by Stephanie Bucklin
Spiritual growth is not a destination but a deeply transformative journey—a process of peeling back the layers of who we think we are to discover the truth of who we’ve always been. It’s a dance between embracing our light and healing the shadows that obscure it. This journey often requires a willingness to confront our traumas, examine our beliefs, and embody the wisdom we uncover along the way.
Confronting the Shadows
Growth begins when we stop running from our pain. For many, this means facing unresolved emotions, old wounds, and the patterns shaped by trauma. As Carl Jung once wrote, “One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.” Shadow work—embracing the parts of ourselves we’ve rejected—is a cornerstone of authentic spiritual development.
In my own journey, healing my darkness required confronting deep emotional pain. I had to walk through fire, peeling back the layers of unworthiness, misunderstanding, and disassociation that had kept me stuck. By looking at my experiences with compassion and grace, I began to transform old wounds into powerful lessons. The shadow persisted until I was ready to embrace my light, and through this process, I emerged like a Phoenix—renewed, empowered, and free.
The Trap of Spiritual Bypassing
While the spiritual path offers profound opportunities for growth, it also comes with challenges. One of these is the temptation to use spiritual practices to avoid pain rather than address it, a phenomenon known as spiritual bypassing. This occurs when we sidestep uncomfortable emotions or unresolved issues by clinging to positivity or idealized notions of enlightenment.
For example, insisting on “good vibes only” can invalidate genuine feelings like sadness or anger, leaving our wounds untouched beneath the surface. True healing requires us to feel and process our emotions, not suppress them. As I’ve learned, balance is found when we acknowledge the full spectrum of our humanity—our light and our shadow—and work to integrate them both.
Letting Go of the Spiritual Ego
Another challenge on the path is the spiritual ego, which arises when we use spirituality as a means to feel superior or special. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we’re more enlightened or evolved than others, especially when we’ve dedicated years to spiritual study or practice.
But genuine spiritual growth is rooted in humility. It’s not about proving our enlightenment but living it through kindness, compassion, and authenticity. I’ve come to understand that my long-term studies in Ashtanga Yoga, Buddhism, and the Akashic Records have gifted me with wisdom—not to elevate myself above others, but to share and serve from a place of gratitude.
The Practices That Ground Us
Spiritual growth isn’t just about profound insights; it’s about embodiment—integrating what we’ve learned into our daily lives. It’s about showing up authentically, practicing mindfulness, and navigating relationships with grace. For me, this includes:
- Daily Reflection: Journaling, writing, and contemplation help me stay connected to my inner truth.
- Healthy Living: A nutritious diet, daily somatic movement, and positive influences nourish my body and mind.
- Kindness and Forgiveness: Practicing these virtues helps me navigate challenges and maintain harmony in relationships.
- Breathing and Presence: Deep breathing and mindfulness practices help me stay grounded, even when my ego flares.
Awakening to Balance
At its core, spiritual growth is about balance. It’s about walking the middle path—not clinging to positivity nor dwelling in negativity but embracing the ebb and flow of life with gratitude. Each day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and embody the lessons the universe offers.
As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that authenticity is a process of continual self-discovery. Like peeling an onion, I uncover new truths about myself, shedding old layers and stepping into greater alignment with who I am.
In the end, spiritual growth is not about perfection or achieving some idealized state of being. It’s about being real, present, and open to the ever-unfolding journey of becoming the best version of ourselves.
“The path isn’t about becoming someone better; it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t truly you.”
–Paulo Coelho, “The Alchemist”
Through humility, self-awareness, and gratitude, I walk this path with the hope of inspiring others to do the same. Together, we can embrace the light and shadow within us all, finding healing, wisdom, and wholeness along the way.
Namaste,
~S
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