I used to think that awakening was knowing something, but I am now minded to see it as being something. Yes, it's a reorientation from certainty to uncertainty. But the quest for knowledge is never-ending and insatiable. Surely being awake has to be something else? I suggest it's "owning your vibe"; something within, and a sovereign choice. Be the light... that's it.
My awakening began at 27. Searching for reason, so a combination of learning, healing and spiritual experiences which felt like a lifting veil sent me on a journey over many years. Peeling back layers, inwardly and outwardly - connecting consciousness. Once you start you can't stop. It's an amazing journey and I've had the pleasure of living most of my life awakening. Filled with experiencial seasons - The winters when all was quiet and the lesson had been learned, and the healing begun, Winters were always a well earned rest.
But these guys (the normies) will have a sudden (rude) awakening, without having the time to first go inwards and understand themselves. Those guys could very easily loose their minds - quite literally. Instead of slowly, over years, gently chipping away at our egos, their egos will be violently crushed from all directions.
There will be a lot of broken people. But the conscious connection is what will ease the impact - lighten the load - free the spirit.