Ancient Secrets Revealed

The modern world is full of things designed to make our lives easier and more fun. We have electric appliances, tools and electronic gadgets to simplify tasks that used be completed manually. We have hundreds of options for entertainment; including television, movies, gaming, books and magazines, and a multitude of choices on the Internet. These options lead us to focus our attention on our physical existence and material “things.” How can we find spirituality and spiritual growth in this physical world?

It is important to go beyond the physical world and look within. Become familiar with your own feelings, thoughts, beliefs, habits and personal motivations. Your physical world is a direct result of your inner world. Your thoughts and beliefs shape your life. Spiritual growth is achieved when you evaluate your thought processes and focus on the areas that need improvement.

When you are aware of the thoughts you are thinking, the beliefs you have formed, and the habits you have created, you will have a great deal of insight into your physical life. To change your physical experience you must first change your inner world. Be objective during this process of self-discovery, and forgive yourself for any thoughts and beliefs that don’t serve you well. The goal is to catch yourself when negative thoughts arise and replace them with positive thoughts, eventually creating positive beliefs, habits and motivation.

Spiritual growth usually includes a search for meaning. There are many religions practiced throughout the world that believe our purpose in life is to serve the Creator, whatever the perception of the Creator within that religion. Psychology theorizes that we give meaning to our lives based on the choices that we make. Whether we believe life’s meaning and purpose is pre-determined or self-directed, spiritual growth occurs as we explore our options.

Our life experiences and relationships with other people provide us with knowledge and wisdom that help us in our search. The physical world provides us with a mirror that we can use to determine which of our values and beliefs make sense and which don’t. This helps us to let go of thought patterns that don’t serve us well.

Knowing that our lives have purpose and meaning gives us a goal to reach for while in search of that purpose and meaning. We use our physical, emotional and intellectual capabilities in this process and we experience spiritual growth throughout. A person without purpose or meaning is a person adrift, and usually not a very happy person.

Spiritual growth leads to the recognition that all things are connected. Spirituality stresses that all things – people, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects — are related. Religions with a focus on a deity also teach of the connectedness between people and a higher being. Connectedness from a psychological perspective refers to self-transcendence, which is moving beyond the ego into the soul, where all things are connected. When you realize that you are connected to all that is, you are more appreciative and respectful of everyone and everything. You recognize that your actions have an impact on everything else so you are more kind and careful in how you treat other beings.

Spiritual growth affects all aspects of your life and all aspects of your life can contribute to your spiritual growth. We might not get it right with all of our actions, but as long as we keep trying, learning and experiencing, we will find spirituality in our lives and we will continue to achieve spiritual growth.