The main goal of every individual on Earth should be spiritual growth. But how do we know if we are, in fact, growing spiritually and what does spiritual growth even mean? Your level of consciousness is an indicator of growth. David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D., presents a “Map of Consciousness” in his book Power vs. Force, which illustrates the progression of consciousness through the evolution of humanity.
Using the techniques of applied kinesiology on thousands of subject with millions of data points, he was able to establish a field of attractor patterns starting with weak patterns at the lower end of the spectrum and progressing to extremely powerful attractor patterns at the upper range. These he then calibrated from 1-1000 into his “Map of Consciousness” to correlate the position of any human event, process or condition into the spectrum of consciousness. What allows us to progress up the ladder of consciousness?
Perception is the key to consciousness. How we perceive ourselves, others, the world and events in our lives determines our perception. In short, our reality is a product of our level of consciousness. So to shift our level of consciousness, we must first shift our reality!
It is safe to say that no two people in the world perceive everything in exactly the same way. Each builds his or her “web of beliefs” on learned and self-generated assumptions. Everything you hold to be true is supported by other things you hold to be true. This chain of reasoning is always based upon assumptions. You no longer question something you consider “true”. Conflicting concepts force you to review your existing belief system. You can accommodate new information if there is not substantial conflict. If the conflict is too painful, you reject the new information. Conflicting ideas generally cause some discomfort.
At the core of each person’s reality is his or her awareness of self. Surrounding that, are your “a priori” assumptions that form the basis for everything else. These beliefs are so deep and fundamental that you rarely question them. To question them is too painful. It would mean that you would then question everything you believe, because these fundamental concepts are the foundation of your world. But, it is exactly in these areas that deep energy blockage occurs!
Examine the fundamental concept of self. Where some people identify self with a physical body, others maintain you are an eternal soul. Some believe you are born as a lowly sinner and will always remain so unless you accept their version of the “truth”. Others believe in a long journey of progressive lifetimes, where the self can develop and unfold into the infinite. Your image of self can vary between low and despicable to high and pure. You have no empirical basis for either assumption. What you believe determines how you perceive your life.
Spiritual growth is a force within you. It is the knowledge of your perfection and divinity. The only thing standing in the way is what you have created. Everyone is doing the best that they can do. To grow spiritually is the awareness that everything is spiritual. This awareness may presently only be a dawning in your mind, but later, it becomes a certainty. Reality is much more than your five senses reveal. You can also interact with reality on other levels of awareness. Losing all fear of the afterlife and of death, you will feel as comfortable as you do in the world created by your senses. Love becomes your operating principle when fear no longer dictates your choices.
Scott
