Some Traits We All have in Common that Lead to Profound Spiritual Growth – Step 3

Silhouette of a man in lotus position receiving a beam of inspiration from the heavens w/ sfz title

From Elle –  “i am learning that surrender means letting go of behaviors that don{t serve me. i am not drinking but i also get addicted to the so’called chase of unhealthy relationships and then blame others for not fulfilling my needs.”

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How have you demonstrated willingness or open-mindedness or simply surrendered, lately?

OR

 

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Ike & Tina Turner – Proud Mary (6:03)

Joan Didion interview w/ Katie Couric (7:30) 

Endless Emotion Rain Forest in Nature Meditation (9:56)

 



Spiritual growth begins with a deep longing. Many people want to become the person they always dreamed of being. Step 3 in Basic Text reminds us that surrender brings fear. The mind asks, “What happens when I let go?”

Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote that faith involves a “leap.” That leap demands both fear and trust. Basic Text tells us that open-mindedness and willingness help us leap. These qualities prepare the heart for growth.

As Bill Sees It adds a deeper insight. Change is not enough. Growth also demands “unremitting willingness to shoulder” responsibility.

In the James Baldwin essay, The Fire Next Time, he echoes this sentiment. He demonstrates how people grow when they stop blaming and start choosing. Willingness alone means little without sustained action.

Joan Didion’s words connect the other two quotes. She reminds us that character means taking responsibility. That leads to self-respect. Without it, spiritual change feels hollow. Self-respect builds slowly. It grows through daily choices and honest self-reflection.

Today’s SFZ highlights a simple path: surrender, responsibility, and character. Each step opens us more to life. None of them work alone. They depend on one another like roots, trunk, and leaves.

Together, they help us grow spiritually. Not through perfection, but through process.

If you try to be your best self, what small thing can you do today to move in that direction?


Análisis (Español)

El crecimiento espiritual comienza con un profundo anhelo. Muchas personas desean ser la versión ideal de sí mismas. El Paso 3 en el Texto Básico nos recuerda que rendirse provoca miedo. La mente pregunta: “¿Qué pasará si me suelto?”

El filósofo Søren Kierkegaard escribió que la fe implica un “salto”. Ese salto exige tanto miedo como confianza. El Texto Básico dice que la mente abierta y la disposición ayudan a dar ese salto. Estas cualidades preparan el corazón para crecer.

Así lo Ve Bill ofrece una visión más profunda. Cambiar no basta. El crecimiento también exige “disposición constante a asumir” responsabilidades. James Baldwin lo decía también. Él afirmaba que las personas crecen cuando dejan de culpar y comienzan a elegir. La voluntad sola no basta sin acción sostenida.

Las palabras de Joan Didion unen las otras dos citas. Ella recuerda que tener carácter es aceptar la responsabilidad por la propia vida. Eso conduce al respeto por uno mismo. Sin eso, el cambio espiritual se siente vacío. El respeto propio crece poco a poco. Se forma a través de decisiones diarias y reflexión honesta.

Estas tres citas marcan un camino claro: rendirse, asumir responsabilidades y formar carácter. Cada paso nos abre más a la vida. No funcionan por separado. Dependen entre sí como raíces, tronco y hojas.

Juntas, nos ayudan a crecer espiritualmente, no por perfección, sino por proceso.

Si intentas ser tu mejor versión, ¿qué pequeña cosa puedes hacer hoy para acercarte a eso?


SFZ Quotes in Spanish

SER LA PERSONA QUE SIEMPRE QUISE SER

“Al principio, nuestras cabezas
daban vueltas con las preguntas:
‘¿Qué pasará cuando entregue mi vida?’”
“La respuesta varía de miembro a miembro.
La mayoría sentimos que la mente abierta,
la disposición y la entrega
son claves en este paso.”
(Texto Básico, pp. 26-27)


“LA ESENCIA DE TODO CRECIMIENTO”

“La esencia
de todo crecimiento
es la disposición a cambiar
para mejorar y luego una disposición
constante a asumir
la responsabilidad que eso implica.”
(Así lo Ve Bill, p.115)


“Carácter –
la disposición a aceptar
la responsabilidad de la propia vida –
es la fuente de donde
brota el respeto propio.”

– Joan Didion (1934 – ) Escritora estadounidense


 

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Comments

8 responses to “Some Traits We All have in Common that Lead to Profound Spiritual Growth – Step 3”

  1. Tony o. Avatar
    Tony o.

    We are all that we see. New friends, new relationship, a new life. You just have to be willing to let go of the past.
    I had a experience of letting go and opening up to someone new. It was good, but through the process I did feel myself grow.

  2. JB Jr. Avatar
    JB Jr.

    Currently I am on a vacation up in the mountains with lots and lots of friends and people I know and lots of new people I get to meet. this is 5 days of us getting to know each other and each and every day I try not to plan anything and just to be open and willing to participate with whatever comes my way.

  3. elle Avatar
    elle

    hello! i am learning that surrender means letting go of behaviors that don{t serve me. i am not drinking but i also get addicted to the so’called chase of unhealthy relationships and then blame others for not fulfilling my needs. it takes two to tango! i am learning to be more assertive and this has meant letting go of passive aggressive behavior and people pleasing. it is so hard. i know that the more i practice this muscle the better i will get.

  4. Br. Buddha Avatar
    Br. Buddha

    Good morning everyone + happy Saturday. Here is today’s thought. When we turn our will + our lives over to the care of God, a new life unfolds to us. Many wonderful things happen, but one of the riches treasures we receive is the joy of working with others.

    We may never see the fruit of much of what we do in life, but the fruit of our work does matter, for it nourishes those who come after us.

    Blessings. BB

  5. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    I haven’t really much lately. Having to surrender to the fact that I may not get the specific house I’m trying to buy. I do the work but then it is out of my hands.

  6. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    I’m surrenduring to the fact that I’m an alcoholic. And keeping an open mind about AA.

  7. Margot E. Avatar
    Margot E.

    When I watch the Proud Mary video I am amazed at the power and strength of Tina’s performance and Ike’s creative work. To know what she went through and that she was able to move her life into another direction is a testament to her spiritual path. I have to make a phone call that requires faith and hope. Today I pray to my Higher Power to help me make that phone call and move forward on the path my Higher Power sees fit.

    1. elle Avatar
      elle

      hello! i am learning that surrender means letting go of behaviors that don{t serve me. i am not drinking but i also get addicted to the so’called chase of unhealthy relationships and then blame others for not fulfilling my needs. it takes two to tango! i am learning to be more assertive and this has meant letting go of passive aggressive behavior and people pleasing. it is so hard. i know that the more i practice this muscle the better i will get.

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