5 Paths to Spiritual Growth

When we suddenly discover the innate calling foris in these times that we attain some of the highest
greatness in our lives, it's important to follow through onlevels of spiritual growth. It is also in these times, that
our higher voice of wisdom. In most instances, our lifewe become closer to God, our Creator. This will
purpose is being presented to us and that means weenable us to express a deep and profound connection
must follow our gut feelings to achieve the spiritualwith our Source and a sense of oneness with the
growth that is necessary for our passage into higherworld around us.
levels of awareness, acceptance, and inner peace.* Spiritual growth in relationships. When we enter into a
This is especially true for those of us who havemarriage, partnership, or experience the joy of a new
become so caught up with the daily balancing act ofaddition to the family -- we often discover the spiritual
juggle family, work, home, and other social obligations.element of life here as well. Feelings of deep love and
Though all of us enter this world with noadmiration fill our hearts and souls with an overflowing
preconceptions or prejudgments, our physical andabundance. And as we all know, love is a deeply
mental beings become bombarded by external andspiritual emotion that can only flourish and grow. When
environmental conditioning. While much of ourwe willingly share our love and compassion with
upbringing and belief systems are constructivelyothers, we actually strengthen our own resources.
shaped by our families, teachers, and society in* Spiritual growth in work. In work? Really? Yes, when
general, we sometimes become too consumed andwe put 110 percent into our work efforts, we may not
inhibited by these traditional values and roles. In order toalways be recognized for our productivity; but we
create an environment for positive spiritualknow in our hearts that we have accomplished
development, we must nurture our highersomething, and we have succeeded in doing our part
consciousness by deprogramming most of whattoward creating a finished product or beneficial
we've been mentally taught. That doesn't mean weoutcome -- and that makes all the difference in how
must stray away from moral values and ethics, but itwe perceive life. What we give out we get back 110
means that we must totally absolve our emotionalpercent.
limitations that lead to negativity and mental barriers.* Spiritual growth during travel. Have you ever taken
To achieve spiritual growth, one must begin to thinktime to observe the world around you? Whether
and truly feel with an absolutely uninhibited mind andyou've seen the marvels of Mount Rushmore, the
spirit. Within the core of our being, there is a wildGrand Canyon, the grand strand, or the rolling hills of
mustang, a free spirit wanting to desperately breakAppalachia, you've touched the face of God. Spirituality
free from the mental fences we've built aroundis everywhere you look if only you seek it. I look in
ourselves; it's in a way, the safety net that our mindawe at the beauty of nature all around me and how it
has created for us to shelter us from harmfulnever fails to bring a sense of great joy and inner
situations. However, that wild mustang, free spirit ispeace into my heart.
your authentic self; and whether you choose to follow* Spiritual growth in death. As harsh as this may seem,
it or not, your authentic self wants to be released fromdeath is the final passage to the Highest Realm of
your mental and emotional grips...and it will workpeace. When we experience the passing of a loved
fervently towards that end whether you want it to orone, we go through several stages of grief and the
not. This is your soul's way of making you stop dead inmourning process. When we have reached the final
your tracks and causing you to spring into action.stage of acceptance, it is then that we have grown
Why? The primary reason your soul speaks to you isspiritually. We have learned that while we may not
to give you the appropriate clues to achieve andalways be able to physically see our loved ones, they
maintain balance in all aspects of your life -- mind, body,will always reside in our hearts and memories forever.
and spirit. It truly wants you to grow spiritually so youSpiritual growth comes when we understand that this
are readied to receive the blessings that the Universaleternal flame of love can never be extinguished.
flow of energy wants you to have, that is, living inAs the tides of the many seasons come and go, we
complete balance.learn that from spiritual growth, comes a new dawning
To help you understand more fully, I am sharing withof a deep and spiritual recognition and awareness of
you the following five important paths to spirituallife, love, and sense of purpose. Remember, the wild
growth. When you become aware of the paths thatmustang, the free spirit in you -- your authentic self, is
we often follow, you are better prepared to walk themready to be released from your everyday confines. All
with clarity and positive intent.you must do is ask for spiritual guidance and the
* Spiritual growth during hardship. In turbulent times inUniversal flow of energy will give you the soul power
our lives, we often find that we must turn to a Higherand tools to discover how you can truly enjoy what
Source of wisdom for comfort, guidance, and reason.your life destiny is and will be.
While we may not always like the feeling of distress, it