What True Spiritual Growth Looks Like
Most people describe spirituality using words like peace, calmness, acceptance, or emotional relaxation. But that picture is incomplete, because that is not what true spiritual growth looks like. GMCKS put it plainly: “People on the Spiritual Path are not anemic. They must be sharp, strong, and courageous. Being spiritual means being powerful, dynamic, and intelligent.” This one line challenges the modern assumption that spirituality is merely a soft, soothing experience. Instead, it points toward a deeper, richer, more capable way of living — one where inner growth translates into clarity, strength, and intelligent action.
A Real Life Story: The Calm That Saved 155 Lives
In 2009, shortly after takeoff, US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines to a bird strike. The aircraft began dropping rapidly, alarms were sounding, and 155 lives hung in the balance. Air Traffic Control suggested turning back to the airport — a manoeuvre that was mathematically impossible at that altitude. The situation was deteriorating by the second.
Yet Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger remained composed. He didn’t panic, react impulsively, or freeze. Instead, he became intensely present. In those few seconds, he evaluated altitude, wind direction, glide potential, water temperature, and the aircraft’s trajectory. He considered multiple scenarios, eliminated the ones that would inevitably fail, and made a decision that went against every standard protocol.
He said, calmly and with complete clarity: “We’re going to be in the Hudson.”
What followed is now known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” But Sully himself rejects the word “miracle.” He explains that it was the result of years of discipline, training, preparation, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.
His steady mind — not chance — is what saved 155 people.
That is what struck me when I first revisited this story.
This is exactly the kind of inner capability GMCKS spoke of: clarity instead of confusion, steadiness instead of panic, courageous action instead of avoidance, and intelligence rather than emotion.
In that moment, Sully wasn’t demonstrating technical skill alone. He was demonstrating a level of consciousness, responsibility, and calm decision-making that mirrors what true spiritual growth looks like when it is lived — not just felt.
The Inner Strengths Behind Spiritual Virtues
Before exploring the six qualities GMCKS mentioned, this opening article must establish a foundational understanding: spiritual growth is multi-dimensional.
Yes, spirituality involves compassion, generosity, forgiveness, loving-kindness, service, gratitude, and emotional refinement. These form the heart of any genuine spiritual practice.
But GMCKS emphasised another dimension — one that is often overlooked or misunderstood: “The development of inner capability.”
What maturity looks like when muscles have formed
The ability to function wisely in the real world.
The ability to think clearly.
The ability to act courageously.
The ability to remain steady.
The ability to respond intelligently.
The ability to engage with karma consciously, not fatalistically.
This series focuses on that dimension — not because it replaces compassion, but because it strengthens it.
Moving Beyond the Myths of Spirituality
- Spirituality is not passive acceptance; it is conscious engagement.
You don’t practise meditation to escape difficult situations.
You practise so you can handle them better — with awareness, discernment, and calm strength.
- Spirituality is not about removing challenges; it is about removing inner faintness.
GMCKS does not say challenges disappear.
He says you become sharp, strong, and courageous enough to face them.
- Spirituality is not about softening your edges; it is about refining them.
Compassion without strength collapses into sentimentality.
Strength without compassion turns into harshness.
Real spirituality integrates both.
- Spirituality is not blind faith; it is intelligent observation.
GMCKS often said: “Check. Verify. Observe.”
Spirituality must ground you, not confuse you.
- Spirituality is not limited to feelings; it expands into action.
Inner work must translate into outer clarity, decisions, and behaviour.
Otherwise, it stays incomplete.
The Practical Side of Spirituality GMCKS Emphasised
When GMCKS chose the words sharp, strong, courageous, powerful, dynamic, intelligent, he was describing inner qualities that make someone effective — in their spiritual journey, in their relationships, in their work, and in their service.
He was pointing toward a spirituality that is:
- grounded, not escapist
- intelligent, not gullible
- steady, not overwhelmed
- courageous, not avoidant
- dynamic, not stuck
- purposeful, not passive
These qualities do not replace virtues like compassion or generosity — they hold them up. They are the “muscles” (Read more about “spiritual muscles” here) that allow virtues to be practiced meaningfully.
Without clarity, compassion becomes confusion.
Without strength, service becomes self-sacrifice.
Without courage, goodness becomes silence.
Without intelligence, faith becomes naivety.
Without dynamism, intention becomes stagnation.
Real spiritual growth integrates all of it.
What the Next Six Blogs Will Unfold
Over the next six blogs, we will explore each of these qualities as GMCKS intended — not as lofty ideals, but as lived capacities.
We’ll look at:
- how these qualities show up in daily life
- how they shape your decisions
- how meditation supports their development
- how they help you apply the law of karma consciously
- how they make compassion more effective
- how they help you become a stronger, clearer human being
But this opening blog is not about diving into any one quality.
It is about setting the stage, redefining our expectations, and inviting you to look at spirituality through a wider, more practical lens.
The question is no longer: “Does spirituality make me peaceful?”
The more meaningful question is: “Is spirituality making me capable?”
Because that — capacity — is what true spiritual growth looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does true spiritual growth look like in daily life?
True spiritual growth shows up as clarity, steadiness, courage, adaptability, thoughtful action, and intelligent understanding — alongside compassion and kindness.
- Does spiritual growth make life easier?
It makes life easier to navigate, because you gain clarity, strength, and karmic understanding. You stop feeling helpless.
- Are these six qualities the complete picture of spiritual growth?
No. They are one important dimension. They complement compassion, forgiveness, service, kindness, and generosity.
- Why did GMCKS emphasise sharpness, strength, and dynamism?
Because spirituality must be functional in real life — not just emotional or philosophical.
- How do I know if I’m growing spiritually?
Your behaviour shifts: you respond more wisely, think more clearly, bounce back faster, and act with greater alignment.
There’s more to come in this series. Until then, you’re welcome to explore other reflections on www.soul-literally.com at your own pace.
