I want some perspectives about what the phrase "waking up" means

Ahh... some of the posters have been spot on.

Bottom line for me:

It's layered, like everything else in this universe.

Going from complete physical awareness to a spiritual awareness
Becoming aware of the reality of the control systems in the world
Becoming aware of deeper spiritual realities.
Moving from the sleep state (some call Sheeple) to an awake and aware state.
Becoming fully conscious.
Developing your spiritual gifts.

The posters that said it means different things to different people are right. If I allowed myself the time I could probably list 100 other definitions of waking up. But it all can be simplified into the metaphor for which it is named.

When you are asleep you are unaware of the reality around you, living in your own dream world.
When you are awake, you are aware of what is going on around you on many different levels.

Some people use it as an ego boost "I am awake, he is asleep" but I think those people are missing the point and probably more asleep than they realize.

My 2 cents.