In the previous post we briefly explored the concept of Spirituality. Just as there is no single definition for spirituality, there is no single model to explain the stages of spiritual evolution. Different religions, spiritual teachers and philosophers all have different models for spiritual growth. The model shared here is one which resonates strongly with me and has greatly influenced my personal spiritual journey – Michael Beckwith’s 4 Stages of Spiritual Growth and Development. Michael Beckwith is the founder of the Agape International Spiritual Centre and also a world renowned author and speaker. He is well known for being featured in the popular Law of Attraction book – The Secret.

In this model, Michael talks about the 4 stages of personal development of the individual as well as the shifts in consciousness at each level.  He shows us how our perceived experiences of life and spiritual growth are closely interconnected. As we grow spiritually, our perceptions about our life and its experiences correspondingly changes. Let us look at these four stages briefly.

Stage 1 – To Me (Victim Consciousness)

This is the early stage of awareness where we feel that life is “happening to us”. This is also referred to as the “Victim Consciousness” since in this stage we feel that we are at the receiving end of challenges posed by people and circumstances. We tend to not take responsibility for what is happening in our lives but instead blame others or external factors for the difficulties and suffering faced. Not taking responsibility in most cases happens because we lack the awareness that we are responsible for everything we experience. It is only when we eventually get tired of the suffering and pain that we start being open to exploring the idea of changing our beliefs and perspectives in the hope of finding peace and happiness. This beginning of spiritual growth is marked by a willingness to discard old limiting ideas about ourselves and our relationship with the world and to take responsibility. To put it very simply yet bluntly, we must drop the blame game to move ahead.

Stage 2 – By Me (Manifestation Consciousness)

In this stage we learn to take responsibility for our circumstances and experiences. When we stop blaming others, we open up infinite opportunities to make our life better. We begin to tap into our inner resources and potential and in the process, discover that we have the power to create what we desire. This is a powerful stage of the growth process for it is here that we realize that we co-create our reality with the Universe through the power of focussed thought and action. Challenges and difficulties only help us dig deeper into our infinite resources and we discover that we are far more capable than we realized. We become the architects of our happiness and personal achievements. Life is not longer “To Me”, but it is now “By Me”.

Stage 3 – Through Me (Channelling Consciousness)

Having recognised our ability to create what we desire, this stage is signified by a shift from personal significance to feeling a sense of humility about being a part of something greater than ourselves. We become increasingly aware of the infinite consciousness– of something much grander and more powerful than all that we have experienced so far. While the second stage was all about taking control and manifesting what we desired, in this stage we surrender to the greater Universal consciousness and allow the manifestation to flow through us. This is a big shift since it calls for relinquishing control and to be guided. We simply become an instrument through which the greater consciousness expresses itself. This is a rather intense phase which challenges us at different levels including emotionally, mentally and spiritually because we are so conditioned to always be in control. The key here is to “surrender and go with the flow” and to trust the Universe.

Stage 4 – As Me (Being Consciousness)

In this stage, we feel the separation between us and the world dissolving. There is a profound sense of oneness with all there is. We are one with life. We no longer blame others or circumstances. We no longer desire to create and manifest. And we cease thinking that that there is some greater power outside us guiding us and manifesting through us. We realize that this same greater power, the universal consciousness – is within us as well. That life and everything within it is an expression of us; and that we are expressions of the Absolute Truth. We are one with everything and everything is one with us. 

If all this sounds too profound and daunting – remember, spiritual growth is not a 4 semester course we signed up for – this happens over time (several lifetimes perhaps) and is a gradual process which requires conscious and consistent effort. The first step here is being aware of where you are in this journey and how you wish to grow and evolve. And while it is quite normal for us to slip occasionally, it is very important to pick ourselves up and continue moving forward. This is a journey which is personally customized for everyone – one size does not fit all. It need not necessarily mean being aligned to organized religion or subscribing to specific religious beliefs or practices. Spirituality is an inward journey to seek the answers that are already within us. All we need to do is start asking questions and look within.

So where do you see yourself in this growth process? What do you need to let go of or work on to move forward? Do share your thoughts in the comments section or feel free to email us at connect@purplenirvana.in . If you feel stuck in your spiritual journey and need clarity, call us on +91 9620543691 to schedule a free 20 minutes session.

Love and light