One of the primary goals of our spiritual development is to become whole and integrated individuals. That is, we cannot develop certain parts of our being at the expense of other parts. We've got to remember this.
Many people become engaged in an adventure of self-transcendence having in mind just one aspect of their lives. Some persons are interested in spiritual development, others - in mental development. Some persons seek for healing of their emotions, others – for physical fitness. Also, there are many others who seem to be concerned only about their financial success.
However, if people don't stop searching at a certain point, they make an amazing discovery: all the areas of their lives are interconnected. The same laws which contribute to their development in one area, affect their development in other areas as well. Knowing this and remembering that integrated life is our goal, we may embark on our adventure of self-transcendence at any point. There are no reasons to be dogmatic and narrow-minded about the ways how our adventure should look like. After all, it is an adventure, and it has a certain element of surprise!
Some people started their journey with a desire to get more money, and it ultimately brought them to the realization of spiritual principles behind financial prosperity. With others, it happened vice versa – they wanted God above all worldly possessions, but it became revealed to them that God's love manifests as abundance of all good things. Some people were looking for healing, they've got an insight that the key is dissolving of unhealthy mental patterns. Others had to let go resentments and deep-seated anger in order to get well.
Where should we begin our way toward greater wholeness? First of all, let us learn to appreciate all the aspects of our being. Love and appreciation create an atmosphere of growth and transformation. Without them we won't get anywhere, no matter how hard we try to "work at ourselves".
"But I dislike so many things about myself", some people say. It does not matter at all. When we start loving ourselves unconditionally, the way we are, we gradually transcend that which we don't like.
Love and appreciate your body - your physical appearance, your health condition, your sexuality, your unique features, and so on.
Love and appreciate your emotions - your ability to be loving and compassionate, to be happy and excited, to be peaceful and joyful. Appreciate even your ability to be sad, for sadness sometimes has its healing aspect.
Love and appreciate your mind - your ability to think and to understand, to explore and to invent. Appreciate even your ability to doubt, because critical thinking is often instrumental in letting go of your illusions for the sake of the truth.
Love and appreciate your spiritual nature - your deepest and yet untapped potential. Appreciate your ability to see your connection to the Greater Whole and to act upon that vision, you ability to find meaning of your life and to live meaningfully. Appreciate your inherent oneness with the Ground of all Being.
Love will prompt you to action and charge you with enthusiasm, so all the consequent changes will come to you naturally. At the physical level, you will exercise more than ever before. You will choose food which is healthier for you. As the result, you will become more energetic and strong.
At the emotional level, you will become more open and honest about your feelings and desires. At the mental level, you will feed your mind with stimulating materials, and at the same time you will become engaged in creative expression. At the spiritual level, you will give enough time to such practices as prayer, meditation, and realization. It will release the flow of the universal energy in you and through you – in harmonious ways. This energy will empower your self-transcendence.
