One View of Spiritual Maturity

Most of us are like little children or young adolescents. 

We believe that freedom and the power of adulthood is our due, 

but we have little taste for adult responsibility and its self-discipline.

Were it not for God’s presence within us in that exalted position, we would be terrified by our aloneness. 

Still, many have so little capacity to tolerate the aloneness of power that they reject God’s presence, rather than experience themselves as the sole master of their ship. 

Most people want peace without the aloneness of power.  And they want the self-confidence of adulthood without having to grow up.

M.Scott Peck MD

The Road Less Traveled

Scott Peck has been a long-time book mentor for me.  Maybe it is his direct, no-nonsense style, or maybe it’s his take on Christianity and Psychiatry, however I would like to describe it, his impact on me (and millions of readers!) has given me valuable personal insights and professional assistance over the years. 

Teachings such as “paying attention is another way of saying I love you” or how he defines a state of love between people, or how his “Different Drum” conclusions have outlined the stage of false and true community etc., each of these ideas and conclusions have been important, even vital for me.

     Here, these words and thoughts, for me, act as a social and cultural critique on the social expectations associated with growing up and how we understand personal/spiritual maturation. 

The immature ego is filled with the desire for freedom and self-expression, yet balks at the necessary balancing point of responsibility for one’s actions, and being able or willing to accept seriously the consequences of what one does and how… 

     Being alone, for me, as I have experienced it, is an inescapable part of one’s soul journey, and is a regular traveling companion to my search for values and meaning. I became painfully aware, and then mindfully cognizant of the connection between action and consequences.

Because no one can do the work for you, and that you are ultimately responsible to your essence and to God, no amount of freedom, when it is defined or understood as ego license, can overcome the necessity of being alone before God; Being singular before one’s consciousness of Truth, Life, and Love. 

     At those soul bearing times, there is an awesome and awe-ful sense of being alone; Alone and yet, at the same time, being at One with your core self.

IF you are aware, if you can handle that responsibility, and in that utterly exposed honesty, there is an attending grace that strengthens your humility, and gives you the solace you seek.