The Awakening of Self

Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualim

THE AWAKENING OF SELF

The Awakening of Self is the growing awareness of who we truly are and how we relate to God, to others, and to life itself. In A Search for God, the body, mind, and soul are described as expressions of the same divine source. The physical body is the outward form, the mental body is the director, and the spiritual body is the life and purpose behind both. Awakening begins when we realize that life is not random, but meaningful, and that we are part of something greater than ourselves. As Edgar Cayce explained, awakening is simply becoming conscious of relationships—between self and God, self and others, and self and creation.

Physical awakening happens when we begin to respect the body as a sacred trust. The Bible teaches that the body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). In A Search for God, the body is not evil, but it reflects our inner thoughts and spiritual attitudes. When we awaken physically, we become more aware of how our habits, diet, rest, work, and actions affect not only our health, but our spiritual growth. Cayce taught that caring for the body helps prepare it as an instrument for spiritual service. Physical awakening also includes learning self-control over appetites and desires, remembering that the body should serve the soul, not rule it.

Mental awakening occurs when we realize that the mind is a powerful creative force. The A Search for God book 1 text (Know Thyself) explains that the mind can control the physical desires, and when we learn this, a mental awakening takes place. The Bible supports this when it says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Edgar Cayce emphasized that thoughts are deeds and that what we hold in mind eventually shows itself in our lives. Mental awakening means choosing thoughts of faith, patience, forgiveness, and hope instead of fear, anger, or selfishness. It also means setting a true ideal—one that reflects love, service, and alignment with God.

Spiritual awakening is the deepest level of awakening. It happens when we become aware of the spirit within us and recognize that it comes from God. Jesus taught, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). According to Cayce, this awakening comes from within, not from outward signs or dramatic experiences. It grows through prayer, meditation, and living the teachings of Christ in daily life. Spiritual awakening helps us see others not as enemies or strangers, but as fellow souls on the same journey. It leads us to compassion, mercy, and a willingness to serve.

As spiritual awakening grows, it naturally expresses itself in daily living. In A Search for God, true awakening is shown by how we treat others. Jesus said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). Cayce repeatedly taught that awakening is proven through service. When we become a channel of blessing to someone else—through kindness, patience, or understanding—we are living our awakening. It is not enough to know spiritual truths; they must be applied.

The Awakening of Self is not a single moment, but a lifelong process. We awaken physically by caring for the body, mentally by directing our thoughts toward truth, and spiritually by attuning ourselves to God’s presence within. As Edgar Cayce said, the awakening comes with application. Each loving thought, each helpful act, and each moment of prayer strengthens our awareness of who we are as children of God. In this way, awakening leads not to pride, but to humility, service, and a deeper sense of peace.

Ultimately, the Awakening of Self is the realization that we are never separate from God. As we grow in this understanding, we learn to live with purpose, love others more fully, and allow God to work through us. This is the true awakening described in A Search for God—a living, growing awareness of divine life expressed through body, mind, and spirit.

FROM THE EDGAR CAYCE READINGS

1. What the Awakening Truly Is

“The awakening is the consciousness of a relationship that exists in animate or inanimate, finite or infinite… Becoming conscious of, aware of, the existence of conditions, relations, and such, is an awakening.”

262-23

Awakening is not a vision, a voice, or a sudden spiritual event. It is awareness. It is the realization that nothing exists alone—not the body, not the mind, not the soul. Awakening begins when a person understands their relationship to God, to others, to nature, and to life itself. Mental awakening starts here, because the mind becomes aware of meaning instead of randomness. Spiritual awakening follows when one recognizes that these relationships are rooted in God. The self awakens as it moves from isolation to connection.

2. Awakening Comes from Within

“The kingdom of heaven is within; and that the awareness, the awakening comes from within.”

262-119

This reading aligns directly with Jesus’ words in Luke 17:21. Awakening does not come from external authority, rituals, or signs. It rises from within the soul. Mental awakening happens as one reflects, meditates, and applies truth inwardly. Spiritual awakening deepens as faith grows and the individual becomes aware of the abiding presence of God’s Spirit within. Cayce emphasizes that awakening is not about magnifying self, but about becoming less self-centered so God’s presence may be known.

3. Awakening Requires Application, Not Just Knowledge

“Understanding comes with application… With the ideal that is set before self there comes the awakening.” 262-18

This reading teaches that awakening does not come through study alone. Mental awakening occurs when truth is applied in daily life. Spiritual awakening grows when ideals—such as love, service, patience, and faith—are lived rather than admired. Without application, understanding remains incomplete. Doubt and fear can cloud awakening, but steady practice clears the mind and strengthens spiritual awareness. Awakening is a process of doing, not merely knowing.

4. Mental and Spiritual Awakening Through Communion

“Keep self close to that mental and spiritual awakening that comes with the communion with Him in thine inner self.”

262-37

Here Cayce highlights prayer and meditation as central to awakening. Mental awakening is refined when the mind becomes quiet and receptive rather than anxious and reactive. Spiritual awakening grows when communion with God becomes personal and inward. This inner connection provides guidance during confusion and strength during hardship. Awakening stabilizes the mind and anchors the soul in trust rather than fear.

5. Awakening Expressed Through Service

“The awakening may be done by the words and the acts of individuals; the increase, the understanding, is God’s work.”

262-11

This reading shows that awakening is not for self alone. It must express itself through service. Mental awakening teaches discernment, patience, and understanding toward others. Spiritual awakening transforms service into a joy rather than a duty. The individual does not create awakening in others but provides opportunities—through kindness, example, and love—for God to do the work. This reflects Christ’s teaching that faith is known by fruits, not claims.

6. Awakening and the True Ideal

“The True Ideal is the highest spiritual attainment to be reached in this material world.”

262-127

Awakening is guided by what one holds as their ideal. Mental awakening clarifies the ideal. Spiritual awakening purifies it. When the ideal is rooted in God rather than ego, success, or power, the soul aligns with divine purpose. Cayce teaches that the individual soul may know itself to be one with God and still remain individual. Awakening, then, is not loss of identity but fulfillment of it.

7. Symbols, Dreams, and Spiritual Awakening

“In visions where spiritual awakenings, these most often are seen in symbols or signs… know the awakening is at hand.”

262-9

Cayce explains that spiritual awakening often speaks through symbols rather than words. Mental awakening learns to interpret these symbols without fear or superstition. Spiritual awakening recognizes them as communications from within, shaped by the individual’s own language and experience. These experiences are not meant to impress but to guide the soul gently toward deeper awareness and responsibility.

8. When the “I AM” Is Awakened

“When to do good is the joy, when to deny self is a pleasure, THEN thou wilt know the I AM is awakened within.”

262-85

This is one of the clearest signs of true awakening. When goodness flows naturally, without strain or pride, the self has awakened. Mental awakening removes resistance to doing right. Spiritual awakening transforms sacrifice into joy. The “I AM” awakened within reflects Christ-consciousness—selflessness, love, and unity with God’s will. At this stage, service is no longer an obligation but a natural expression of being.

Summary: The Path of Awakening

Across these readings, Edgar Cayce consistently teaches that:

Awakening is awareness, not escape (262-23)

It begins within, not without (262-119)

It grows through application, not theory (262-18)

It is sustained by communion with God (262-37)

It expresses itself through service (262-11)

It is guided by a spiritual ideal (262-127)

It may appear through symbols and inner experiences (262-9)

It is fulfilled when love becomes natural (262-85)

The Awakening of Self is the gradual alignment of mind, body, and spirit with God’s presence within, lived daily through thought, action, and service.