Understanding Spiritual Growth

In recent years an interest in spirituality was significantly stirred in the 1960s, but it really took off in the 70s when a plethora of writings was published which appeared to explore ?refreshed revelations, perhaps more engaging and easy to understand than those of old, yet still embracing the flavours of ?Buddism, Hinduism, theosophy, spiritualism, ?and even magic, but now expressed in modern speak. One term alone rarely fit, and in the very early years of the resurgence ‘mysticism’ would ?perhaps have far better suited than ‘spiritual.’ ?

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But quickly onboard arrived modern science vis such things as Kirlian photography; the multifarious marvels of nature; and historical visits by aliens ?as revealed to us by the likes of Lyall Watson, and Erich von Daniken, and we were provided with ??practical means of growth eg. the affirmations and power thoughts of Louise Hay. ?

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Indeed anything remotely ‘different’ fell under those early inflamed curiosity banners whether truly spiritual or not. It amounted to a declaration that life, indeed reality, ?amounted to much more than our physical bodies, that we are eternal, and most importantly the way we live our lives affects out futures. But so as not to frighten off the anti-religious as often as not the term ‘personal growth’ was opted for rather that ‘spiritual growth.’

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Now that the passion of those easy years has quietened more from wide eyed surprise, ?revelation, and research, to acceptance (by those who wish to run with this new spiritual way of living) one is inclined to ask what in essence we have been left with, and what exactly is personal or spiritual growth?

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But ?has anyone truly figured out what the followers ?are ?actually running ?with?

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I see it as an acceptance of our spiritual, living, everlasting bodies, but at the same time very rarely going a stage further by exploring spiritualism. Possibly because although always around and backed by countless publications ?spiritualism ?was not marketed alongside spiritual / personal growth, albeit fundamentally integral and far more explanatory.

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I do not know if through the teachings of ?personal growth we are simply ?being advised to become better people by not routinely wronging others, or indeed one is expected to become significantly altruistic, or is it about simply bettering ourselves in life in any shape or form? ?It appears to mean different things to many people and quite possibly the majority are unsure. Although many are keen to largely re-model such into a business tool with business success being the primary measure of growth.

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The almost invariable presence of the ?caveat that ‘growing’ means pain and massive striving I find confusing and likely false. If one is in an unsuitable career ?for say just two hours a day surviving within it can amount to living hell. Conversely in a suitable career a fifteen hour intense stretch can sometimes amount to bliss, certainly not ‘hard.’ ?Many will feel they hold the answers, if so they are far smarter than me. Which is readily ?accepted and likely correct. ????