Stages of Maturity
Among my favorite sages, is Peace Pilgrim. I feel she is a truly (and independently) self-realized being. Here is a video on her, but you must read the book Peace Pilgrim (far better than the video). It is so simple in its message and wisdom (and without any religious underpinnings) that I’ve gifted it often for anyone experiencing tough times or simply wants to improve themselves.
One of my favorite passages (paraphrased), is when she describes the various stages of development.
- First is physical maturity which comes when you complete your physical growing up – in your late teens.
- Then intellectual maturity, where you go through your intellectual growing up – college, advanced studies.
- Then emotional maturity, where you go through your emotional growing up as you deal with life, relationships (friends, colleagues, spouse, family), problems (monetary, health, crisis,..).
- Then spiritual maturity, where you go through your spiritual growing up phase, engage in practices that nurture spiritual growth, asking critical spiritual questions, developing awareness and deeper and broader understanding, and a spiritual world-view. In the process of doing so you become more contented, at peace with yourself, and fulfilled (regardless of whether any of your material desires come to fruition).
She tells that while most people complete their physical maturity, not many complete their intellectual growth phase, and even less complete their emotional growing up, let alone anyone even reaching the spiritual growing up.