Can a relationship stunt spiritual growth?

[sarek]

My previous relationship, only recently ended, has been an essential part of my development(soulmate/karmic involvements/learning lessons necessary for my TF relationship).
However, having said that, I do feel that I did hang on to it for too long and its as if the universe in the form of several simultaneously appearing people and 3D as well as 4D events, sprang out from all directions at once to detach me from it.

Originally Posted by Starbuck

I've been in a relationship for a few months. It's going well, not overly passionate or anything, but we love and respect each other. I'm content. He doesn't believe in what I do but has what I call spiritual values.

The issue is that I keep having dreams that suggest I'm not paying enough attention to my spiritual side. Last night for example I dreamed I was on a boat trying to see a beautiful sunrise, but a big heavy curtain kept closing in front of the window. I have had many dreams of a very similar nature. I'm also dreaming about cigarettes, which suggest bad habits.

I have to admit I haven't been meditating so much or following the lessons in ACIM as I was before I started the relationship.

Since I haven't consciously been thinking I'm neglecting my spiritual growth I'm concerned that the dreams are suggesting I am. And if so, does this mean I should be on my own?

Has anyone else found a relationship has stunted their growth, or been led to believe it may be?

Hi Starbuck! Yes! A new relationship especially has, I wouldn't say stunted, more like distracted me for a time from my spiritual practice. That's pretty normal, I'd say - new relationships are always exciting and often command most (if not all) of our attention.

The good news is, you are aware of it! You are asking good questions, and you are having some pretty indicative dreams (when I read about the boat and heavy curtain, I went "whoaaa" out loud.)

When I noticed I was out of balance - and that's all this is, a balancing act of where we divvy out our attention - I pulled myself back onto my attention to my spiritual connections. But I waited until more serious signals came - depression, emptiness, suicidal thoughts ... yeah, I needed a few good knocks over the head before I went "huh? Oh yeah, spirit!" that's how I roll - push it right to the edge

So now you know ... you are paying attention. And I'm sure you know what to do next! Fine tune that balancing act!