Do you remember when you were a child traveling to a destination and it seemed to take forever? You may have relentlessly said, “Are we there yet, Are we there yet?” until you arrived. Sometimes you may feel frustrated, disheartened, and even at a standstill along your spiritual journey. With all the “heart work” you’ve already done, you want to hurry up and get there without any more spiritual detours or backtracking.
There are times when we feel that we are spinning our wheels, going backwards, or stuck in terms of our personal/spiritual growth. How can it be that we work so hard on our spiritual development only to uncover deeper pockets pain in our hearts? Why is it, when we think we have finally cleared our “stuff,” we find more subtle layers of patterns revealed to us? This begs the question so many of us want to know: Are we There Yet? and If not, When? However, we must realize that spiritual transformation requires a commitment for the long haul-constant personal evolution over a lifetime.
Our spiritual transformation is not a goal that can be attained, but an ongoing progression. We are often seduced into thinking that once we have experienced a personal breakthrough we no longer need to focus on change. We become complacent and allow our momentary feeling of gratification to become a pink bubble enveloping us in false feelings of security and triumph. This is especially true following a period of major personal growth. Like Glenda, the good witch of the north in The Wizard of Oz, we try to remain inside this bubble of illusion, ignoring the guidance of spirit telling us that we still have a spiritual journey ahead. Yet, remaining inside this pink bubble and resisting change only creates conditions in which old patterns can surface and arrests further personal transformation.
Our personal transformation ebbs and flows with periods of intense forward movement which give way to periods of transitional pauses. In these moments we may feel discouraged; however, we must remind ourselves that we don’t ever really go backward. We may be pausing momentarily because there is a new obstacle in our path, or a new layer of a pattern to clear, or a relationship to complete, but the spiritual work we have done cannot be undone. Every step on our path is meaningful, even the ones that seem to take us backward are a forward step. Sometimes an intense growth spurt requires that we rest for a period of time to fully integrate the new positive energies that have awakened, opened and are becoming available to us.
Nurture a kind, patient, and loving, relationship with yourself and you will set the groundwork for a lifelong journey of spiritual transformation. Trust yourself and your connection to source, listen to the voice of your heart, and make intentions for a more fulfilling life. Let go of the life you have chosen until now so you can cocreate the life you want in your present-future. With conscious awareness, witness how spirit guides you to opportunities and choices that result in a life based less on fear and insecurity, and more on spiritual transformation. Once you have spiritually transformed, you can never go backwards. Remember, you may be resting or revisiting issues that seem old, and may feel stuck, but trust that you have already chosen the next step forward on our path.
I’m in a pause right now. I haven’t written or painted or recorded a podcast in months. I’ve been busy with yarn, traveling, and getting my house ready to put on the market. My husband and I are “right” sizing our lifestyle and living quarters so we have more freedom to do what love. As we move through this transition we only wish we did it sooner 🙂
So happy for you Peggy! I can’t wait to see where your travels take you next. Much love xo
Thank you for the reminder to embrace the pauses.
“Our spiritual transformation is not a goal that can be attained but an ongoing progression” and “transformational pauses” are my two favorite gems from this encouraging article. How we can attach so much negativity or neutrality to parts of our journey that really are more gifts! I love the reminder that these pauses allow us to integrate our growth and the lessons and the gifts. I also think I have transitional pauses in some areas and simultaneous periods of growth in others. We are always on the journey and you remind me that each of the steps is “a step.” Thanks Debra. This is powerful!
This is SO timely for me as I am in a state of transition. Love your message and beautiful reminders!
I love this line, “Nurture a kind, patient, and loving, relationship with yourself and you will set the groundwork for a lifelong journey of spiritual transformation,” and deeply appreciate the compassionate and nurturing perspective we can bring to our spiritual journeys. Thank you Debra!
Love this, Debra. We never stop transforming. As long as we’re living and breathing, we’re transforming. Even if it feels slow, something is happening underneath.
Debra, these words are very true, “Our spiritual transformation is not a goal that can be attained, but an ongoing progression. We are often seduced into thinking that once we have experienced a personal breakthrough we no longer need to focus on change.” The ongoing progression is where we stretch and grow, moment by moment. Lovely article from a LOVEly woman! <3
As I move out of a long period that I thought was a “pause,” I’m noticing some interesting things. First of all, there is no “there” there. (Transformation/growth is an ongoing process… no “finish line.”) And sometimes when I think I’m in a pause? I’m growing like crazy… I just can’t see it at the time.
I Love this message so much…I’m sort of rewiring my heart and hence in a phase of transformation. This is such a beautiful reminder for me.
Thank you.
xoxo, Z~
I’ve always believed that is life moves us back a step or two, it’s because we didn’t learn what we needed to know when we passed that way before. Sometimes you have to go back so you don’t miss the lesson.
This is such a wise post. I loved this: “Our spiritual transformation is not a goal that can be attained, but an ongoing progression.” and pretty much everything you said after that. And before that, too! Yes, we love to think we are cooked to perfection, but we are actually still developing the recipe. Beautiful, beautiful post, Debra!
I too have come to learn that there is no “there”. But, yes, we don’t ever go back to the beginning. We just go deeper into our own consciousness and ultimately, that is a journey so well worth it!