone for everything, including yourself."
"Unconscious programming has been replaced with consciousness, and there are no emotional or mental prisons holding you captive."
"You take responsibility for your entire life, no longer blaming anyone for anything. As you have freed yourself, you have freed all the people who have ever been effected by your judgment and expectations."
"You are no longer trying to prove your worth. You now know and own your intrinsic worth, and, as a result, you experience unconditional self-love."
"The need and desire for the old paradigm of relationships has shifted and you no longer yearn to fit in or be "normal." You allow yourself to be exactly who you are, without needing approval or acceptance from anyone. You no longer have a need to change anyone or help those you love wake up, and you are pleasantly surprised that some people you know are actually awakening. All your relationships improve, and the new people who come into your life are better aligned with who you are."
"[Y]ou integrate your insights and develop greater understanding for the journey you have been on. You may teach, mentor or share, but not because you feel you have to, or because you need to, but only because it brings you joy, and you are guided to do so."
"You may also experience increased intuition and the ability to access infinite intelligence, as if you have a direct line to unlimited information."
"Your love for life and all living beings overflows unconditionally with gratitude and appreciation as a common state of being."
"You have learned how to master your thoughts and beliefs, but, surprisingly, you may have no desire to change anything in your life."
"Although you likely experience a full range of emotions, emotions no longer rule you or control your choices or relationships."
"Your higher self has integrated in your body, and you live your life as this real self."