To journey is to discover. We discover by entering ever more deeply into the world of the spirit, the world of the unseen, the unknown, the hidden. As we enter there, we become different people, and we learn to walk the path of life with different attitudes and eyes. This is how one advances in the spiritual life.
Some writers of spirituality speak of this journey as though we were climbing a ladder. Each rung represents a different stage, a higher one. But this view of the spiritual life tends to stigmatize. Stages means some are higher and some are at the bottom. And we all know how Jesus felt about that.
The spiritual life is different. Though there is a gradual development, a learning curve, it is more of an awakening to presence. We desire and search, and gradually the mist burns away because a fire has been lit from within. We are not so much ascending to a higher level as we are deepening our understanding of things we've always had, but not appreciated. So our vision becomes a bit clearer and our understanding broader. We find we continue with the same practices, we just understand them differently.
According to the Abbas and Ammas of the desert, the journey is all about transformation. In some sense, we remain always beginners, because we awaken continually to new understandings and visions. It involves finding that "new" element in our spirituality, that bit of heaven tucked into our heart and soul, a new understanding that is given to us alone, one we can share with others or keep to ourselves.
So put aside those books that would assign steps to your journey. Seek newness of life in each day, the knowledge to see what you already have in a better light. If you do, you will understand the words of Revelation: "Behold, I make all things new" (21:4).
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