Episode 585 of Soul Elevation was a livestream discussion I had with Joanna Draus. Joanna is a spiritual teacher and energy practitioner, and this was a rather impromptu discussion about the collective energetic shifts unfolding in 2026. We explore why so many people are experiencing rapid transformation, emotional intensity, physical symptoms, and life-changing transitions in this specific time period, and how these experiences may actually be part of a larger spiritual awakening process.
The conversation inevitably involves ascension, healing, grounding, energetic frequency, soul growth, and the importance of balancing spiritual expansion with embodiment and practical living. I've observed that many people are feeling as though life is accelerating. Some are experiencing dramatic changes in relationships, careers, health, or identity, while others are sensing a more subtle but undeniable internal transformation. Joanna offers insight into why these periods of upheaval can become catalysts for awakening.
Something I've touched on in many episodes is the fact that humanity is moving through a major energetic transition. Many people are being thrust into change rather than gently guided through or invited into it. Some transitions are happening suddenly and dramatically, almost like a spiritual wake-up call that can no longer be ignored. In fact, I've noticed that lately many people I know have had emergencies that involve a siren, whether due to an ambulance, firetruck, etc.
Joanna shares that moments of disruption can sometimes act as catalysts that awaken people to a deeper level of consciousness. She reflects on personal experiences that forced her to pay closer attention to life, intuition, and the guidance of the universe, and also reinforced that she is seeing a lot of changes happening through emergencies, too.
The bottom line for spiritual seekers is that growth often requires movement beyond the comfort zone. While many people desire transformation and higher consciousness, the process itself can feel uncomfortable because in order to do so we must release old identities, habits, fears, and energetic patterns.
I think it's important to stay grounded with our spirituality, and realize that ascension is not about escaping reality. We really need to learn how to embody and sustain a higher frequency. You might briefly experience expanded states of consciousness, peace, or joy during meditation, healing sessions, retreats, or spiritual practices. But where the rubber hits the road is maintaining those frequencies in everyday life.
Joanna talks about how maintaining a higher energetic frequency requires more than simply focusing on “love and light.” It is also vital to clear emotional density, heal unresolved wounds, and become conscious of the lower-frequency patterns that drain energy. I caution in this episode that it can be easy in spiritual circles to focus only on positivity while avoiding deeper healing work. However, true spiritual growth involves acknowledging the shadow aspects of ourselves with compassion and awareness.
I also shared that I naturally resonate with spiritual, mental, and energetic realms, but interestingly I have recently felt called into more physical and earth-based experiences like gardening, spending time outdoors, and engaging more fully and physically in daily life. Joanna has also felt this and speaks about developing a deeper relationship with Earth itself. She describes feeling a profound appreciation for the planet and recognizing Earth as a living consciousness that invited humanity to incarnate during this transformative period in history.
Grounding practices can help us connect more deeply with Earth, such as:
- Walking barefoot in nature
- Spending time near water
- Gardening and connecting with the Earth
- Meditation and breathwork
- Chanting and mantra practices
- Slowing down and becoming more present in the body
- Creating intentional quiet away from overstimulation
Grounding really helps stabilize the nervous system and allows higher frequencies to integrate more effectively.
Modern life exposes people to constant emotional stimulation, stress, fear, digital overwhelm, and environmental noise. Over time, this can create energetic congestion that makes it harder to feel centered, intuitive, and aligned. Joanna explains that many people are carrying accumulated emotional density from years of stress, trauma, fear, and unconscious living. During periods of accelerated spiritual growth, these unresolved energies often rise to the surface so they can finally be healed. Rather than seeing emotional triggers as failures, view them as opportunities for awareness and transformation.
Spiritual growth can sometimes feel messy, uncomfortable, and emotionally intense. Yet these periods of transition often lead to deeper authenticity, alignment, intuition, and inner peace.
The awakening process is not always comfortable, but it can ultimately lead to greater clarity, authenticity, connection, and inner peace.
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