The Persephone Path: 5 Life Changing Spiritual Lessons
“A woman in harmony with her spirit
is like a river flowing.
She goes where she will without pretense
and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself,
and only herself.”~Maya Angelou
Everyone’s spiritual journey is different. My journey is full of twists and turns and unexpected encounters with my inner light. No matter your religion or lack thereof, having a unique relationship with your inner Spirit can teach you things you never anticipated even needing to learn. Persephone is strong metaphor to illustrate the 5 life changing spiritual lessons I have learned along my spiritual journey.
The Story of Persephone
To help explain my spiritual journey, I will parallel the epic path of a Goddess. Persephone is a greek Goddess, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, and Queen of the underworld. In Greek myth it is said that she was stolen and raped by Hades at a young age, and although her father was able to maintain her return to Earth for 8 months out of the year, she must face the underworld four months out of the year. Because of Persephone’s unique relationship with darkness, she symbolizes spirituality and the integration of light and dark. A vulnerable Goddess, she faces her shadows during winter, as her mother Demeter weeps for her. Her energy is mystical and diffuse and because of her dissent into the underworld she is keenly aligned with the spiritual nature within our world.
My spiritual journey in many ways mirrors the epic journey of Persephone. Elusive and sometimes lacking grounding, my work has been to confront darkness and learn how to empower and ground myself. Along my journey I have learned many valuable lessons that have guided me along the way. Here are 5 that I hope can help you along your spiritual journey.
5 Life Changing Spiritual Lessons
1. Darkness is PART of my narrative, not THE Narrative
Like Persephone, due to traumas and life events, I experienced a period of darkness and depression. This time in my life was tremendously hard to experience and overcome, but it happened for a distinct reason. I learned so much from this time in my life and I grew despite my circumstances. Persephone was stolen by Hades and raped in the underworld, but her time spent there allowed her to become one with darkness. It was only then that she was able to integrate shadows and spirituality into her identity. I too became close with the Holy Spirit and my inner spirit in ways I would have never done if I didn’t experience darkness. Now my darkness is my testimony. As I held tighter to my spirituality and began learning new ways to care for myself, I was able to grow from that experience.
2. Grace and Responsibility
Like Persephone saved by her father Zeus, as a Christian I believe my Father brought me out of depression and helped me down a path to use my traumas to praise Him. Despite any darkness I’ve seen, I have faith that His grace will help me to persevere and see brighter days. Part of my work to honor God’s grace, is to work at being grounded. Taking care of myself by practicing yoga, exercising, and knowing when to ask for help all help me to maintain heaven on Earth and honor my blessings. I trust in God’s grace, but I have also learned to trust in my own divinity to take care of myself and figure things out. So no matter what your religious faith, it is essential to trust in something greater than yourself. And with this trust you must act accordingly. You are not on this journey alone, but we have a responsibility to take grounded steps along the way.
3. Cycles of Light and Dark
After experiencing hard life events like depression and various traumas, there is a fear of going back to such a dark time. But part of what I have learned on my spiritual journey is that I am not guaranteed happiness. Winters will come but with my spirituality I will not face them alone. Like Persephone I experience the darkness with Spirit surrounding me, and with my ancestors fighting for my soul. I trust in the cycles of good times and bad, and I know that I have the power to face each moment consciously with a willingness to grow from each experience. The ability to experience darkness without letting go of my inner light; this was powerful lesson. Yes winters come, but I have what it takes to evolve from them ready to bear creative fruit in the spring.
4. Spring into Abundance
With spring in mind that brings me to my next life changing lesson I have learned on my spiritual journey. Most happily I have learned to nurture my creativity in times of abundance. Specifically, as I learned to integrate moments of darkness and personal shadows into my definition of self, I was able to create fertility and abundance. Accepting myself and my journey, flaws and all has opened me to so many opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Once I learned to cope with life’s challenges, I was able to integrate them into my work and grow from them. With everything I overcome, I use those lessons to create something new, something better, and something that propels me closer to fulfilling my purpose. For instance once I began accepting myself with less judgement using meditation, I was able to use that knowledge to create guided meditations to help others. The more we use our challenges to grow, the more we have to offer. The story of Persephone similarly teaches us that there is an abundant source of energy and strength amidst the integration of shadows.
5. Journey not Destination
The tale of Persephone describes her cyclical journey, each year journeying to darkness and returning to light. Similarly my spiritual path has taught me that the value of all my efforts lies within my life journey. Integrating light and dark is constant work that must be done in the present moment, not the past of future. My journey continues cycling throughout the year, confronting Winter and bearing fruit in the Spring. The most valuable lesson that I have learned on my spiritual path is that I am not done learning. A willingness to be curious about life’s challenges and integrate their wisdom is key to continued growth along my path.
We all have lessons waiting for us when we connect to our inner light. I encourage you to stay connected with your Higher Self through activities like prayer, meditation, and reading of sacred texts. Explore the truth of who you are by adopting a curious attitude to life’s challenges. Ask yourself how does each moment help to inform your Spirit and your purpose.
– Tiffany Shelton, M.A. is a psychotherapist and consciousness expert. Her passion to elevate consciousness goes beyond the message of self-care or wellness, but instead consciously adds to these movements by demanding awakening and insight. Learn more about Tiffany Shelton by clicking here.
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