(un) Frozen Growth and Development

As human beings we go through stages of growth and development. Many of these stages are easily recognized when we are young, moving from infancy through childhood, to adulthood. Less easily recognized is our spiritual growth and development. Often our spiritual growth remains unexamined and reflection upon these stages may reveal a path that is typically NOT linear, sometimes very convoluted. There are even times when we are "frozen". While each of us discovers our mature spiritual self through a life time of living, the moments when we experience "growth spurts" can be both joyful and challenging. Many have described times of great spiritual growth as times when they just "escaped" to a new way to thinking and being. It was ecstatic and at the same time extremely life changing. It is the lovely paradox of being able to feel all dimensions from fear to joy that marks a period of growth. The hallmark of maturation is to not be driven to label the experience, but to instead to just be in it, and feel it. Pretty hard for most of us to resist the temptation to label the experience as good or bad.
A phenomenon that has become evident is when those of different spiritual maturation are mixed together (say in the workplace) some confusion (stimulation for an evolutionary leap) is bound to occur.
One of the underlying tenets to all spiritual development theories is the more maturity one has attained, the more able one is to "see" the bigger picture. Those less developed are unaware of the higher dimensions. Adds to the saying "you don't know what you don't know, til you know it".
Not knowing, risks being judgmental, quick to label.
It is a worthwhile endeavor to release being a judge, rather examine your values, your beliefs, learn to wake up to other ways of knowing and being.
Just as sometimes you can be frozen, there is always the chance of waking up!

Life Circles

Fall brings reminders of life cycles and growth and death. Nature does dying so elegantly for some and so wicked in others. A perfect metaphor for us to learn from and embrace. When the purpose for being is done, leaves just float off. Flowers turn to seeds, acorns settle in the dirt. A wonderful little concept called spiritual intelligence is emerging ...we first learned of IQ, then EQ (emotional intelligence), and now SQ is popping into our world in increasing awareness. While sometimes it may feel as if we are spinning out of control, we have the SQ to wake up... take the opportunity this fall to slow down, notice the life cycles...all there for us to learn from and prepare to be reborn. .. find our real self, find some fulfillment.
Just like the leaves that have served their purpose, we too will go through cycles where our purpose is complete, we need to shed that old self, be open to the new...be grateful, feel the love and extend a blessing to your next great adventure.

Lens through which you view the world.

Several months ago I presented to a group about how our viewpoint, whether held dearly and unexamined or so wishy washy you can't decide, is a heavy influence on one's stress. During the talk I was struck how threatened some felt when challenged to at least take the time to examine one's point of view from the perspective of the other person(s) you think are causing you stress. Then I dropped the idea...what if it is just your perspective that is the cause of your suffering...?
I encourage you to be reflective not reactive when confronted with day to day issues that you have decided (yes, you decide) cause you stress. Reflection requires you see many points of view, examine your lens through which you view the situation..what are the influences of your family, culture, education, environment, friends, etc.
Does you life match what your core values are? Do you even know what those values really are, or are they adopted without serious consideration. Does it scare you to challenge long held beliefs?
I ended my presentation with it may be time for a "vision check"...a time for a new lens through which to view the world..