I heard a good reminder this morning that I want to write down here so I don’t forget…
Any change in life requires practice before you gain proficiency. This is especially true for spiritual growth. In fact, the reason why they call it a spiritual practice is that you’re never fully done, you’re never fully spiritual. The teacher used the analogy of playing the piano. You’d never expect to sit down at a piano and play perfectly (unless you are Elton John…sidenote: have you seen Rocketman yet? My favorite movie in a long time!). You’d realize that you have to practice to learn, that the only way to be able to play something you’re proud of is to invest the time and to make mistakes and to play your little heart out in pursuit of your goal. As adults, it’s so easy to forget this lesson and just expect proficiency in anything simply because you decided in your mind to make a change. That’s what gets me bothered most of the time. I decide in my mind to make a change based on my logic without realizing that the habits I’ve developed aren’t just going to magically change themselves. Focused action and repetition is what makes the change stick.
I would say that right now, seeking spiritual growth is my number one priority in my life. With that comes the realization that literally everything is spiritual and that my spiritual awakening requires me to behave with more integrity and intention in my financial life, in my home life, in my work life, in my physical practices, in my health, in my relationships.
My spiritual transformation is changing my life in so many ways. I am showing up better than I ever have before, but I often fall short of my own expectations of myself. Yesterday, I caught myself at work engaging in the catty, complain-y behavior that I used to delight in before I realized the impact it was having on my soul and on my happiness. I felt disappointed in myself for my behavior. I thought, ‘I am spiritual now! Why am I doing this stuff!?’
But, I realize that I’m doing it because I’m still practicing. I’m not proficient yet. With more practice, I will engage in destructive behaviors less and less. Then, I’ll open up to even more spiritual growth and I’ll begin the practice anew with a new set of experiences and challenges.
It’s exciting to realize that you really can never get it wrong and you’ll never get it done. This journey is delightful. With every new level I reach, I realize personal benefits beyond any of my expectations and then I prepare to level up again and again.
I am taking this lesson with me as I move forward into life. I hope you find it helpful in your own journey.
Are you working on making changes? How is it going?
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