WHEN MOVING INTO new levels of consciousness there are processes to consider. Each layer of consciousness that we discover is a cycle of learning about ourselves and what the collective holds for us. Any particular layer of consciousness also includes all the layers we have experienced and learned through previously. On each new level, we find the pieces of a puzzle and continue putting them together to make the whole picture clearer. Once this is accomplished, we are ready to move to our next lesson plan and experiences, where we start the cycle again.

The process of experiencing - moving from level to level - never changes. Here is what occurs:

Facing the Unknown
First, we have to expand our awareness to include the unknown and we have to realize that what we know can only help us through surrendering to the unknown. When we do this we also open ourselves up for whatever unresolved emotions we may still be carrying in our emotional and mental bodies.

This journey of exploration takes us to what I call the "dark part of the soul" or depth of sadness and fear we hold inside of us. While visiting this realm of self we should find the damaged, hurt feelings and thoughts that also need to move to the next level of learning in their own experience. We cannot move to the next level without the whole of who we are moving as well. Most lightworkers don't like this part of the process because they believe they have already worked through all their conditioning and sadness. However, working through the conditions of the past is something that must be done at each level of learning.

Acknowledging our Multi-Aspected Beingness
When we discover that it is time to expand in new arenas of consciousness, we also discover that there are many aspects of self that also must expand their awareness. Though we would like to believe that we are a single cell organism, we as multi-aspected emanations are multi-aspected. As we have aspects of self that we are discovering to be so much more evolved, wise and spiritual then we ever conceived of, so do we have aspects of self that were newly born in this lifetime and are barely out of diapers. We the "inner being" must be aware of the process that all aspects of self must endure for the greater good of the whole expansion we are seeking.

When we travel to bottom of the pit within ourselves and find that there are still parts of us hiding and in pain, we must learn to love and nurture these parts of self bringing them to the height of unconditional love that we have now founded ourselves upon. Without all of our aspects feeling safe in the unconditional love we will not be able to move and will feel "stuck".

Breathing in the In-Between
There is the period after the achievement of putting an entire puzzle together that I call the "in between" period. During this period it is as if nothing is happening and you are just waiting. Often this causes great anxiety in individuals who are used to things moving right along. This is supposed to be a time of relaxation, serenity, prayer and fun. Few view it in this manner and wonder if they have done something wrong to have caused a rift. This "in between" period is what I refer to as a changing of the guard. This means that you will be receiving new guidance that is equipped to assist you at the next level of your development. It is as if there is a meeting of the round table of ascended Teachers and Sprit Guides as they determine their next course of action to go along with your new learning process.

Sometimes as we are expanding it seems as if our guides have left us and we cannot contact them. This is due to the fact that as you expand in consciousness your inner senses are becoming more attuned to new and different frequencies that you have not yet assimilated for use. Sometimes this will take place over the period of a month or so, depending on how far along the path you are.

Letting the Vibration Hit the Fan
Once you have passed all of the initiations necessary to ascend to a plane or level of consciousness a variety of things happen. Firstly you will find yourself in the dark part of the soul and needing to continue to heal the damaged and sad parts of self. Then you begin to question and doubt everything that you have ever learned or believed in. Next you will continue reprogramming your thinking and feeling self to reach an even higher vibration of love spiritual frequencies.

Waiting for Release
After this phase will be the waiting period. Here you must practice your patience skills and have total faith in the spiritual path of life you have chosen. You will have to battle yourself somedays, as if the little devil sits on one shoulder and the little angel on the other. You will need to be your own best friend during this period as there will be no outside help.

In this stillness and quiet you must also know what is that you wish to learn and also what you are ready to learn. As the paradox of the Universe would have it you must know and surrender all of the same time.

Letting go means to trust, and trust is what your foundation must be built upon. If you do not yet trust yourself in your decision to follow your spiritual path wholeheartedly, then whatever steps you need to accomplish this feat will be assigned to you.

The greater the adept, the greater the doubt. Never underestimate spirit. Spirit knows you better than you know yourself. Spirit loves you always unconditionally and will be your greatest strength and companion on your harrowing journey of physical life. Sprit is your original family and will always be there for you, even when you cannot see or hear them, they see and hear you. Confront your fears and tell them that you no longer feed them. Tell your fear that the only energy it has is the energy you give it and you are now taking back that energy.

Though it is the balance between the heart and mind the gives us clear intuition, during periods of expansion we will feel off-center. Trusting that all is in order when you are off-center is total surrender to your higher self.

The more expansive and evolved you are, the more cycles of completion you may attain at any given time. Sometimes we are working on cycles within cycles of change and transition as we evolve and grow. Those of you who chose this path will have many more initiations and tests to fulfill in short spans of earth time. Be careful not to fracture your psyche. Just as there are dangers in our outside world daily so the psyche to must take precautions not to over expend itself too quickly.

Resetting the Dials
Next you will actually feel a shift and change take place within the whole being that you are. Now is the time to re-align your chakra centers and physical body's synapses, DNA, and isotopes to balance themselves with the new frequencies you are receiving and beginning to emanate. You will be high for awhile from this experience and perhaps feel as if nothing can touch you. I call this being in a state of grace.

Though the experiences and process that I have explained here may cause some discomfort, it is worth all the trials that you will move through. The rewards far outweigh the discomfort as you attain new enlightenment, freedom of thought and feeling, and the ability to be yourself more fully. There is nothing like owning your own life and destiny. The greatest feeling in the world is to feel free to be who you are.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Athene Raefiel is a teacher of Mysticism and Enlightenment. She has been helping people find direction on their spiritual path since 1985. She is the Author of a book called, Getting to the Heart, A Journey of Soul Transformation and Spiritual Enlightenment. She is a channel for the Hierarchy of Light and is attended by Archangels Raphael, Michael, Gabriel and Uriel, and has taught many people to connect and work with their Spirit Guides and Angels. She also does one-on-one spiritual readings and channelings. Visit her web site at http://www.AtheneRaefiel.com.