A paradox of Awakening is that, from one perspective, it may be described as an event in time that somehow changes something about experience at a fundamental level. It is a radical shift from a dualistic to nondualistic way of consciousness. Yet, from another perspective, it may be described as Awakening to a timeless dimension that is recognized as having always been present and always will be present. It is not a recognition of anything new, and it does not involve any change in the contents of consciousness. Which is it? This is a kind of koan of Awakening.
From an excellent post on What changes with awakening? found at True Nature: Notes on Spirit and Science.