The Truth About Spiritual Growth: Why Ups and Downs Are Essential
What Does Spiritual Growth look like?
So many people expect their spiritual growth to be a straight upward climb, like a rocket going straight to the sky. But in reality, the process is more like a stock market chart: up, down, sideways, and then up again. The key is understanding that both the highs and the lows are not just normal—they are necessary!
The Natural Rhythm of Growth
Spiritual growth doesn’t move in a straight line. Just like a stock chart, it rises and falls but always with an upward trajectory over time if you are spiritually healthy. When you’re “up,” it feels like you are moving in your purpose, taking action, and feeling expansive. When you’re “down,” it doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you are uncovering deeper layers of healing, often returning to an old wound to release the next layer; or you feel like you’re going nowhere.
You’re not stuck. When a plant grows it pays attention to the seasons to decide on its growth cycles. Spring is for radical growth and renewal, because that is what nature is supporting. Summer is the time when plants hit their stride; They bloom, they continue to grow and flourish. When fall comes they start to wind down and prepare for winter where they rest in dormancy - no growth is happening why? Nature is supporting rest. The plant doesn’t go into full panic mode wondering what wrong, it goes with flow of nature and knows that every part of the cycle is necessary for its survival.
The “downs” that you experience are a healthy part of your growth cycle. Like any healthy plant, each cycle you experience builds upon the last. After a few years you will notice you are not the same person you were previously. The process is incrementally moving you higher and higher on the ladder of consciousness.
Integration Is the Secret Ingredient
After every major shift or healing, your body, emotions, and mind need time to rest rewire and reset. This is called integration. Without it, growth becomes overwhelming and it will stop if you are not in rhythm with the spiritual season. Integration requires Sleep, nature, water, quiet reflection, the care and the guidance of your ancestors are powerful allies during this and all other phases.
Consciousness, Not Hard Work
Spiritual growth is being aware of where you are, and allowing the guidance to come so you can take right-action towards whats next. “work ethic” is a common belief that comes from the false reality you’ve just woken up from. Hard work is needed a small percentage of the time but do not allow it to creep into your spiritual practice at center stage. True growth happens through consciousness and through awareness. The more aware you become, the more space you create to hold higher levels of consciousness. Expansion flows from awareness.
Relationships and Environment
As your consciousness rises, not everyone around you will match your frequency. Some relationships exist solely to keep your vibration stagnant. It’s hard to accept, but sometimes the most loving act is to release those connections. Conversely, nature, animals, and even the elements themselves respond to higher consciousness, offering signs, synchronicities, and support.
The Communicator’s Role
When you expand, you may find it harder to communicate with those not walking the same path. That’s normal. Sometimes you need to “climb down the ladder” to meet others where they are—not to dim your light, but to create understanding. Just don’t do it from people-pleasing or bending you spiritual dignity. Do it from love and connection and only for those who are worthy of your time and presence.
If you’re in a “down” right now, take heart: it’s not failure, it’s a part of the process. Pause, rest, and ask your higher self and ancestors for guidance. Then, share your experience: Have you noticed your own growth coming in waves? What have your “downs” taught you?
Drop your reflections in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Remember, spiritual growth is always about you. Not anyone else, not outside authorities, not external validation, just you. Every step, up or down, is part of the upward trajectory of your awakening.
Stay mindful, stay connected, and give yourself grace.
Until next time, keep rising, even in the dips.
—Papa G