of our upbringing and belief systems are constructively shaped by our families, teachers, and society in general, we sometimes become too consumed and inhibited by these traditional values and roles. In order to create an environment for positive spiritual development, we must nurture our higher consciousness by deprogramming most of what we’ve been mentally taught. That doesn’t mean we must stray away from moral values and ethics, but it means that we must totally absolve our emotional limitations that lead to negativity and mental barriers. To achieve spiritual growth, one must begin to think and truly feel with an absolutely uninhibited mind and spirit. Within the core of our being, there is a wild mustang, a free spirit wanting to desperately break free from the mental fences we’ve built around ourselves; it’s in a way, the safety net that our mind has created for us to shelter us from harmful situations. However, that wild mustang, free spirit is your authentic self; and whether you choose to follow it or not, your authentic self wants to be released from your mental and emotional grips…and it will work fervently towards that end whether you want it to or not. This is your soul’s way of making you stop dead in your tracks and causing you to spring into action. Why? The primary reason your soul speaks to you is to give you the appropriate clues to achieve and maintain balance in all aspects of your life – mind, body, and spirit. It truly wants you to grow spiritually so you are readied to receive the blessings that the Universal flow of energy wants you to have, that is, living in complete balance. To help you understand more fully, I am sharing with you the following five important paths to spiritual growth. When you become aware of the paths that we often follow, you are better prepared to walk them with clarity and positive intent. * Spiritual growth during hardship. In turbulent times in our lives, we often find that we must turn to a Higher Source of wisdom for comfort, guidance, and reason. While we may not always like the feeling of distress, it is in these times that we attain some of the highest levels of spiritual growth. It is also in these times, that we become closer to God, our Creator. This will enable us to express a deep and profound connection with our Source and a sense of oneness with the world around us. * Spiritual growth in relationships. When we enter into a marriage, partnership, or experience the joy of a new addition to the family – we often discover the spiritual element of life here as well. Feelings of deep love and admiration fill our hearts and souls with an overflowing abundance. And as we all know, love is a deeply spiritual emotion that can only flourish and grow. When we willingly share our love and compassion with others, we actually strengthen our own resources. * Spiritual growth in work. In work? Really? Yes, when we put 110 percent into our work efforts, we may not always be recognized for our productivity; but we know in our hearts that we have accomplished something, and we have succeeded in doing our part toward creating a finished product or beneficial outcome -- and that makes all the difference in how we perceive life. What we give out we get back 110 percent. * Spiritual growth during travel. Have you ever taken time to observe the world around you? Whether you've seen the marvels of Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the grand strand, or the rolling hills of Appalachia, you've touched the face of God. Spirituality is everywhere you look if only you seek it. I look in awe at the beauty of nature all around me and how it never fails to bring a sense of great joy and inner peace into my heart.
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