For those who set out on the path of spiritual growth, there are a few thorny issues to contend with.

Perhaps the most obvious, but least recognised, is that growth is not easy – and indeed comes with a degree of pain and suffering that is essential for its achievement.

We cannot learn and grow if everything we do comes easily and brings us great joy.

Growth, by its very nature, is achieved through overcoming difficulties – whether they be internal or external – that we encounter on our path through life.

We learn how to deal with these difficulties and this enables us to better deal with them the next time that we encounter them.

If we see life as providing us with ‘opportunities for growth’, we are also aware that these are issues or problems that we either learn to deal with effectively or we face time and time again.

The spiritual path, if followed authentically, is not the soft option that many consider it to be.

It is not enough to buy a few crystals, wear a purple kaftan and chant 3 times a day.

It is about changing, internally more than externally – although external changes will be inevitable as we begin to lead a more authentic life.

Spiritual growth is about asking questions, seeking answers and being prepared to challenge ourselves and others.

This must be done with love – in fact, learning to give unconditional love is essential to the process, or it will not succeed – and must also be approached with dedication to truth and honesty.

Spiritual growth requires discipline, intelligence and humility and is not for those who are easily disillusioned or are seeking a quick fix to their current life issues.

In essence, all spiritual growth is concerned with learning the lessons of giving and receiving unconditional love – that spark of the divine in man that enables us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.