Britney Spears is opening up publicly for the first time following a difficult stretch that included a DUI-related arrest , a guilty plea, and a reported stay in rehab . The pop star returned to Instagram over the weekend with a reflective post discussing what she described as a recent “spiritual journey” after months of relative silence online. Spears shared a photo holding a small albino Burmese python while explaining the symbolic meaning snakes hold for her. “Snakes are symbolic of good health, higher consciousness, and pure luck,” she wrote. The singer went on to express gratitude for the people who supported her during recent challenges. “I’m so damn thankful to my friends and so many new beautiful people I have met through my spiritual journey,” Spears wrote, later describing the hardships she’s faced recently as “all a blessing in disguise.” She also acknowledged continuing to work on self-compassion and personal growth.…