4 Spiritual Traps Keeping You Stuck (And How to Break Free)
You meditate, journal, and heal old wounds, but somehow life still feels stuck.
The truth is, spiritual growth has its own hidden traps that keep us circling in awareness without creating real change.
In this article, I’ll share the four most common traps I see and how you can break free to step into more freedom, abundance, and expansion.
Trap 1: Settling for “Life as It Is”
It’s easy to accept life as it is even when you’re uncomfortable.
Maybe you’ve stayed in a relationship where you feel controlled. Or you’ve watched your parents struggle financially and believe the same will be true for you.
But accepting “what is” when it doesn’t align with your soul is the first trap.
Gallup research shows only 21% of employees worldwide feel engaged in their work (Gallup, 2022). Most are tolerating, not thriving. Settling might feel safer, but it keeps you small.
Think of birth: contraction, expansion, contraction, expansion. Your soul also grows through contractions of fear and doubt — and the expansions that follow when you push through.
“Don’t settle for what life gives you; make life better and build something.” — Ashton Kutcher
Trap 2: Confusing Awareness with Action
Awareness feels good. It explains why we do what we do. But it can also keep us stuck.
Maybe you know your people-pleasing comes from childhood. Or you’ve uncovered that in another lifetime, you were punished for speaking your truth.
Awareness is important, but if you don’t act differently, the pattern remains.
Harvard Business Review reports that while 95% of people believe they’re self-aware, only 10–15% actually are (Eurich, 2018). Why? Because true self-awareness isn’t just knowing, it’s living differently.
If you’ve raised your prices but still undercharge, or posted online but hide your real voice, you’re still in the trap.
The way out?
Take one action that feels aligned but slightly uncomfortable. Show your inner child you are safe now.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” — Aristotle
(But wisdom becomes power only when lived.)
Trap 3: Chasing Only “Good Vibes”
We’ve all heard it: “Keep your vibes high.” But when “good vibes only” becomes your spiritual motto, you end up shoving away your hurt.
Unprocessed emotions don’t disappear, they stay stored in the body. Research shows suppressed emotions increase stress and risk of illness.
Your inner child might still want to cry, scream, or eat ice cream. When you allow those feelings to surface safely, you create space for genuine joy.
“Feelings are just visitors. Let them come and go.” — Mooji
Expansion doesn’t come from bypassing pain. It comes from letting your whole self be felt and healed.
Trap 4: Waiting for a Sign
So many of us delay action because we’re “waiting for a sign.” We want to be sure it’s the right path before we move.
But here’s the truth: if a calling has been placed in your heart, it won’t leave. The universe doesn’t make mistakes.
Psychologists call this choice paralysis: too many doubts stop us from moving at all. Studies show taking even one small step toward a goal increases motivation and clarity (Deci & Ryan, Self-Determination Theory).
Instead of asking, “Am I ready?” try asking, “What’s one step I can take today?”
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
How to Get Free
The way out of these traps is simple — but it takes courage:
Refuse to settle when your soul longs for more.
Pair awareness with bold action.
Allow the full spectrum of your feelings.
Trust your calling enough to stop waiting for permission.
When you do, you stop circling in self-work and start embodying expansion: more visibility, more impact, more joy.
Ask Me Anything:
Leave me a voicemail or send me a message. I'd love to hear from you.
Your Parenting Journey Isn't Random:
Discover the karmic connection you share with your child, and learn how to parent from soul—not stress.
👉CONNECT WITH KANIKA - AKASHIC RECORDS READER AND ENERGY COACH:
🌟Heal Your Energy With Me. Join me LIVE for a FREE Energetic Upgrade
https://artoflifecenter.com/live
🌟My Sacred Circles and Upcoming Live Events
https://artoflifecenter.com/events
🌟Book an Akashic Records Higher Self Guidance Reading With Me
https://artoflifecenter.com/reading
👉 SOCIALS AND WEBSITE:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kanikaenergycoach
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kanikaenergycoach
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@kanikaenergycoach
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanikaenergycoach/
Website - https://artoflifecenter.com/
