Most of us have set out on the spiritual path in search of a better and happier life. We turn to God, affirmations and metaphysical concepts in order to soothe our minds and find answers to questions that plague our hearts. We are taught that the Universe is abundant and that it is our divine birthright to be prosperous on all levels – financially, emotionally, interpersonally, physically. Many of us reach for the spiritual life as a last resort, hoping that there is a more fulfilling way to live after trying nearly everything else. We are vulnerable and broken

So what happens when we embrace these new concepts and find our lives seemingly more impoverished than before? We ask to have the illusions lifted from our minds and perhaps our marriage falls apart. We pray for physical healing of a relative and the person dies anyway. We meditate faithfully every morning and we get more unhappy and imbalanced each day. We feel confident that we deserve the highest and best in the work place and we get fired or downsized. Why does this happen? What is going on? How can we have faith and be grateful to a Universe that appears to be withholding our happiness from us?

These are painful questions and it is difficult to watch clients and friends grapple with these types of apparent setbacks. It is crucial to realize that as we set out on the spiritual path we must give up our previous perceptions. The mystical life is up-ended, ironic and often disorienting. Our minds want the linear comfort of knowing “if I do this over here, I will get this result at this place at this time in this amount.” Unfortunately or fortunately, one of the first lessons of spiritual growth is that we have to let go of control because we don’t have the entire picture. God, angels and spirit guides don’t see things as we do, since they exist on a higher plane and view things from an enlightened perspective. If we are to turn our lives over to the care of the Universe, we must trust that we will eventually be getting the result that is truly best suited for our needs and not necessarily what our ego sees fit.

It is also important to note that these “crappy” things that happen on the path are actually golden experiences. It means the spirit world is taking you seriously, cleaning you out, breaking your illusions, freeing you from prisons you didn’t even know you lived in, pushing you away from traps you didn’t even know you were walking into.

It may be helpful to understand the concept of chemicalization. When we embrace a higher truth like “I deserve love,” it roots at the depths of our soul and begins to grow. As it flowers within us, it pushes out all the concepts that are unlike itself. You are actually undergoing a deep healing transformation, but what you may feel is, “I hate myself — no one will ever love me.” You may obsess about all your past failed relationships. People in your present life who are not for your highest good may suddenly walk out of your life, whether your personality is ready for that or not!

This is certainly a different way to look at prosperity and abundance. As the saying goes, you can’t put new wine in old wineskins. We must be cleansed and renewed before we can fully receive the good the Universe has in store for us. Perhaps it’s not a measure of spiritual growth to be grateful during a feast, but declaring, “Thank You God!” during a famine is an unmistakable sign of the spiritual warrior.

Embracing the emptiness that precedes the filling is a tall order. It is difficult to trust that there is a filling and a fulfillment that will come, on its own terms, in its own time. In the Hebrew Bible, the comforting 23rd Psalm reads, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” The “enemies” are the negative voices in our heads and the challenging experiences that come to us when we are ready to grow. Yet Spirit is in the midst of it all with a sumptuous banquet spread out before us. As we change our perception and come to be grateful for all aspects of the spiritual growth process, we will see that abundance that sits quiet, colorful and nourishing within the seeming appearance of lack and pain.

Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer and soul evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than two decades. Aluna is available for appointments in her home or by phone. Call (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com.