What does it really mean to be “woke,” and how can you tell if you’ve experienced it? Can you even spot it in others? Awakening isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s not a quick fix, a flashy moment, or some energy rush up your spine. Ironically, people who loudly claim to be “awakened” often miss the point entirely. True awakening is more like peeling back layers—each realization uncovers more to understand.

Being truly “woke” isn’t about acting superior or forcing your views on others. It’s about living in a way that encourages understanding and inspires change. An awakened person doesn’t preach—they show through their actions and mindset. Real growth comes from stepping into the unknown, planting seeds of insight, and embodying the changes you want to see. Judging others or locking yourself into one way of thinking? That’s not awakening. True wokeness is about living fully and engaging with the world, not shutting it out.

Instead of pushing your beliefs onto others, stay present and open to learning from different perspectives. We’re all students and teachers for each other. Awakening isn’t about isolating yourself or critiquing everyone else; it’s about embodying the values you talk about. If you’re seeking genuine awakening, remember it’s rooted in love, connection, and growth. Ask yourself: are you here to lift others up and support them, or are you just enjoying the feeling of being “better” than them? Awakening means connecting with something beyond our senses and living that truth every day.

Case in point: What was supposed to be a simple birthday treat devolved into the latest flashpoint after “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg implied that a New York bakery refused to take her order because of her liberal politics. It’s an accusation that the bakery has denied. Now, the store is claiming that an influx of orders has flooded its phone lines as local residents show their support for the small business.

I can’t help but wonder what cut Goldberg got from the spike in sales, all thanks to the free nationwide promotion.