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's 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.
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