Or at least years from now.
Spiritual transformation happens slowly, and then all of a sudden. We might walk the path of spirituality for years before experiencing an out-of-nowhere change.
I have participated in many spiritual groups – book reading groups, meditation groups, “A Course in Miracles” groups. Many of my fellow members have been unsure of their spirituality. They learn the vocabulary but they don’t experience a personal change or a spiritual breakthrough. I watch people work at it for years, sincerely, and still they experience no discernable transformation. Things in their lives may improve slightly, but there is no dramatic psychic change.
Transformation makes its own plans and moves at its own speed. If the student is patient and determined, the transformation will occur and life will change — dramatically. It may come gradually with a glow or a hum. Or it may come suddenly in an instant when the very fabric of reality changes, and in the distance, you begin to hear voices singing.
When my children were young, we would catch tadpoles and bring them home to watch their transformation. They changed slowly. First a couple small stubs for back legs appeared. Those legs would slowly grow larger. Later, the front legs would appear. Even when the tadpole had four tiny legs, it still used its strong tail for swimming. But gradually the tail was absorbed by the body. Then one day, with its tail nearly gone, the frog would crawl out of the water and onto land.
The gradual transformation suddenly produced a new creature. The tiny frog would sit on the shore in its new skin, with their new lungs pumping air, and it wouldn’t move. This little creature seemed stunned by the sudden change. After a day or two, the frog would begin to crawl around in search of insects, its new nourishment.
Spiritual transformation is similar. We develop slowly, gaining metaphysical arms and legs so we can function as transformed creatures. But our lives may seem essentially the same for years. Then suddenly, we become the new creature, breathing new air with young new lungs. Seemingly out of nowhere, we are on to a new life, seeking new nourishment.
Spiritual evolution takes years. During those years, growth can seem so slow it’s imperceptible. But change does occur, and one day, we suddenly realize we are a new creature stepping into a new world.
Spiritual Awakening 
I really liked this article! For me though, the spiritual journey has been more about….hmmm..what kind I say, I knew I was spiritual when I was just a little girl, I had this vibrant connection with everything that I did not quite understand. I seem to feel things that other people did not, I was extremely sensitive and could pick up on any vibrations. But my family and even community had no acceptance for this, so I learned to not express my spirituality out loud, I turned to nature instead. It took me many years to accept this spirituality as something wonderful and special. And I think that was kind of my transformation, finding courage to express my spirituality and not hide it away. I still struggle with people thinking I’m weird and they often take my sensitivity as sign of weakness, even in my own family, but now I feel that it is they who are wrong and not me 🙂 Thank you for this article 🙂
That’s a good story, Line. Good that you came to your realization. The years of misunderstanding must have been very painful.
It is difficult to feel like you are not fitting in, that people are not appreciating you or seeing you for who you are. I did find it confusing and lonely, but thank god I never “gave up” myself and changed, to conform to, and please others 🙂 I am quite proud of that 🙂 That is one thing I love about living in India, here people admire you for your spirituality 🙂 That is a whole new world for me 🙂
A friend of mine is contemplating moving to India for that very reason — that a spiritual life is more accepted. What you said about your youth was beautiful, though it must have been very rough.
Yes in India it is easier to be accepted as a spiritual person, but it is tough as well, specially if you are a girl, it is not particularly safe for girls here, and no matter what you do you will always be the foreigner, specially if you have blond hair and fair skin. So for me, it is mixed, I miss the part of Norway I have always loved : the stunning nature, I miss it immensely! So I guess I will always have one foot in each country. But I think that is okay. If your friend is a guy, and if he is little tough as well as being spiritual then he will enjoy India! If it is a girl then she must at least be quite independent and tough as well. I am not tough, so I struggle with that here.
Thanks for your story. My friend is originally from Afghanistan, so he’s from a rougher neighborhood than most of India. He has traveled to India in the past for spiritual connections, and he followed an Indian guru in Afghanistan when he was young. I would miss him if he left, but if that’s where he’s called. . .
Oh, okay, then he will be fine of course. Well, anyway my advice was not necessary, but maybe someone else who contemplates going to India will read it 🙂
Did you choose to go to India specifically to pursue spirituality?
Well no, initially it was social work that brought me here. I traveled to India for the first time when I was 17 to meet my two sponsored children. Then kept coming back to do social work. But it was love that made me move here 🙂
I enjoy your words,uplifting and real seem to be the feeling I get. Thanx!
Thanks much. I’m really enjoying your blog.
That’s cool as we give pleasure to each other, I never thought of it that way, people enjoying my blog , I like that.
Ah, love. What a powerful force. Staggering.
Many of us are deeply spiritual and simply don’t realize it. It’s the realization that comes suddenly, after a long path of avoidance, distraction, or denial.
Excellent comment, ViewPacific. Very true.
Sometimes perceptions of what is spiritual causes a lot of frustrations. A good friend of mine always reminds me, ‘it’s a process, not an event.’
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like your blog as well and am looking forward to reading more!
Good point, Cburns. Thanks for commenting. I look forward to spending time with your blog.
Lovely analogy… I meet many who think the transformation should be instant .. as soon as you start trying. In some ways it is, as you are already changing and it is inevitable… eventually! But it can be a long, slow process.
I agree, Sue, it is inevitable. Thanks for the comment.
I have been a Spiritual Seeker for all my 67 years. I have learned that there really is no such thing as “Done, I have reached the peak of who I am!” . I/you are a work in progress until you give back the Breathe you borrow from the Universe. Insights come and insights go. They are still not enlightenment. They are simply glimpses of that perfection.
Do not fall into the trap of marking your progress by Human measurements. Your real transformation is measured by an infinite scale of the Creator Universe. You are exactly where you are meant to be. Be still. Be aware. Enjoy this wonderful journey of self-awareness right here, right now!
Beautiful response. Thanks Barb.