Beyond the Ordinary All About Healthy Living

Journal / Essay 05

SpiritualityPersonal GrowthPsychology

The Essential Steps to Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is the self-awareness of an individual — not a target to hit, but a journey to keep.

A lone walker on a mountain ridge above the morning mist
Growth of the spirit is a journey, not a destination.

Spiritual growth is essentially a system of belief. Here, you believe in the existence of everything; in addition, you grow and become more self-conscious. You should not, however, confuse it with being self-centered. Many people believe that spiritual growth is obtained through reading books, or that it arrives as the result of some magic.

In reality it is not so. Spiritual development does not depend on external factors — it is brought forth from within. It rests on your perception, on your personal growth, and on your approach toward the world.

Let’s walk through a few simple steps that will assist you in growing spiritually.

Look for Change

A person meditating peacefully in soft morning light
Have peace with yourself first.

This is the first thing required in order to grow. You need a genuine desire to change and evolve spiritually. There is no quick fix for this kind of growth; it demands time, attention and dedication.

So make a conscious decision, first of all, about your own development. All the external methods you may wish to apply will prove futile if the change does not arise from within yourself.

Acknowledge the Present

In addition to wanting change, you should be aware of the present condition you are in. It is very easy to be lured away by materialistic luxuries — yet for spiritual development they act as a detriment. Gradually, you fail to recognize what you already possess, and that failure leads to dissatisfaction.

Hence it is vital to be content with whatever you have, and to value it, in order to grow spiritually.

A Precise Start

Hands planting a single seedling in dark soil
Explore the best in you — one beginning at a time.

Once you have identified what your spiritual growth requires, you should also know how to begin. The best way to start is to be precise in your approach.

Make sure you do not take up too many tasks at hand. Begin with one; once you are comfortable with the new skill, take up another.

Explore More

Trying new things is intimidating for many. Yet it is a great way of seeking the unknown, and it aids spiritual growth. As you keep learning and evolving, you eradicate the fear of change from within — and embracing new ideas becomes easier and easier.

Let Go of the Past

Warm lanterns drifting up into a night sky
Set yourself free.

Another important milestone on the path of spiritual growth is letting go of the past. The mistakes you committed, the grudges you held against anyone — it is better to release them from you. This, in turn, makes space for better things.

Holding on to what is past only acts as a hindrance to your self-development.

Be Responsible

Taking responsibility for your actions is the best thing you can do. It is also the most difficult — but you can achieve it with regular practice, and by staying aware of yourself as well as the situation.

The causes of a situation might not be in your hands — but the consequences can be. So watch how you respond to each particular situation, and see to it that it does not recur in the future.

Take Breaks

Needless to say, this is a fast-moving world. It is important to pause for some time and reflect back. Assess what you have achieved so far, and be thankful for it. If, on the other hand, you find dissatisfaction, use the time to assess your flaws and revise your objectives. Meditation, in these pauses, can clear the mind and give you a fresh start.

Broaden Your Outlook

An open door onto a vast golden valley
Don’t be afraid to be bold.

The last — and among the most important — things you can do is broaden your scope of perception. Stay away from people who are narrow-minded; judging others will serve you no good purpose. It is far better to grow a habit of feeling connection with every natural being in this world. This, consequently, helps you fear less.

The author of Beyond The Ordinary

Beyond The Ordinary

My main motive is to write about the practical details of life that go unnoticed and un-nurtured, so that people become aware of them — and, in turn, of themselves and their surroundings.