In 2023, I was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness that shattered my world just weeks after my wedding. It felt like a seismic event, upending everything I believed to be true. The diagnosis and subsequent treatment brought not only physical challenges but also profound emotional and spiritual upheaval, forcing me to confront vulnerability, fear, and the rawness of mortality.
This trial became a catalyst for profound spiritual growth and inner transformation. Through meditation, tapping, prayer, positive affirmations, and divination practices such as tarot and oracle cards, I not only cultivated inner strength and faith but also began to unravel the barriers that had kept me disconnected from my center and the authentic expression of my true self—barriers that, largely in part, had been shaken loose by the weight of the diagnosis. Along the way, I discovered the symbolic healing power of ultraviolet light and found unexpected guidance in a spirit animal—a scrub jay—that appeared at pivotal moments, offering insight and reassurance.
Embracing Healing and Confronting Vulnerability
Before getting sick, I navigated life much like many others—focused on routines, goals, and the expected rhythms of living. I felt no urgency to examine my inner world or the profound undercurrents of existence. The diagnosis disrupted this flow, presenting a stark and sudden departure from the comfort of the familiar and the known.
As I processed my doctor’s treatment plan and its implications, a shift occurred. Amid the emotional and mental turmoil, I experienced a moment of clarity—an awakening that allowed me to see beyond the immediate struggle. It felt as though a seed of truth had been planted within me, carrying instructions to navigate the challenges ahead. These instructions led me inward. Although I was no stranger to practices like meditation, they suddenly became an imperative calling—one I had to embrace with urgency.
The Power of Meditation and Spiritual Practices in Healing
Turning inward, I committed to various holistic healing methods, including tapping, meditation, prayer, divination, and positive affirmations. These practices not only provided a sense of divine connection and inner strength but also helped alleviate treatment side effects, nurture resilience, and reinforce optimism.
One of the most impactful tools in my healing process was visualizing ultraviolet light. This vibrant color transcended metaphor, becoming an active force in my meditations, symbolizing renewal and divine energy. To me, ultraviolet light represents unseen, supportive forces—both as a guiding beacon and a wave of restoration.
Despite the physical toll of treatment, I remained devoted to cultivating a positive mindset. Replacing negative thoughts with affirmations—sometimes 15–20 times a day—became a life-changing habit. This discipline instilled a deep, lasting sense of empowerment and self-awareness.
Spiritual Signs: The Role of a Spirit Animal in My Journey
In 2022, my sister and I frequently witnessed a scrub jay flying directly across our path, although its true significance only became clear a year later during my illness. That bird soon came to symbolize faith and hope, appearing whenever I needed reassurance. To this day, it remains a reminder of divine guidance and transformation, and I cherish my connection with this extraordinary guide.
Transformation, Awareness, and Trust in the Journey
Looking back, I realize my journey was more than just physical recovery—it was a spiritual metamorphosis. Perhaps this phenomenon stems from the shock to the nervous system or the way the concept of mortality embeds itself in your awareness, no longer distant or abstract. Hidden truths rise to the surface, and in that state of unencumbered being, you begin to see beauty in everything. You develop a profound connection to nature and experience moments of complete Oneness.
Today, I live with deep gratitude and connection—to myself, the natural world, and the universal oneness that binds all existence. It has cultivated a version of myself that feels authentic, aligned, and present. I now embrace ordinary moments with reverence, seeing in them boundless potential and possibility. This journey has strengthened my spirit, expanded my consciousness, and unlocked an abundance of creativity.
Embracing Synchronicity and Divine Guidance
One magical aspect of this period in my life is the daily appearance of synchronicities, signs, and guidance—what I like to call spiritual signals. These unexpected phenomena confirm when I’m on the right path or alert me when I’m veering off course.
For instance, elements of my writing—specific words or phrases—often manifest in surprising places. They might appear in an Instagram post or a chapter of a book I’m reading. If doubt begins to creep in, affirmations or reminders tend to present themselves in written form.
I’m in awe of the universe’s ability to provide spiritual evidence when we are aligned with our purpose and vibrating in harmony with the blissful energy of creation. It feels as though I’ve been given an instrument to play in the grand orchestra of the cosmos—one with the power to influence and shape outcomes and realities. I never imagined this kind of life was possible.
I feel both empowered and reassured. This invisible hand strengthens my faith in the Divine and deepens my belief in infinite possibilities.
Sharing Hope and Inspiring Others
My transformation has led me to a new purpose—to inspire and uplift others on their own healing and spiritual journeys. I now see life as an invitation to be fully present, to recognize the sacredness in everyday moments, and to honor the radiant potential within every soul to heal, transform, and thrive. I live with the awareness that each moment is an opportunity to grow, connect, and give back, creating a life that is not only better but also deeply fulfilling and profoundly alive.
If you are on a journey of healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—know that within you lies the power to overcome, to awaken, and to emerge stronger. Trust the path, embrace the signs, and welcome the transformation waiting to unfold.
Maya Sarin is a marketer, brand builder, and creator with 13 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. Her recent journey of healing and transformation after an illness has brought her to the dynamic intersection of beauty, health, well-being, and holistic living. Maya redefines beauty as a path to inner bliss—reconnecting with your authentic self and aligning with the creative energy of the universe. Through her work, she explores themes of healing, self-growth, spirituality, and meditation. Maya is a soon-to-be-published author of a poetry book on self-renewal and the voice behind an upcoming Substack dedicated to these topics. You can connect with her on Instagram at @mayapens where she write poetry and prose on these themes.
Truly inspiring words.
I love that you have this blue jay as your spirit animal. What a beautiful creature ❤️
Thank you for your vulnerable and courageous share. I love this piece in how it reminds us that there is so much more to life than our material reality. Finding your words and other affirmations in spaces in your life is a conviction of your path. Shine on, Maya ! 😊✨🙏💗