The Missing Piece in Spiritual Awakening: Coming Home to the Body w/ Cynthia Abulafia

Episode #141 - In this deeply grounding and expansive conversation, I sit down with author and embodiment teacher Cynthia Abulafia, creator of Embodying the Goddess, to explore what’s often missing from modern spirituality: the return to the body.For centuries, spiritual traditions have emphasized transcendence — rising above the body, the mind, or the human experience itself. Cynthia names this pattern the “transcendence bias”: when a tradition teaches us to go up and out, but forgets to teach us how to come back in.Drawing from over two decades of Shakta Tantra study and trauma-aware yoga therapy, Cynthia introduces a radically inclusive spiritual map rooted in divine feminine principles of curiosity and reverence. Together, we explore what it means to integrate spiritual awakening into everyday life — limitations and all.Cynthia shares her personal journey through a Kundalini awakening and the profound lessons that followed, including the role of motherhood, breathwork as a bridge between mystical experience and grounded presence, and the importance of safe, supportive relationships during spiritual transformation particularly in the context of the Crone energy/.This conversation also addresses:The dangers of spiritual bypassingHow to recognize dissociation disguised as awakeningThe power of curiosity in healing traumaWhy embodiment becomes especially important in midlifeThe wisdom of Crone energy as integration, not declineHow Shakta Tantra reframes the Goddess as lived experienceIf you’ve ever felt destabilized by a spiritual awakening, disconnected from your body, or confused by teachings that seem to prioritize escape over integration, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate reframe.Awakening is not about leaving the body.It is about remembering that the body was never separate from the sacred.TakeawaysAwakening means coming home to the body, not transcending it.Curiosity is essential for integrating spiritual experiences.Motherhood embodies the goddess through creation and nurturing.Spiritual bypassing can lead to disassociation from the present.The breath serves as a bridge between mystical states and grounded presence.Every life phase offers unique opportunities for growth.Tantric relationships involve mutual reflection and kindness.The goddess is not just a concept; she is the world.Listening to the body is crucial for spiritual integration.Choosing supportive relationships enhances personal growth.sound bites"We are always birthing something new.""Every phase of life is different.""Notice what you notice."Connect with Cynthia@embodyingthegoddessbook my book.  YouTube. Substack.Let’s Connect!⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠Rumble⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠Linktree⁠PodcastFREE Meditaion Guide