On Spiritual Growth
“How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of human beings is to resist change. And how ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be.”
This life is difficult. We can’t think our way out of experiencing disappointment and pain. We also can’t avoid fear. Humans are designed to protect ourselves by assessing change as bad and to be avoided.
Yet, we also strive for growth–unless we have experienced too much trauma–and growth requires that we leave the safety of what is known and risk change and failure as we travel to reach new shores. Despite the discomfort, growth is worth the risk.
Spiritual growth includes taking the time to heal our emotional scars and wounds. Our brain wants you to believe you will die if you really sit and feel your pain. Your bodies are designed to feel our emotions, most only lasting a few minutes. Don’t live half a life avoiding your feelings. You deserve more enjoyment and satisfaction.
What I am Reading on Spiritual Growth....
The Seeker’s Guide: Making Your Life a Spiritual Adventure by Elizabeth Lesser
This book is an oldie and a goodie. Originally published in 1977. I discovered The Seeker’s Guide while reading Cassandra Speaks, also by Lesser. It is a wonderful exploration of the spiritual path.
Many of my clients begin working with me because they have experienced an awakening and they are having a tough time figuring it all out. All of a sudden they are seeing the world differently, feeling more emotions than ever before, and that can be overwhelming to experience and challenging to our relationships and work.
Elizabeth Lesser explains this process beautifully. She sheds light on what is going on and educates the reader on how the Universe works when we live with intention and travel a spiritual path. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend this book.
What I am Listening to on Spiritual Growth...
This conversation with Jason Reynolds was a healing balm to my soul. Every once in a while I get to see this life from a perspective so unlike my own that just listening to them talk changes me.
It wakes up something deep inside, something that resonates with their perspective and I am filled up by their words. Then the empath part of me starts to absorb their vibe–mapping their unique take on life so I can bring some of that to the surface in me. Opening up possibilities and opportunities to explore this world with fresh eyes, fresh antennae, and fresh emotions.
Jason Reynolds, and his mother–listen to the podcast, brought me to that place of fresh discovery and enchantment with the world, despite the challenges of the last two years. I hope you will listen and see if Jason has the same effect on you.
What I am Sharing...
Mind-Body Attunement Using the 5 Portals Meditation
This is a tool I use and offer to my clients for exploring their emotions. A guided body scan meditation created by Dr. Mario Martinez, intended to bring your mind and body into attunement. We often get disconnected from our bodies and our emotions spending too much time in the rational mind. This process brings awareness of the body and emotions to the conscious mind in a safe and manageable container.
