Kensho (見性) Satori (悟り)

What Am I Learning About Myself?
Kenshō (見性) and Satori (悟り)

The universe speaks to us and guides us toward growth in two ways. It does so because its very essence is expansive—to grow, to evolve, to seek well-being, since these are part of its nature. Deep down, you know this; that’s why your desires and passions are so big. You imagine them, feel them, long for them… but maybe you don’t yet believe it’s possible to live them fully.

And yet, to reach them, you must expand, evolve, and become the person who can create everything you imagine.

Personal growth is essential in becoming our best version, but there’s something important we must understand: many people grow in unpredictable ways. The universe, in its infinite wisdom, calls us to grow in two ways:

Kenshō: Growth Through Pain

Kenshō happens when we don’t listen to the signs—when we are stubborn or ignore what life is trying to tell us. Then, the universe acts more drastically: it breaks something to get our attention.

It could be an illness that sends you to the hospital and forces you to commit to caring for your body. Or a broken heart that, though painful, teaches you to be more conscious and selective about who you share your life with. Maybe it’s a business that fails, pushing you to learn more, prepare better, and try again.

In my case, I was in a long-distance relationship, and deep inside there was a voice whispering that something wasn’t right. I had anxiety, and I was relating as if I were still a teenager. In the midst of that experience, there came a moment when my soul said: “Stop now.”

I saw myself—without masks, without anesthesia—and realized I hadn’t advanced in many areas of my life. I wasn’t satisfied with myself or the life I was living; I felt as if an anchor were dragging me to the deepest part of my humanity.

In that instant, the universe began to show me what my soul truly desired: a change of identity, body, emotions, patterns. It showed me that we all live in a victim state, and to move forward, I had to step out of that trap.

Kenshō is growth through pain, but it is not a punishment. It is the universe showing its love in a firm way—forcing you to evolve when you haven’t taken the initiative yourself.

Satori: Growth Through Sudden Insight or Illumination

On the other hand, there is Satori. This growth happens more gently, through moments of deep clarity. It may come while reading a book, listening to a talk, or entering a deep meditation. It’s that moment when something clicks inside you, and suddenly you understand something that shifts your entire perspective on life.

Satori goes beyond intellectual knowledge. It is an experience of awakening, a moment of spiritual understanding that transforms you from within.

How Can We Experience More Satori Than Kenshō?

The key is to invest consistently in personal growth. When you work on yourself, when you remain open and receptive, you place yourself in a position where awakenings are more frequent—and pain becomes an occasional teacher, not a constant companion.

Everything that happens in your life, whether good or bad, has a reason. The universe is always working for your highest good—even when it seems to be taking something away. Perhaps it removes someone who wasn’t right for you, or guides you toward healthier habits when your body needs it.

There is something powerful that can transform your perspective and your heart: gratitude. When you understand that the universe operates from vast and careful love, everything begins to make sense.

Listen to Your Body and Your Emotions

Your body is a temple, and if it doesn’t feel healthy, it’s important to stop and ask: What is it trying to tell me? Many times, unprocessed emotions remain stuck and impact our physical and mental health. It’s not only about listening to your breath or heartbeat, but about paying attention to what your emotional states are communicating.

Reflect on Your Path

If you look back over the last five years… how have things changed for you?

The major events you’ve lived through have shaped your quality of life—and within each of them lies a lesson.

When you understand this and integrate it into your daily life, your life becomes a constant unfolding of new ideas, perceptions, and awakenings. Pain no longer drowns you—it becomes an indicator that you’re about to grow again.

The next time you go through a painful moment, stop and ask yourself:
What can I learn from this?
How can I grow through this experience?

When you do, you realize that pain is nothing more than a sign from the universe, pushing you toward the next step in your life.
A step that, in the end, only you can take.