The 4 Cardinal Steps to Spiritual Growth

How do we begin growing spiritually after experiencing a cardinal loss? In a world defined by power, money, and influence, spiritual growth is a formidable task. The concepts of "self-worth” and "self-meaning” for many of us tend be overlooked or postponed until we are confronted with a major loss in our lives. All major life losses are “cardinal” losses, and it may not be until after such a loss that we begin to seriously examine the true meaning of life and seek to find a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives.

If you have experienced a cardinal loss in your life, be it the death of a loved one, a job, a home or a relationship, the following 4 Cardinal Steps can help to you move though the grieving process and help you to begin growing spiritually.

Cardinal Step 1 – Looking Inward

In order to begin growing spiritually, we must first begin looking inward. We need to examine and reflect upon our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions. We must begin examining our experiences, the decisions we make, the relationships we have, and the things we engage in. Looking inward provides insight to our purpose in life. It can also reveal the positive traits we should focus upon and uphold, as well as the negative traits we should transform and release.

Cardinal Step 2 – Developing Potentials

In order to begin growing spiritually, we must begin developing our potentials. Our body’s needs may be recognized; they are however often considered secondary to the needs of the spirit. Understanding, beliefs, values, morality, experiences, and good works provide the outline to make sure the growth of our spiritual being endures. After fulfilling our basic physiological and emotional essentials, we can begin opening our transcendental qualities.

Cardinal Step 3 – Seeking Life Meaning

In order to begin growing spiritually, we must begin seeking meaning. Whether we think that life consequences are pre-determined or self-directed, in order to grow in spirit, it is important that we come to terms with the fact that we do not simply exist. While we may not comprehend the meaning of our lives at the time of our birth; we do gain knowledge and wisdom from our connections with people and from our actions and reactions to the conditions of our daily lives. Every life has a purpose, and it is this purpose that puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use. It is our life purpose that sustains us through the cardinal challenges in our lives; and gives us something to look forward to --- a goal to achieve, a destination to reach.

Cardinal Step 4 – Finding our Connection

In order to begin growing spiritually, we must begin to recognize our interconnections. Recognizing our connection to all things leads us to a modest and respectful acceptance of humans, animals, plants, birds, and all aspects of nature. It helps us to value all that is around us, and it is this cardinal value that ultimately leads us to move beyond our comfort zone and reach out to other people, to share and become respectful stewards of all that is around us.

                                                 Cardinal Cheers & Blessings,

                                                    Jeanne Marie Antoinette

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