On...

Tension and Growth

A most fundamental fact of life is tension, without which no growth is possible. Every action has an opposite and equal reaction. Every movement implies a resistance to that movement. There is always an energy that is being penetrated or affected in some way, and therefore there is always a self preservation tendency resisting it. Since nothing is ever static, and is always moving and changing, everything is always meeting some opposing force.

In order for a seed to start to grow it usually needs either heat or cold. Some seeds need to be frozen in order to wake them up. When the seed starts to grow it meets the resistance of the shell covering it. Then it needs to push its way through a resistant soil. When it breaks through this barrier it must grow against the force of gravity, the heat of the sun and the winds that blow against it. All of these do not inhibit it at all, but help it to grow into a mature, strong plant with flower or fruit.

The order in nature is maintained through the principle of tension. Every planet’s orbit is determined by the particular tensions acting upon it. Fruits ripen by the various tensions influencing them. Even babies are born through huge resistance.

There are two ideas that need to be examined in order to understand them in the light of tension. One is the idea of survival. When we think of survival we usually imply defensiveness of the status quo. The truth of the matter is that survival depends upon our ability to change, to adapt to outside influences which constantly affect us. So in order to survive and thrive we need to grow. Growth is not the opposite of survival, but an integral part of it.

The other idea that we cherish and need to understand better is that of comfort. Everyone seeks comfort, and usually thinks of comfort as a state in which we do not have to do anything – almost a state of inertia. The truth of the matter is that comfort is a state of harmony – when inwardly we are at peace with our environment. This implies acceptance and adaptation to our environment. It requires a lack of resistance on our part and a tolerance of limitations. We are truly comfortable when we are fully present wherever we are and do not want to be elsewhere physically, emotionally or mentally.

The opposing forces in life always carry two potentials. These two potentials define what growth is:

1. To make something stronger and more defined in its being.

2. To make something change into more of what it has the potential of becoming.

To apply this principle to our human life we can see that resistance and opposition is essential. The very fact of diversity or lack of sameness assures us that resistance and opposition will always be with us. We must see this as positive and essential to life and growth.

The place where growth takes place is in the present. The present is the point of tension between what was and what can be, between the past and the future. That is a very dynamic place where change takes place and where growth occurs. That is where we need to be conscious in order to participate in the processes taking place.

When we are not conscious in the present the result is not growth but heightening tension that may be experienced as conflict of one sort or another. The conflict will be in the area of life where change is occurring but we are not paying attention to it and are resisting what is happening. If it is in a relationship then we experience the conflict in the relationship. It could equally be in any area of our life from our economy to our health.

Exercises: 1. Where is a point of tension or conflict in your life right now? Describe it. 2. How can this make you stronger and more defined (independent, authentic, etc.) as to your individuality? (This is typically at a personality level.) 3. How is this challenging you to awaken some potential? What potential? What quality? (This is typically at a soul level.)

This is one of 150 Soul Perspective articles. For more articles visit Soul Perspectives Index.

Andrew and Bonnie Schneider are now offering personal interactive email coaching for the 4 Level Soul Journey program. Connect weekly with Andrew and Bonnie on how to develop soul consciousness. Read more about this personal coaching from Andrew and Bonnie Schneider by clicking here.