Lately I've been reflecting on what it means for me to evolve - not in the Darwinian sense of apes to homo sapiens, but in the sense of growth in personhood. In my experience, the pattern of this growth seems to be a circular spiral, rather than linear. Some of the layers of this spiral seem to be clear, transparent, light-filled. When I am in one of these layers, I am aware of new insights, new snatches of wisdom. Then I journey onward to a new layer in the spiral, perhaps a new depth of consciousness, a layer that is dark and opaque. The things I thought I knew and understood before are now no longer clear. But the seeds of growth continue to gestate in this darkness. When I emerge to the next transparent layer, I see again from a deeper and wiser perspective than before. And so the journey continues . . .
This evolution reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from T. S. Eliot's poem, "Little Gidding":
With the drawing of this Love and the voice of this Calling, we shall not cease from exploration.
And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started, and know the place for the first time.
This is inspiring to me. Thanks for posting it Leaven. I'll have to digest it for a while before I can post a meaningful response, but am looking forward to taking the time to do that.
ReplyDeleteI like the image of the circular spiral for growth. To me the linear is a scary concept in an infinite universe and existence. It is comforting to have beginnings and endings; like we have days, seasons, and years, but not be limited by them because the spiral is never ending growth(and beatitude).
ReplyDeleteI'll have to read that poem. I never got into reading much poetry, but that is an amazing way to put it and worthwhile to ponder on. Thanks!