Embracing Growth: Understanding Its Natural Timing
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Growth
Growth is a process that unfolds at its own pace; it cannot be hurried or delayed. When the right moment arrives, transformation occurs naturally.
Image by RÜ?TÜ BOZKU? from Pixabay
We all have aspirations and plans for our lives. However, certain dreams require extensive time to materialize. Long-term goals such as completing education, finding a soulmate, or securing the ideal job often take years to realize.
Not every aspiration will reach fruition. Along our journey, some dreams may evolve or even be set aside. This shift isn't inherently negative; as we gain knowledge and experience, we evolve — we grow. Growth often necessitates letting go of what no longer aligns with our desires.
Sometimes, we come to understand that we’d prefer to invest our energy elsewhere. Other times, we discover that what we once yearned for no longer resonates with us.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with John Mark Comer explores the urgency in our lives and how to find a deeper, more meaningful pace of living.
Section 1.1: The Nature of Change
Change can occur at various speeds. Reflect on your thoughts and actions six months ago. Personally, I found myself contemplating the fate of two decades' worth of journals. I was considering compiling notes that could offer others a glimpse into my past.
Half a year ago, I was unaware of the existence of platforms like Medium, or the abundance of experiences that awaited me. Those six months were transformative, filled with significant growth.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Feeling of Being Stuck
At times, it may feel as though we are in a rut. We might experience a sense of stagnation, trapped in a monotonous routine, hoping for a change without clarity on what that change should be.
For years, I felt similarly, trapped in an unfulfilling job, yearning for an escape without a clear direction on what to pursue next.
As Iyanla Vanzant states in Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through, sometimes life holds us back until we confront our necessary actions.
Perhaps I needed to build momentum before I could progress? Or maybe I had to redefine my perception of failure before I could move forward? When change finally arrived, it was overwhelming yet enlightening, and I emerged stronger.
Section 1.2: Shifting Perspectives
Now, when I encounter moments of stagnation, I consciously adopt a different viewpoint. I remind myself that these feelings are temporary and will eventually pass.
I view this time as an opportunity to gather strength and the resources necessary for my next adventure. I experiment with new ideas, discovering what resonates and what doesn't. Thus, moments of feeling stuck transform into invaluable learning experiences.
Spiritual growth often mirrors this ebb and flow. There are times when progress feels elusive, and meditation seems fruitless. But then, unexpectedly, a moment of clarity emerges, illuminating everything.
As an old Buddhist saying goes, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." During these moments, it feels as though we are on the right track, and everything aligns.
But growth may come at a cost — we might lose friendships or the careers we thought defined us. Yet, we recognize that such change is unstoppable and, in truth, desired.
Cory Asbury - These Are The Days (Official Lyric Video) captures the essence of cherishing the present and the beauty of life's fleeting moments.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey
In the turmoil of feeling stuck, we may find ourselves pondering, “Do I truly understand life?” And in fleeting moments of clarity, we realize the vastness of life’s mysteries.
This uncertainty is what renders life so beautiful and rich with possibility.