Phases of growth and decline are perfectly normal. We see them in nature, an apple tree blossoms in spring then sheds its leaves in fall, only to resume a new cycle after the bitter cold of winter.
This seasonality is also an innate feature of our economy and society. Economic growth is followed by scarcity, decline and deprivation, only to start a new cycle of outward success.
But what can an individual do to make the most of outwardly challenging times? What spiritual and mindset changes can help us to deal with:
- The declining value of money in relationship to goods and services (e.g. increased retail prices, lower service quality, hidden price hikes, etc.)
- Conflicts between different social groups, as well as political tensions
- Prevailing sentiment of depression and despair
- Business and personal projects being held back (by lack of orders,supply chain issues, consumer sentiment, lack of skills/employees, etc.)
The simple answer is this: If the outside world comes to a stop, turn inside. Turn to yourself for inner growth.
Time for inner growth
A crisis is an opportunity to see your SELF and find peace with everything that is. Understand that each crises helps you to grow, be it to learn new skills that you put to practical use, or to shed limiting beliefs and keep a positive outlook on life.
The tests and challenges that you go through in the material world will lay the foundation for the next cycle of growth. Just like a tree sheds its brown leaves in Autumn, so it can blossom at the start of spring, we too need to part with familiar and beloved habits to become open for creating a new beautiful world from within ourselves.
Three steps for inner growth: let go, find peace and discover new patterns and beliefs.
The outside is a mirror for the inside
When things around us start falling apart, when buildings and social structures crumble that is a direct reflection of the inner state of the people in a region or country.
The collapse of a specific industry may show us that the workings inside these companies have been ‘out of order’ for a long time. Maybe they companies produced goods that customers didn’t actually want, invested poorly or preferred to rest on their laurels rather than adapt to ever-changing times.
For example, a plant worker at a struggling car company who will soon be let go, may have had the urge and desire to break out of the strict corset of his company and find a new path for himself.
The person who is uncomfortable with the immigrants in his neighbourhood, may actually need to leave his comfort zone behind and explore new shores afar, just like the migrants who have left their home countries.
And the man who has a health crises may have ignored his inner peace, and sacrificed his values for a promising career. But now, in his sick and measly state, he has to forgive himself for the struggle and pent-up frustration that comes with chasing a goal to win the recognition of his parents.
And maybe the one who sees the economic downturn is the one who is compelled to help move a part of the economy through this crises and help get a new cycle going again.
Different types of crisis and the corresponding spiritual messages
Health crisis: The way we live is no longer healthy. We need to stop going down the wrong path and look inwards.
Climate crisis: The way we relate to our surroundings (people and natural environment) is no longer healthy.
Supply chain issues: The building blocks for growth are not available. We are missing key components before we can move forward.
Religious wars: We fail to acknowledge that everyone lives their version of the truth, and that everyone has a right to believe whatever they want. We fail to respect the beliefs and values of others.
Migration: The willingness to leave one’s familiar homeland in search of something better. Leaving one’s upbringing and childhood beliefs behind in order to start a new phase of development.
Financial crisis: There is not enough money (energy) available. The belief in shortage and deprivation. The need to limit oneself and focus on what really matters.
Debt crisis: We owe too much to others. We have taken what does not belong to us, and now cannot fulfil what we have promised in return for the loans we have received. We must take responsibility for own obligation and deliver on the promises we made.
Over-supply / under-demand: We need to realign what we can offer with what people want.
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