In the spiritual experience near the back of the big book this is spoken about. It talks how many of us do not experience the "lightning bolt" type of spiritual awakening, but more so of the gradual one. One that isn't noticed by us at first as much as the people around we interact with daily.
My spiritual awakening/experience is definitely of the gradual kind. I used to be envious and jealous of those that seemed to get a kick in the ass one and then "get it" and remain sober after that. Not anymore, it ain't gonna happen by my forcing it to, but it's GOING to happen as long as I work all 12 steps. Because that is THE result of them.
Love this stuff!