Behold: The Circle. Life was never meant to be linear, anyway.

The path of self-development is a circular journey. Just as you've begun to grasp a deeper understanding of yourself and progress on your spiritual path, you may discover a challenge that tests your development. The obstacle may throw you off your balance, and you may begin to feel like your journey is regressing. However, challenges allow for personal growth. They are the Universe's way of reminding you that, no matter how evolved you may feel, you are still a human being with an ego. The challenge is simply the contrast that leads you to further expansion.

The world is made of cycles in the evolutionary process. The sun and moon have their own cycles that govern the earth. There is time for planting and time for harvest, time for movement and time for sleep, time for visibility and time for hibernation. Respecting the cycles of nature will allow us to respect the cycles of our own growth in consciousness. As far as I have observed, the human spiritual development cycle appears as follows:

A time for awakening: This can be compared to the spring season, or the onset of the new moon. This is when one becomes disconnected from their ego and discovers a newer way of being. You know you are in the awakening phase if you are being presented with a new outlook on life. For example, you may attend a lecture, read a book, or reach new heights in their meditation and be propelled into a new level of consciousness. The emphasis for this phase is conscious discovery.

A time for active change: This can be compared to the summer season, or the waxing of the moon. This is when one ripens their awakening process with active movement. Decisions are made, a new approach is acted upon, or you may become engaged in heavy discussion around the subject. You know you are in a time for active change if you are compelled to act differently. For example, if you have become awakened to a new diet in the last phase, you may begin to buy different groceries or try new recipes. The emphasis of this phase is in conscious shifting.

A time for awareness: This can be compared to the fall season, or the full moon. This period is meant for harvesting your actions and celebrating your personal growth. You know you are in a time for awareness when you are teaching what you have learned or are acting as an example. For example, if your awareness is that you are often inattentive to your loved ones, and your active change is to increase your quality time with your family and friends, your time for awareness might be spent accepting the role of an attentive person. The emphasis for this phase is conscious being.

A time for humility: This can be compared to the winter season, or the waning of the moon. This is a period of vulnerability and knowledge that perhaps you have more to discover. This is when our challenges and tests surface for us. It is a time for reflection and allowing. You know you are in a time for humility when reflections of your attachments or insecurities begin to surface. For example, if your awakening was around financial irresponsibility, and you've shifted to become more financially literate and resourceful, your time for humility might include an unexpected expense that empties your bank account. This is the cosmic joke, a time for your lessons to be practiced. The emphasis for this phase is on consciously surrendering.

Each of these phases in spiritual development begin organically and in a circular fashion. This means that they arise out of one's own personal path, create expansive movements in the direction of one's life, and then creates another series of developments. One can consciously progress their personal path by practicing meditation, yoga, or other methods of self-study.

We may not be able to see the blueprint of what is happening in our life, or even fully understand the phase we are in, but we can begin to become neutral to the events in our lives and surrender to the process. Cultivating non-attachment to life's events plays a fundamental role in mastering the human consciousness. This does not mean stop being human. We all have emotions and egos that influence us. It does, however, mean to build an awareness that surpasses our lower minds and a peace that leads to enlightenment.



Helina Metaferia is a visual artist, holistic practitioner, and founder of The Meta Experience, a visual and healing arts company that exposes and educates people on creative wellness. She hopes to inspire people to embrace the process of life's cycles. Visit her on the web: http://www.themetaexperience.com.

Emotional Revolution: Taking back our power to be at peace with ourselves

Our emotions are a collection of mental and physical signals that we identify with. The more desirable end of the polar spectrum includes love, joy, peace, and excitement. Our more negative feelings include sadness, grief, anger, and emotional pain. Babies share their emotions freely, while adults are taught to suppress them, especially in public. Women are much more internal creatures and can experience these fluctuations more often than men. However, everyone experiences some of these feelings within their lifetime.

I suggest an emotional revolution. Here are my suggestions on how to release ourselves from emotional bondage and live in more optimal states of being:

1) Notice what is happening. Slow down your movement and your thoughts to discover what's happening in different parts of your body and mind. How can you shift your awareness to a desired energy field if you are not in tune with yourself. Focus on mind and body awareness. Is there tightness in your chest? Does your body feel hot? What are the nature of your thoughts in this moment? Become the observer of your own system.

2) Soften your grip. Many people live their lives with a tight grip on their emotional steering wheel. We tend to claim our emotions and identify with it. Instead of saying "I am sad" or "I feel lonely," look at the emotion as a separate entity that is looking for a host in your body. Realize that you are not the sadness, the loneliness, the happiness, or whatever feeling has come up. These are aspects of the collective conscious, experiences that we all encounter. These things are impermanent.

3) Emotion is simply energy in motion: let it flow and let it go. Give space around what you are feeling and give it room to take the back door out. Do this by taking deep breaths. On the inhale, draw in healing energy. On the exhale, release the emotion that you are carrying. Remember, it is not you, just an experience. Let it creep back into the collective consciousness so you can experience a new state in your reality.

4) Become an alchemist: transform your emotions into love. Out of all the emotions on this earth, love has the power to forgive, heal, and transcend. Pure love (not to be mistaken by infatuation or strong like) is unconditional and freeing. It can shift the ego and bring wisdom consciousness. To access true love, open your heart up with more deep breathing. Allow the energy of love to transform whatever was left of your old emotions. Discover the healing power of love.

5) Integrate these practices into your daily life. Although these steps can work wonders in any given situation, it takes practice to make this process habitual. Keep going. Keep growing.


Taking a stance in the emotional revolution means that you are doing some serious battle. You are opening yourself up to non-attachment and your highest potential. Some of the hardest work anyone can do is work on themselves. The rewards are abundant.

Love, light, peace, prosperity.



Helina Metaferia is an emotional warrior. She is a professional visual artist and certified holistic practitioner of Reiki, Thai Massage, Yoga Therapy, Meditation, and Intuitive Consultations. She is the founder of The Meta Experience, an art and wellness service. Her website is http://www.themetaexperience.com