Because we've all arrived at our present awareness by different routes and at our own speeds, this simplified, seven-step diagram might not fit anyone exactly. However, this progression of awareness pattern seems to have emerged.
Shock is the first step in our journey of progressive awareness.
There's no returning to the blissful ignorance of pre-awareness once we receive our first shock of reality. People won't live long in a state of shock. For almost all of us, denial is our first reaction to shock. Denial is a sanctuary from shock. Unfortunately, most people never leave denial.