I enjoy meeting people who have achieved a certain level of spiritual growth. I am always fascinated when one of these acclaimed spiritual “experts” turns out to be not very likable when I actually meet them in person. Does this mean that the person is a fraud? Or does it mean that I have romanticized spiritual growth to the point where I have unreasonable expectations on the transformative effects of spiritual growth?
John Wellwod uses the term “spiritual bypassing” to refer to the tendency of some spiritual seekers to use spirituality as a means of avoiding dealing with existing emotional or psychological issues. Spiritual growth will not by default improve all areas of your life. It is important that you continually examine all areas of your life to see where you can make changes to improve the quality of your life, your effect on others, and your ability to grow spiritually.
It is not enough to simply identify issues. You must take action if you want to grow spiritually. Be careful that you don’t fall into the guilt trap and avoid making changes because you feel selfish focusing on yourself. Taking care of your needs is not a selfish act that is inherently anti-spiritual. In fact, resolving issues in your life that distract you from your spiritual practice can accelerate your rate of spiritual growth. For example, your prayer time will not be as fruitful if you spend most of the time worrying about your to do list. If you are depressed, you may not have the energy to go to church.
It is important that your spiritual practice includes actions that address the practical obligations you face. I like the Arabic saying “Pray hard but tie your camel first.” This is not to say that taking care of external obligations can’t be turned into a spiritual practice. You can say a prayer while cleaning your house or make a habit sacred.
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I really like this idea that spiritual growth involves action or discipline. It is a good reminder.
Taking action can be the hardest part of all.
I agree; it is interesting to think about the relationship between spiritual growth and daily activities. It reinvigorates my conception of prayer when I think of it as something I can be doing to bring the sacred to everyday life instead of something that I have to step outside of my day to do. Thanks for the post.