Human spiritual evolution occurs in seven stages: an overview stage followed by six developmental stages.

Overview

In the beginning, the blueprint of the six-part evolutionary sequence to come is mapped out. What will be brought forward into consciousness? On what level of experience will this happen (individual, group soul, national, race, global)? How will the tasks be fulfilled and the learning accomplished?

Stage 1 – Definition & Laws

The environment where the growth will occur is defined and prepared. Structures, guidelines and laws of all types (physical, moral, social, etc.) are established, taught and integrated to support: a) healthy functioning in that environment; and b) the specific growth objectives ahead.

Stage 2 – Stirrings

Consciousness expands as an understanding that previously was dormant and unrecognized begins to percolate up to the surface. A tension arises between the impulses of these new, inner stirrings – experienced as a drive for greater authenticity, expression or freedoms – and the grip of the established order (the familial and societal “shoulds”) set up in Stage 1.

Stage 3 – Declaration

The tension felt in Stage 2 breaks through. A “stand” of some kind is taken and the new, imperative way of being is declared openly to the world. This “stand” can be a statement, an action, an admission, an assertion, a revolt. In effect it says, “This is how it must be, now.” The declaration is made knowing full well that there may be some backlash from those ever-present, resistant forces of the status quo.

Stage 4 – Repercussions

The declaration of Stage 3 has its effect. The breakthrough to authenticity and greater freedoms yield feelings of relief, satisfaction, even thrills of hard won accomplishment. But there is also backlash. In meeting the anticipated – and, unfortunately, even some unanticipated – consequences, the emotional commitment to the new way of being is tested. Er, how much did you really want this change?

Stage 5 – Purification

It’s one thing to want something. It’s quite another thing to do the hard work to make it happen. The next stage brings this new way of being into form, step by painstaking step – but not always as it was originally conceived. If selfishness or ego motivated the original pursuit, it won’t necessarily fly. Just as fine metals are purified by subjecting them to enormous heat to burn away any impurities, in this stage, too, anything that is inconsistent with the highest expression of the enterprise is ground down. It’s not always a comfortable process, as there are often elements of oppression and surrender involved. But in the purification process, the entire endeavor is transformed into something greater.

Stage 6 – Being / Peace

Ironically, thanks to the hard work, oppression and surrender of Stage 5, new wisdom, perspective and openness are now available. Detachment and serenity now exist where previously there had been attachment, agendas, even arrogance. You are at one with, and a pure agent of, Something Greater. In congruent union, you exist in peace…  and possibly conceive of something new to be brought forth to humanity. This newly conceived idea becomes the “Overview” stage of the next repeated six-stage cycle.

Now let’s see how these same, recurring stages play out on different levels of human experience.

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