December 22--'Round and 'Round

Experiencing an old pattern of thinking or behaving doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve regressed. It could mean we are finally ready to face our old ways at a new depth, with all the strength and wisdom we gained from the journey. The spiritual path is not a straight line. It is not a circle, either. It is an upward spiral of becoming and transcending.  --Michael Gott

    This idea is a common one within the 12-Step programs. We think we have given up a character defect then it returns, sometimes with a vengeance. We are different each time we re-visit an old pattern or defect, and therefore, hopefully better able to deal with it.

    In Bali earlier this year, the spiritual healer told me that I make a big deal out of everything. At the time, that made me really angry, because she was right, and I didn't realize then how "right on" she was. Since then I have experienced this pattern many times. I'm learning to ask myself if I'm bringing too much drama to this situation. The answer is often "yes." Recognizing my tendency for this pattern now enables me to stop, examine my initial reaction, and release the over-angst.  

    One must keep moving up the spiral.

        Leta

"Spiral" by Eduardo Rodriguez Calzado