First steps in spiritual development

[kristenlc]

Originally Posted by wolfgaze

My spiritual growth unfolded over a period of about 8 years as a result of my engaging in deep introspection as well as serious contemplation about the implications of a non-physical (spiritual) existence. The primary catalyst for me taking this path was the 'death' of a close family member. That life experience caused me to embark on a journey of 'seeking', questioning, exploring, challenging, etc... I did read some texts at times which stimulated my mind and encouraged my contemplation, but all of the heavy lifting (inner work) was done within. I never engaged in any praying, formal meditation practices, yoga, nor associated myself with any organized religion. During a 5 year span of that 8 year period, I experienced physiological, mental/emotional, and spiritual 'changes' within - which was unexpected and not anticipated in advance. When this internal process of 'awakening' culminated for me, my state of being (and state of Awareness) had been profoundly transformed by this life experience.

What I'm trying to say here is that your intuition will guide you as to what path you will take during your life journey. It's not something that you have to over-think or to try to force to happen. You also don't have to try to conform to what society deems accepted 'spiritual practices' - you know? You blaze your own path. Certain life experiences will unfold around us during our life journey which afford us opportunities for growth and which help push us along the way - as long as we are open to change. My advice is to keep things simple. Less is more. You can set the overall intention to really explore yourself (via introspection), to question the nature of this physical reality we are experiencing, and to work on letting go of limiting beliefs and old ways of thinking which no longer serve you. You will find your way. Just having the desire to grow and experience 'more' is extremely important and a prerequisite to experiencing significant spiritual growth - so I think it's great that you are even asking this question. : )

Thank you for your detailed reply.
I think based on what you are saying I need to just focus on my intution. A psychic told me I am very psychic myself and will develop this later in life. They also told me messages are trying to be sent to me but my mind is blocked so they are not coming through.. whats the first step in even being able to listen to these messages? I know I need to listen to the signs and messages but I can't because my mind is blocking it out. What can I do that can help with that in particular?

[wolfgaze]

Originally Posted by kristenlc

Thank you for your detailed reply.

No problem, Kristen....

Originally Posted by kristenlc

I think based on what you are saying I need to just focus on my intution. A psychic told me I am very psychic myself and will develop this later in life. They also told me messages are trying to be sent to me but my mind is blocked so they are not coming through.. whats the first step in even being able to listen to these messages? I know I need to listen to the signs and messages but I can't because my mind is blocking it out. What can I do that can help with that in particular?

I know of an author that I really like and respect. She is considered one of the founders/pioneers in the field of Transpersonal Psychology. While I did not read this particular text from her, I know that she authored this book about intuition. It's called 'Awakening Intuition' (Frances Vaughan).
http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Intu...ning+intuition

Maybe it's worth exploring?

~WOLF

Originally Posted by kristenlc

Hello,

When I was younger I felt very spiritual. At about age 11 I would feel things around me and look behind me but not see anything. I would also hear noises in my house and I was very interested in crystals etc. I spoke with someone in my head in times of need I believed to be my spirit guide. After a couple of years this is all stopped. Perhaps it was because I became very fearful. I haven't had any experiences like this since I was about 16 which was 9 years ago.

I recently saw a psychic that told me I was actually very psychic with good intuition and would develop this later in life. I also have the potential to 'feel things' and be good at healing. I feel completely lost though as I don't feel this way at all anymore. I am interested in becoming more spiritual but I am unsure of taking the first steps. However I am worrier about seeing things like ghosts and don't want to experience it. Doed anyone have any advice? Thanks

Advice is always going to be somewhat subjective but I would always advise that there is no need to be worried. The old cliché: "The only thing to fear is fear itself" springs to mind but that is most likely true. As always, I personally would recommend meditation type activities.

I tend to like like Yogic perspectives but some people find them too odd. Yoga is about practicality rather than mysticism (depending on who you talk to). The reason why I say "don't worry" is because of the deep sense of connection I obtain through passive (or active) meditation. It is enlightening if it is done as recommended by certain people. What I am saying is: because of meditation, I do not worry. I feel a sense of unity with, what some people would call "God," but what I (and many others) usually refer to as universal consciousness. Strangely I am actually agnostic - but it does not really matter.

I pretty much say the same type of thing to people. Why? Because it works for me; it may work for you. Even if you engage in the most simplistic forms of Yoga it may help. I prefer simple and practical rather than mystical. If, however, you do engage in meditation (passive or active) you may find that certain things referred to as mystical (like certain forms of intuition) may become more pronounced.

[Nameless]

Everyone is one their own spiritual journey - as stated above very eloquently :)

Everyone has their own catalyists to getting on with their journey.

If you are interested enough to ask, I would suggest you will get your answer. Without the question, there can be no answer.

And there is no end to this journey, it is an evolving thing. My advice would be "don't overthink it", just flow with what feels right to you at the moment.

if you don't want to play with ghosts, then set that as your intention.

Spirit guides are different than ghosts.

People channel spirit guides, angels, etc etc. Just allow that you can reach up a big higher in the spiritual realm and then you won't find ghosts!

If you are one that sees ghosts, you can ask not to see them anymore. It really is that simple.

Have fun with it!

I started with Sylvia Browne, many years ago. I feel in love with her gravely voice. Now, she was one that interacted with ghosts, but she usually didn't write much about that, she wrote about her connection to her spirit guide. She wrote a lovely book, I think it was called The Other Side and Back. Her viewpoint of the Other Side. Quite fascinating and made me feel really good.

[Mystic Mark]

Meditation is a safe idea to start with, but the way I suggest that you do it is sit on your knees, using a couple of pillows to sit on (from behind) so that the circulation isn't cut off to your knees. Don't be surprised if your mind try's to tell you can't meditate in that position and that it would be easier to meditate in the seated position. If you can't meditate, just sit there for a while. Then you can try meditating in the seated position the next time. That will help to give you some type of better feel for the two types of energies experienced in each idea.