Seeking Signs of Spiritual Growth
The soul is the highest form of the self. It doesnt unfold biologically like a childs brain and behavior. But in other respects theres an undeniable similarity: The soul works beneath the surface, and when its work comes to fruition, consciousness shifts.In the case of childhood development, it may seem that nothing is actually happening. If you make a video of a 3-year-olds typical day, you wont see isolated moments of epiphany or awakening where the child says, Aha, I just had a glimpse of what it will be like when I am 4. Appearances are deceiving, however, because invisible changes are occurring beneath the surface, and when they come to fruition, the child will consciously know that something happened. Old interests fall away; new ones arise. A stronger sense of confidence emerges, along with a more formed sense of self.It would be wrong to say that children are the puppets of biology. They have to participate in their own development, taking an active interest in exploring the world and finding out their own potential. When this doesnt happen, when the child is inert and passive, the diagnosis is autism. In spiritual terms, the same holds true. The seeker must take an active interest in the souls unfolding, or the result will be inert.Thats why I find myself reluctant to use the word seeker, because it denies the spontaneity of inner growth while at the same time implying that the goal is outside the self. Seekers seem like hunters on a safari to capture the soul. The spiritual path isnt like that. The goal is within and ever present. Better to say that one is trying to uncover the true essence of the self. We have all loved at times, felt compassion and risen to acts of selflessness. This is the way the model of Jesus resonates with personal experience. We know the difference between being awake and asleep, at least vaguely, and being awake feels better. It produces a better life.You must keep in mind that the real you is love, is truth, is God. By removin! g the ob stacles and resistances that hide your essence, you reveal yourself to yourself. Essence, being permanent, cant be destroyed, only masked. It patiently awaits the day when you wake up to who you really are.
