There are times when we feel that we are spinning our wheels in
the mud in terms of our spiritual progress. This can be especially true
following a period of major growth in which we feel as if we've gained a lot of
ground. In fact, this is the way growth goes—periods of intense forward
movement give way to periods of what seems like stagnation. In those moments
when we feel discouraged, it is helpful to remember that we don’t ever really go
backward. It may be that we are at a standstill because there is a new obstacle
in our paths, or a new layer to get through, but the hard work we have done
cannot be undone.
Every step on the path is meaningful and even one that seems to
take us backward is a forward step in the sense that it is what we must do to
move to the next level. In addition, an intense growth spurt requires that we
rest for a time in order to fully integrate the new energies that have been
liberated by our hard work. When we feel we are not making progress, we can
encourage ourselves to take a moment to rest. We can meditate more, feed
ourselves well, and get extra sleep. Before we know it, we will be spurred on
to work toward the next level of our development, and this rest will make sense
then as something we needed in order to continue.
Once the sun rises, it doesn't go backward but instead follows
its path in one direction. It may appear to stand still for a moment in time,
or to move more slowly at some point or another, but really it is steadily moving
forward on its path. We are the same way, and once we have moved through
something we can never really go back. We may be resting or revisiting issues
that seem old, and it's natural to feel stuck, but in truth we are always
taking the next important step forward on our path.
