How Spiritual Awakening Helped Me Realize I am Never Truly Alone
- Brainz Magazine
- Dec 8
- 6 min read
Written by Sebastian Liew, Medical Herbalist
Dr Sebastian Liew * is the first medical herbalist to have significantly pioneered Western herbal medicine in Singapore and Asia. He is a distinguished fellow member of the Complementary Medical Association (UK). Liew has run a thriving clinical practice for over twenty years, specialising in chronic diseases, all with a whole-person approach.
Studies show that loneliness is worse than smoking, alcoholism, and obesity. It is not so much the trauma you experience, but rather the sense of struggling alone, which is the main stress. Indeed, I have often felt alone throughout my life, being the only son and the last child in the home. As an introvert, I still am. Yet, I don’t feel lonely, nor do I sense any isolation. Fortunately, I have had experiences that reassure me that I am not alone if I intend to serve. There are invisible forces at work. Let me share with you my spiritual experiences with plants and invisible forces that have helped me realize I am important in this web of life, and so are you.
The first encounter of being alone with my spiritual calling
The first incident occurred during my early secondary school days, when I was around 13 to 14 years old. My realization that one is called to a life of mission came to me spiritually while I was in the bathroom! As do many teens, I dreamed of becoming someone. I was preparing to get dressed for an audition (despite my father's objection) when suddenly, I heard a powerful inner voice telling me that I was destined to do other meaningful things. I was seeking approval and love to pursue acting.
This inner voice told me I should seek more meaningful things in life, rather than superficial ones like transient fame and money, the reasons I wanted to be an entertainer. Instead, the inner voice revealed that I was destined to lead a genuinely meaningful life if given the chance. From that day onwards, I aspired to become a valuable person for the world, perhaps a historian, a chemist, a teacher, or even a spiritual leader, however remote the possibility might have seemed in my circumstances at the time!
This experience has stayed with me until now. Coupled with my interest in spirituality, this conviction that I was created to be useful and that everything that happens can be transformed into good convinced me.
My second encounter: A breakthrough in my career
Fast forward: After graduating from Singapore Polytechnic with a diploma in Engineering (1982), I pursued a corporate career with various multinational companies. Despite a relatively successful career in the corporate world, I felt a deep sense of discontentment. I could not handle the never-ending office politics. Working daily in the office was like going to war. I felt that the emptiness in my heart had worsened over the years, so much so that I was on antidepressants for some time. I finally got down on my knees and started praying for God's guidance and direction.
“Surely, God does not want me to be in this situation. I don’t think I want to live like this anymore,” I thought.
I soon began researching and taking courses in various holistic therapies, including spa therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, touch therapy, and nutrition. Despite my passion and interest in these fields, I was unprepared to give up my full-time managerial position and a good salary. Besides, I was the sole breadwinner in my family. I needed to support the physical, financial, and emotional needs of my elderly parents. How could I give up my lucrative job?
My third encounter with plant divine energy
After a period of part-time work in natural therapies, I finally decided to pursue a full-time career in natural medicine in a spiritual moment. I was conducting massage training at a retreat on an organic farm in Malaysia.
My turning point in life came after three days of eating organic plant foods and being surrounded by plants and herbs. Thanks to the farmer, I touched the plants, tasted the leaves and flowers, and enjoyed their aroma. I could feel their healing vibrations.
These vibrations seemed to uplift me, flooding my body with love and opening my channels for the reception of universal intelligence. They inspired me, raised my consciousness, and brought me nearer to my soul, the secret chamber of peace.
An indescribable joy sprang from within me. It felt like a spring of water refreshing my heart. I felt I was not alone in my life's struggles. I am a precious drop of water in an ocean. The calling from plants and the awareness of God's love for me were so strong that I shed tears during the sharing session with the participants and the organizers. After this spiritual awakening, I began my relentless journey to pursue plant medicine. All good things came my way, like meeting the right teachers, guides, and helping hands. I am very thankful for them.
Over the years, I have tried to work on myself, my weaknesses, and my inner conflicts, to heal others. So, I would be happy after practicing naturopathy and herbalism. I would have a purposeful and happy life.
The fourth encounter – The rose
The truth is, it was just the beginning of seemingly endless struggles and disappointments. I had many ups and downs in my journey. I often felt like giving up and just going back to making money in the corporate world.
In Singapore, there is no support for my work, no association to fight for our trade, and no government support. The health ministry thinks we are just some weed medicine and is suspicious of us. The media is not very friendly. I had to struggle alone.
One of those memorable, depressing periods occurred in 2019.
My healing work as a medical herbalist discouraged me at that time. I wondered whether I should carry on. There was mental constipation and a cloud of doubt hanging above me.
An inner voice told me to turn to one of my favorite spiritual guides, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897) taught us the doctrine of the little way of complete childlike trust in God and surrender to His love.
For nine consecutive days before my trip to Museflower Retreat and Spa (located in Chiang Rai, Thailand) for a personal retreat, I asked St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a French saint, to obtain a sign of a rose if my prayer was granted.
After the nine-day prayer, I almost forgot about it because I thought it was too magical for such things to happen. It may have just been superstitious. Roses are everywhere, in wet markets, churches, florist shops, etc.
I checked myself into Museflower on December 3, 2019. My room number was 261. Early the following morning, as I stepped out of my room, I saw a single rose in front of my room.
I could not believe it. Upon checking with the resort management, I learned that roses are not part of the landscape.
Whether you believe it or not, it was an unforgettable spiritual experience, for I constantly experienced the saint's inspiration in my spiritual and professional life.
What is the most important lesson?
The most important lesson is: I am not alone. If I embrace life with a loving intention, the Spirit/God will work with us.
There are many good spiritual guides and divine energies in nature and the universe that constantly help us grow into better, more loving people and help us return to our true selves.
Read more from Sebastian Liew
Sebastian Liew, Medical Herbalist
Sebastian Liew is the first medical herbalist (since 2004) who has significantly pioneered phytotherapy in Singapore and possibly across Asia. With credentials from the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia, the TGA, and the University of New England, he is a distinguished fellow member of the Complementary Medical Association in the UK.
As a Doctor of Naturopathy*, he embodies the role of a natural medicine coach and teacher, dedicating his life to guiding clients to recover from chronic illnesses with a whole-person approach, and discover their inner healing potential, their innate ability to heal and shine.
His lifelong vision is to: Cure the Sick, Heal the Wounded, and Inspire the Weak.
References:
Liew, S., Saint Girons, B. (2024). My Healing Life - The Most Important Work in Life. Sebastian Liew Centre. Available on Amazon.
Liew, S. (2013). From Leaf to Life. Sebastian Liew Centre. Available on Amazon.
Williams-Farrelly, M. M., Schroeder, M. W., Li, C., Perkins, A. J., Bakas, T., Head, K. J., Boustani, M., & Fowler, N. R. (2024). Loneliness in older primary care patients and its relationship to physical and mental health-related quality of life. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 72(3), 811–821.
